iQprint® Model Support

The printer manufacturer’s website should list all the print resins validated for use with that model printer. However, there are also a lot of printers on the market that allow you to input custom exposure settings in the slicing software, which will allow you to use non-validated third-party resins. You will need to ensure that the resin you’re intending to print with cures at the correct frequency (displayed in nanometres) for use with your printer, most printers cure at either 385nm or 405nm. You can usually find the recommended exposure settings for a particular resin on the manufacturer’s website. 

This will vary slightly depending on the resin, any specific hazard warnings will be displayed on the resin’s label. However, there are general rules applicable to the storing and handling of all print resins; the resin should be stored away from direct sources of heat, gloves and eye protection should be worn when handling open bottles of resin, care should be taken to avoid getting any on your skin and if you do, it should be washed off quickly with soap.   

Some resins do produce pronounced fumes either when opened or curing, and some printers have built-in air filters to alleviate them. Typically, ensuring that the printer is in a well-ventilated area should be sufficient without needing to run an external extractor, though you should always consult the instructions for the resin you’re using for any specific requirements in terms of operating environment. 

Almost all print resins are supplied in sealed UV-protective bottles, so if it’s unopened, unless the resin specifically states a use-by date you won’t need to worry about shelf-life. Once opened, some resins may start reacting to oxygen exposure which can affect the material properties of the resin. Most resins, however, should be fine to continue printing with for up to 3 months after being opened.    

All print resins will cure if left exposed to direct light, though this shouldn’t occur fast enough to be an issue when pouring the resin into the resin vat or preparing it ahead of printing. Some resins however can be more prone to flash-curing, particularly highly translucent ones, so care should always be taken to minimise the time the resin is exposed to direct light.  

Generally, it’s okay to leave residual resin in the printer’s resin vat between prints, provided the next print is in the same resin and the period between prints isn’t too long. You’ll need to make sure to thoroughly stir the resin left in the resin vat before the next print to ensure the material is thoroughly incorporated, as resins are prone to separating over time. If you’re leaving it longer than a couple of days between prints, it’s recommended to decant the resin back into the bottle to limit the material’s exposure to dust and other contaminants. When pouring the resin back into the bottle you’ll need to pass it through a filter to remove any particulates suspended in the resin.  

All print resins will have a stated temperature range that the material needs to be within when printing, to guarantee that the printed model will perform per the manufacturer’s stated tolerances. Printing with resin that’s outside of its recommended temperature range can affect the viscosity of the resin causing prints coming out either under or over-exposed. There are printers on the market that utilise internal heaters which will ensure the resin is at the correct temperature when printing, however, if the printer you’re using doesn’t then you will need to prepare the resin to the correct temperature yourself.