{"id":3307,"date":"2020-10-05T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T19:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/?p=3307"},"modified":"2023-09-08T22:59:04","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T03:59:04","slug":"know-your-materials-flexible-resin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/know-your-materials-flexible-resin\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Materials: Flexible Resin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Originally published on fastradius.com on October 5, 2020<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The term \u201cresin\u201d can refer to both solids and liquids, but most often refers to liquids that harden with the application of heat, light, or setting agents. Flexible Resin is part of a subset of resins made by Formlabs<\/a> that are relatively soft and malleable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some resins lack stiffness due to environmental conditions or improper post-processing, others are meant to be flexible \u2014 Formlabs\u2019 Flexible Resin falls into this category. These resins are typically used for stereolithography (SLA), a\u00a03D printing process<\/a>\u00a0in which a high-powered laser hardens liquid resin layer-by-layer to create the desired 3D shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properties and mechanical specifications of Flexible Resin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flexible Resin is rubber-like, with distinct\u00a0elastomeric properties<\/a>\u00a0but relatively low elongation. In other words, these resins can be bent, compressed, and stretched slightly. After this type of deformation, they\u2019ll return to their original shape or size. Because they\u2019re flexible, they cannot shatter, but they can tear if subjected to sufficient pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, Flexible Resin is more pliable when laid thinly, and less flexible when thick. Parts made with Flexible Resin that need to be durable should have thicker walls.<\/p>\n\n\n

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When using Flexible Resin to craft parts that have tall or thin features, it\u2019s recommended that designers orient the part closer to and with at least a 20-degree angle from the build platform. Manual supports may also be necessary.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Another key consideration of Flexible Resin is the finishing stage. Parts must be slowly and carefully peeled off of the print bed and then washed in an IPA finishing solution. Flexible Resin also requires post-curing to reach its optimal mechanical properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formlabs has produced a few different variations of Flexible Resin, whose respective mechanical specifications include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formlabs Flexible 80A Resin<\/strong>: 80A Resin, is Formlabs\u2019 newest version of Flexible Resin. It\u2019s a very high-viscosity resin and its cured state is exceptionally strong. Some of its mechanical properties include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n