Proper Care and Maintenance of 3D-Printed Resin

       Liquid resins serve as the primary material for 3D printing techniques such as Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Simply put, these technologies respectively harness UV laser beams, projectors, or LED arrays to trace object shapes on the surface of a vat filled with photopolymer. Then, the resin cures into a print layer, reiterating this process until an entire three-dimensional object emerges.

       Due to various factors, including unique properties intrinsic to the resin itself, utilizing resin 3D printers differs significantly from those employing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers. The resins utilized in 3D printing contain toxins and necessitate safe handling, storage, and disposal.

Environmental Considerations Regarding Resin

1. Safety

       When handling resin, it is imperative that you always wear PPE: personal protective equipment. Resins can cause skin irritation and leave unsightly rashes. Therefore, be sure to don gloves whenever dealing with resin! It's also advisable to wear a lab coat or apron to prevent resin from adhering to clothing and subsequently permeating your skin.

       In most scenarios, latex and nitrile gloves are available options. The latter are more suitable for handling resin due to their enhanced chemical resistance, and they're not typically known as common allergens like latex.

       In addition to gloves, protective eyewear may be necessary to shield against splashes, which could potentially result in severe eye damage if mishandled.

2. Storage

       Proper storage of unused resin is crucial. Since resins react readily with ultraviolet light, manufacturers invariably use black, opaque containers.

       However, it's also recommended to place the container in a location shielded from direct sunlight. Ideally, the container should reside in a cabinet or a dark space.

       Ideally, resins and other chemicals should be stored in well-ventilated areas to prevent accumulation of volatile chemicals. While we wouldn't advocate for home ventilation systems, consider storing the resin tank in a sealed, leak-proof secondary container or in a location with adequate air circulation.

3. During Printing

       The pre-printing and mid-printing stages involve straightforward safety measures when handling resin. Most importantly, ensure to wear gloves during initial resin pouring into the vat or when replenishing resin during printing.

       Resin spillage can occur during pouring, so let's discuss what to do in such instances. If resin has adhered to your skin, thoroughly wash off with water and mild soap immediately. If you experience a rash, please consult your physician. If resin has contaminated your clothes, ensure they are washed before reuse. Lastly, leaks aren’t usually a major issue provided you have the appropriate cleaning tools.

       Before commencing any operation involving resin, ensure you have some Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) handy. This will prepare you for potential leaks in your workspace or equipment. Cleaning with alcohol ensures all spilled resin is properly removed. You'll also need IPA to clean the vat and build platform, so make sure there's a large bottle nearby!

4. Post-Printing

       Post-printing involves additional steps. These include removing the printed part from the build platform, cleaning the vat and build platform, and returning the resin to its original container.

       Once printing concludes, we suggest placing some paper towels around the printer. This will prevent resin from directly contaminating the surfaces you're working on. Of course, remember to wear gloves while pulling out the build platform from the printer and cleaning it with alcohol.

Wash Resin

       The importance of wash resin cannot be overstated, as it simplifies cleaning 3D printed parts. Nevertheless, there is still residual rinse water with potentially harmful substances for you and the environment.

       Please refrain from discarding leftover rinse water down the drain. Any remaining resin needs to be hardened prior to disposal - details will follow.

Website Address: www.brozan3dprinter.com‍

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