Other equipment and hardware you need for resin 3d-printing

Other equipment and hardware you need for resin 3d-printing

In addition to a resin printer and a wash and cure machine, you will also need the following equipment for resin 3D printing:

Gloves:

You will need to wear gloves when handling resin, as it can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin.

When working with resin for 3D printing, it is important to use gloves that provide a barrier against the material. Some common types of gloves that are suitable for use with resin include nitrile and latex gloves. Nitrile gloves are often preferred because they are more resistant to punctures and chemicals, and are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Latex gloves are also a good option, but they can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Additionally, it is important to choose gloves that fit well and provide good dexterity, as handling small parts and intricate models can be difficult with gloves that are too large or too tight. Additionally it's important to note that gloves are disposable and should be replaced after every use to avoid contamination.

Resin used in 3D printing is typically made of a mixture of chemicals, some of which can be harmful if they come into contact with skin. Some of the common components of resin include monomers, oligomers, and photoinitiators. Monomers and oligomers can cause skin irritation, redness, and even chemical burns if they come into contact with skin. Photoinitiators can cause a photosensitive reaction, leading to skin redness, itching and even blisters. Additionally, inhaling the fumes of certain resins can cause respiratory irritation or other health issues. To avoid these potential hazards it is recommended to use gloves and other safety equipment when handling resin.

Mask:

It is recommended to wear a mask when working with resin 3D printing, as the fumes produced during the printing process can be harmful if inhaled. Resins often contain chemicals such as photoinitiators and monomers that can produce fumes that can be harmful if inhaled. Additionally, the curing process can also produce fumes. A mask with a respirator filter rated for organic vapors can help protect against these fumes. It's also important to work in a well-ventilated area to help dissipate the fumes.

  1. N95 or N100 masks (around $1-3): These masks are designed to filter out at least 95% of airborne particles, and are suitable for use while printing with resin. They are relatively affordable and widely available, but may not be as comfortable to wear for extended periods of time as other options.
  2. 3M Particulate Respirator (around $5-10): This disposable mask is designed to filter out non-oil based particles and is suitable for use while printing with resin. It is relatively affordable and widely available.
  3. 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator (around $20-30): This reusable mask is designed to filter out non-oil based particles and is suitable for use while printing with resin. It is slightly more expensive than the disposable option, but can be used multiple times.
  4. Full-Face Respirator (around $50-100): A full-face respirator is designed to protect the entire face, including the eyes, from potentially harmful fumes and particles. They are more expensive than other options, but provide the best level of protection.
  5. 3M Powered Air Purifying Respirator (around $200-300): This powered respirator is designed to filter out non-oil based particles and is suitable for use while printing with resin. It is more expensive than the other options, but provides a higher level of protection and is more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Other safety equipment:

You should have proper ventilation in your work area and a fire extinguisher nearby, in case of accidents.

Table

Do not roll your eyes yet: Having an even and clean workspac is key for 3D-printing so invest some money for a proper workspace!

UV-Lamps:

If you want to DIY-build your own wash and cure station, here are some suitable product options for you: 

  1. Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger - $20
  2. LIFX Mini White A60 E26 Smart LED Light Bulb - $25
  3. Daylight Slimline LED Table Lamp - $40
  4. UV-C Sanitizing Handheld Wand - $50
  5. FSL UV-C Lamp for Nail Dryers - $70
  6. Dental Lab UV Curing Light Lamp 110V - $90
  7. UV-C Sanitizing Lamp - $120
  8. UV Curing Box - $150
  9. UV-C Sterilizer and Dryer - $200
  10. UV-C Sanitizing Lamp with Ozone - $250

Isopropanol:

This is used to clean the surface of the print bed, as well as to clean your prints and tools before and after use.

  1. 91% Isopropyl Alcohol (cheapest option, around $5 for a 16 oz bottle)
  2. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (mid-range option, around $10 for a 16 oz bottle)
  3. 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol (most expensive option, around $20 for a 16 oz bottle)

When using isopropyl alcohol, it's important to note that the higher the percentage of alcohol, the more effective it will be in cleaning resin prints. However, it's also important to consider the cost and availability of the product when making a decision. 91% isopropyl alcohol can be found at most drug stores, while the higher percentage options may need to be purchased online.

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