How does Resin Multi-color 3D Printing work？

What is resin multi-color 3D printing?

Resin multi-color 3D printing is an advanced manufacturing technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects with multiple colors and material properties in a single printing process. This technology uses special resin materials and multi-color print heads to automatically switch colors during the printing process, creating colorful and finely detailed printed products.

1. High-resolution printing

Compared with traditional FDM 3D printing technology, multi-color resin 3D printing technology usually uses stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP) technology, which can achieve finer layer control. For example, SLA technology using near-infrared light source can print with an accuracy of less than 5 microns, which means that the printed model has higher details and clarity. It is suitable for fields that require high-precision models, such as jewelry design, dentistry, and miniature model making.

2. Material mixing capability

By using a near-infrared light source, this technology is able to 3D print deeper into the resin vat, allowing users to print a part with one material and then add a second material, not limited to the top and outer surface of the part, and can cure anywhere in 3D space. With the material mixing capability, composite structures with multiple physical and chemical properties can be created. For example, hollow structures or objects with multiple layers of different materials can be created in the same printing process.

3. Diversity of applications

Multicolor resin 3D printing technology is suitable for a variety of application scenarios such as intracavitary 3D printing, shoe production, repair of damaged objects, and in situ bioprinting through the skin. This technology has a wide range of applications in multiple industries, including medical, dental, jewelry design, automotive, aerospace, architecture, education, art and cultural relic reproduction. Multicolor resin 3D printing technology can provide customized solutions according to the needs of different industries.

4. Cost-effectiveness

Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, resin multi-color 3D printing technology greatly reduces the cost of molds and tools in traditional manufacturing through the manufacturing process directly from digital models to physical objects. Its on-demand production feature effectively reduces inventory costs and excess risks, while improving material utilization and reducing material waste. In addition, the automated production process simplifies the production process and further reduces production costs, giving resin multi-color 3D printing significant advantages in cost-effectiveness.

5. High color freedom

Resin multi-color 3D printing technology allows users to freely adjust the color ratio in the resin material according to design requirements, achieving precise control from basic colors to complex gradient colors. Multi-color systems such as CMYK+W provide higher color freedom, ensuring the printing accuracy and performance consistency of different color combinations, thereby greatly broadening the color types and application range of materials.

 

Is resin or filament better for 3d printing？

2. Resin 3D Printer

Industrial resin 3D printer：Multi Color 3D Printer J402PLUS

• High-Resolution Printing: Offers detailed prints with resolutions up to 0.05mm.
• Large Build Volume: Capable of printing large models up to 395 x 345 x 250 mm
• Multi-Color Capability: Features a 4-in-1-out print head for vibrant multi-color prints.
• Efficient Prototyping: Ideal for producing intricate models rapidly and cost-effectively.
• User-Friendly Software: Intuitive interfaces simplify the setup and management process.

Desktop resin 3D printer：Anycubic Photon Mono X

• Large Build Volume: Allows printing bigger models or multiple parts at once.
• High Resolution: Delivers ultra-high resolution prints with fine details and smooth surfaces.
• Multi-Color Printing: Supports printing with multiple colors to create vibrant and realistic models.
• Fast Printing Speed: Significantly reduces print time with its monochrome LCD.
• Touchscreen Interface: Easy-to-use touchscreen for straightforward operation and real-time monitoring.

3. FDM 3D Printer

Industrial FDM 3D Printer：Stratasys F900

Desktop FDM 3D Printer： Bambu Lab P1P

• Modular Design: Allows for easy customization and upgrades, enhancing versatility and future-proofing.
• Fast Printing Speeds: Reduces production time while maintaining high-quality output.
• Precision and Accuracy: Delivers detailed prints, perfect for intricate projects and prototypes.
• Material Compatibility: Supports a wide range of filament types, broadening application possibilities.
• User-Friendly Interface: Features intuitive controls and software, streamlining the 3D printing process for users at all levels.

Resin multi-color 3D printing applicable materials

1. Standard 3D Printing Resin

This resin is the most versatile and common material on the market, with smooth and fine properties, considerable hardness, high precision, a wide range of color options, easy post-processing, and durability. It is suitable for making decorations, prototypes, and figurines, and is affordable and easily accessible. For example, Toyota's sports car division has successfully applied multi-color resin 3D printing technology to the production of automotive parts. In particular, they took advantage of the durability and high detail resolution of standard 3D printing resin materials to print jigs for the production of custom grilles.

