Introduction

Resin 3D printing offers incredible detail and smooth finishes, making it a top choice for miniatures, dental models, and high-detail prototypes. However, not all resins are the same. Different resins have unique properties, from basic resins for simple prints to high-performance materials used for industrial applications.

Here’s a breakdown of resin types, from entry-level to professional-grade, along with their common uses and pro tips for better results.

Basic Resins — Affordable and Beginner-Friendly

These resins are designed for general-purpose printing and are ideal for hobbyists, makers, and anyone getting started with resin printing.

Standard Resin

• Properties: Easy to print, smooth surfaces, good detail.
• Best For: Miniatures, figurines, decorative models, prototypes.
• Limitations: Brittle — prone to cracking under stress.
• Pro Tip: Wash prints thoroughly in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove excess resin, and always cure fully to maximize strength.

Water Washable Resin

• Properties: Similar to standard resin, but can be cleaned with water instead of IPA.
• Best For: Hobbyists looking for easier post-processing.
• Limitations: Still brittle; can degrade faster with prolonged water exposure.
• Pro Tip: Even though it’s water-washable, avoid over-soaking as it can weaken the final print.

Mid-Grade Resins — Increased Strength and Functionality

These resins offer better durability, flexibility, or resistance to environmental factors compared to standard resins.

Tough Resin

• Properties: Increased impact resistance, less brittle, moderate flexibility.
• Best For: Functional parts, casings, and tools that need to handle some mechanical stress.
• Limitations: May not match the fine detail of standard resin.
• Pro Tip: Tough resin can be blended with standard resin to create custom balances of strength and detail.

Flexible & Elastic Resin

• Properties: Rubber-like flexibility and softness, high elongation before breaking.
• Best For: Seals, gaskets, grips, or wearable parts.
• Limitations: May deform over time under load.
• Pro Tip: Print thicker walls for better durability and avoid sharp edges, which can tear under stress.

Draft Resin

• Properties: Fast printing with slightly lower detail.
• Best For: Prototyping large parts quickly.
• Limitations: Surface finish may be less smooth than standard resin.
• Pro Tip: Use draft resin when iterating designs rapidly — then switch to a higher-detail resin for final parts.

High-Grade Resins — Engineering and Industrial Use

These resins are designed for specific technical applications where durability, heat resistance, or biocompatibility are required.

Engineering Resin (High Temp, Impact Resistant, etc.)

• Properties: Specialized properties such as high heat resistance, enhanced toughness, or chemical resistance.
• Best For: Functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and high-temperature components.
• Limitations: Higher cost and sometimes requires precise exposure settings.
• Pro Tip: Dial in your exposure settings carefully and always check the resin’s datasheet for post-curing temperature requirements.

Dental/Medical Resin

• Properties: Biocompatible, certified for temporary intraoral use (for dental resins).
• Best For: Dental models, surgical guides, or prosthetics.
• Limitations: Limited to specialized applications and requires rigorous post-curing.
• Pro Tip: Only use these resins with printers capable of maintaining the strict print and post-cure conditions required for certification.

Castable Resin

• Properties: Burns out cleanly, leaving no ash.
• Best For: Jewelry, dental molds, investment casting.
• Limitations: Brittle and fragile before casting.
• Pro Tip: Keep prints fully supported and minimize thin sections to avoid cracking before burnout.

Advanced & Specialty Resins — Extreme Performance

For industries like automotive, aerospace, or custom manufacturing, these resins offer unmatched performance, though they require specialized handling.

Ceramic-Filled Resin

• Properties: Extremely rigid, high-temperature resistance, ceramic-like finish.
• Best For: High-temp tooling, molds, or parts requiring high stiffness.
• Limitations: Heavy and can wear printer components faster.
• Pro Tip: Use reinforced build plates and check your Z-axis calibration regularly to handle the extra weight.

Biocompatible/ISO Certified Resins

• Properties: Tested and certified for long-term contact with skin or body fluids.
• Best For: Medical implants, dental appliances, wearables.
• Limitations: Expensive and requires validated workflows.
• Pro Tip: Track resin batch numbers and ensure all post-processing follows certification guidelines for compliance.

Summary Table — Resin Grades at a Glance

Choosing the Right Resin for Your Project

To choose the best resin for your application, consider:

• Detail Needs: Do you need ultra-fine features, or are you printing large, functional parts?
• Durability: Will the part experience stress, bending, or impact?
• Environmental Exposure: Does the part need to withstand heat, UV light, moisture, or chemicals?
• Post-Processing Requirements: How much time and equipment do you have for washing, curing, and finishing?
• Application: Is the print cosmetic, functional, or intended for specialized industrial or medical use?

At Steady Flow Supplies, we offer a curated selection of resins to fit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, we’re here to help you match the perfect resin to your project. If we don’t have a supply that you require for your project, feel free to reach out and we will do our best to accommodate you!

Questions about resin printing or need help choosing the right product?
Contact us — our experts are always happy to guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible prints.