2. Transparent resin

Similar to standard resin, transparent resin is very useful in making small objects with high precision. The printed objects can achieve a nearly completely transparent effect, which is very suitable for applications that need to show internal structures or have specific aesthetic requirements. Transparent resin also has high strength and toughness, high temperature resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in special environments. For example, exquisite jewelry, unique architectural forms, and high-transparency human tissue models.

3. Washable resin

This resin can be washed with water during post-processing, eliminating the need for chemical treatments and making parts feel smoother and more comfortable to the touch. Water-washable resin reduces the use of chemical solvents, thereby reducing environmental impact. For example, the bio-based water-washable resin launched by eSUN is used in many fields, including prototype design, dental molds, animation figures, decorative parts and cultural and creative peripheral products. Using water as the cleaning medium reduces potential risks to user health, which is a significant advantage, especially for those users who are sensitive to chemical solvents.

4. Flexible 3D printing resin

Has rubber-like qualities, flexible resin materials usually have lower hardness and high elongation at break, allowing printed objects to withstand deformations such as bending and compression without damage, and can create high-strength objects that can be bent and compressed without deformation. In the case of Carbon3D and Adidas' cooperation, the lattice structure midsole printed with flexible resin provides new possibilities for footwear manufacturing, providing better cushioning and support performance.

5. Industrial 3D printing resins

Industrial 3D printing resins include heat-resistant, flammable and dental resins, which have high mechanical properties and are suitable for harsh application environments. Heat-resistant resins can withstand temperatures up to 230°C and are suitable for making casting tools and high-temperature resistant parts; flammable resins are used in the fields of jewelry and dental restorations and can evaporate during the metal casting process without leaving ash or residue; dental resins are used to make dental models and restorations with high levels of detail and biocompatibility.

 

Resin multi-color 3D printing steps

Slicing

Import the 3D model file into the slicing software, the software will decompose the model into a series of thin layers and generate a printing path.

• Import model: Import the designed 3D model file (usually in .STL or .OBJ format) into the slicing software.
• Select printer configuration: Select the corresponding printer model and resin type in the software.
• Layer thickness setting: Set the layer thickness according to the accuracy requirements of the model. The smaller the layer thickness, the finer the details of the printed model.
• Color path planning: For multi-color printing, the software will generate corresponding printing paths according to the different color areas of the model.
• Export G-code: After completing the settings, export the G-code file that the printer can recognize.

Prepare the printer

Add the appropriate amount of photosensitive resin to the resin 3D printer and make sure the printing platform is clean and level.

• Clean the printing platform: Wipe the printing platform with alcohol or other cleaning agents to ensure that there is no grease and dust.
• Calibrate the platform: Adjust the level of the printing platform to ensure that the model can be printed flat.
• Fill the resin: Pour the appropriate amount of photosensitive resin into the resin tank, being careful not to exceed the maximum liquid level line.
• Check the light source: Make sure the printer's UV light source is working properly and is not blocked or damaged.

Print

Start the printing process. The printer's print head will spray resin layer by layer according to the path generated by the slicing software and use UV light to cure the resin.

• Load G-code: Transfer the exported G-code file to the printer's control system.
• Start printing: Start the printer and start printing layer by layer according to the instructions of the G-code file.
• Monitor printing: During the printing process, monitor the printing status in real time to ensure that no abnormalities occur.

Post-processing

After printing is completed, the model needs to be removed from the printing platform and post-processed by cleaning and removing supports.

• Remove the model: Use a scraper or other tool to remove the model from the printing platform.
• Clean the model: Put the model in a cleaning solution (such as isopropyl alcohol) to clean and remove uncured resin.
• Remove supports: Carefully remove the support structure on the model, you can use a knife or pliers.
• Sanding and finishing: Sand the surface of the model to remove printing marks and smooth the edges.

Curing

Put the cleaned model in a UV curing box for post-curing to improve the strength and durability of the model.

• Post-curing: Put the cleaned and trimmed model in a UV curing box for a certain period of post-curing.
• Curing time: Set the appropriate curing time according to the characteristics of the resin and the thickness of the model.

Finishing

After post-curing, a colorful, detailed, multi-color 3D printed model is ready.

• Inspect the model: Check the model for defects such as bubbles, support marks, etc.
• Surface treatment: Paint, color or apply a clear coat to the model as needed to enhance the visual effect or provide additional protection.