Hello RepRappers! It's been a long time since I posted here and I am coming back with some results and a question to the community: I have been researching within another 3D printer group on resins to be activated with regular visible light in the blue spectrum range, together with some near UV. This is the spectrum emitted by regular halogen lights form DLP projectors and also some unprotected Tungsten incandescent bulbs of the kind you find in the car lamps or home illumination. These resins for this currently available in the market, on the other hand, go around 150 to 300$ per kg range. They are hugely expensive and are mostly used for stereolythography 3D printing, such as Envisiontec. Quite a lot of exciting and successful work has been done to make a DIY printer with 0.05 to 0.2mm pixel accuracy. But the cost of the resin that is able to cure at those wavelengths at low wattage in a time frame within the seconds remained a potent deterrent. Tinkering around with resins and photoinitiators I have now achieved some formulations that are way cheaper from what is out on the market. How much cheaper? Well that depends on how much bulk I can buy, but I can already guaranty less than half the price, probably even lower. Can I go below that price, like reeeeealy cheap? The answer is yes, sure! But not if I have to invest blindly into a metric ton of the stuff without knowing that I'm going to be able to get it off my hands. I am able to do this with Acrylic resins, clear and color, with fillers. I'm also working on Polyester for even cheaper resins, although shrinkage there is more of an issue. Epoxy may also come along. The question I have for you people: how many people are actually interested in such resin material? I know that here in RepRap you have people that work with syringe dispensers and that would welcome a material that can be cured in seconds after dispensing with non-dangerous, regular light source of low wattage. I'd be glad to hear from you https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,91562#msg-91562 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:57:09 -0500 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238689#msg-238689 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238689#msg-238689
This forum helps me a lot and keeps me updated, thanks to all.
Is it possible to transform a liquid or viscous these resins cited in this forum to one or more types of powder, as is the need on the grain size? Thank you. I await answers.
I think it will be great if we can have a photosensitive resin powder, grain varied and that works well in the length of blue light, as
this color with the light frequency has no danger. Who has more information about this and can tell me, I thank you.
Thank you.

Saulo Quevedo.

InovaStar]]> Saulo Quevedo Polymer Working Group Thu, 22 Aug 2013 20:27:43 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238596#msg-238596 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238596#msg-238596
I also think this is the best way for the future of RepRap 3D printers.
Just think resins that harden with Ultra violet light or blue light, may be
worked better from powder particles, it will be easier to develop a print nozzle
more efficient way compared to today as it is cured. Think about it.
The grain size may be of varying sizes as may be applicable to each type.
If you have more information about this type of resin, please get back to me so that I can also
apply the use of it on my first 3D printer, called Big Brother Spectrum. Congratulations.

Saulo Quevedo.

Inovastar Technologies.]]> Saulo Quevedo Polymer Working Group Thu, 22 Aug 2013 15:05:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238551#msg-238551 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,238551#msg-238551
I also think this is the best way for the future of RepRap 3D printers.
Just think resins that harden with Ultra violet light or blue light, may be
worked better from powder particles, it will be easier to develop a print nozzle
more efficient way compared to today as it is cured. Think about it.
The grain size may be of varying sizes as may be applicable to each type.
If you have more information about this type of resin, please get back to me so that I can also
apply the use of it on my first 3D printer, called Big Brother Spectrum. Congratulations.

Saulo Quevedo.

Inovastar Technologies.]]> Saulo Quevedo Polymer Working Group Thu, 22 Aug 2013 12:55:15 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223439#msg-223439 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223439#msg-223439
with the IR-fs-laser you can try with sub-micron etching or 'laser-enhanced' galvanics - there should be some acids and solutions, that will change phase when activated with IR ... have some own ideas regarding this sort of 'activating' chemistry, but have to find the time ...]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Tue, 02 Jul 2013 16:30:40 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223274#msg-223274 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223274#msg-223274
Looking at the DIY community, I did gather that 405nm, or however close to UV a DLP source gets was the standard. I think at least the DSM Somos materials are designed to work with commercial printers equipped with lasers which emit at around 350nm, so was wondering if anyone had experience with using them with violet light. Same goes for Envisiontec - as far as I can deduce they use a 405nm technology (from what I could dig up, it seems they use Ciba IRGACURE photoinitiators - 819, 369), but it would be handy to know for sure.

We actually have an IR femtosecond laser which we have been doing some microscopic two photon lithography with. We have been considering using a very low-mag lens on our confocal microscope, combined with a Z-axis manipulator of some sort to do some large-scale prints. Not looked too much into it yet - would be a bit of a project to rig the necessary hardware and software.

- Mike]]> mikesz Polymer Working Group Tue, 02 Jul 2013 07:34:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223121#msg-223121 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223121#msg-223121
actually 405nm (either LED or diodelaser) are the most used wavelength in the market ... so good chances, that your resin is sensitive for this.

There are LED's with 380nm too, but not in same counts and powers.

Another UV-light sources with 337nm are N2-TAE-lasers - there are some OS projects and receips around how to build one.

I'm actually busy with developing IR-diodelaser modules, but made previously some successfull tests with UV-curing and will do this again later this year. I have some laserdiodes with 445nm@1Watt, BluRay-lasers with 405nm@300mW, high power LED's with 405nm@9Watts drawing 21 Amperes current, LED's with 380nm@200mW and a pulsing (400kW, 200ps, 10Hz) TAE-N2-laser with 337nm ... so some materials for testing all sorts of UV-interactions ;)]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Mon, 01 Jul 2013 16:13:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223053#msg-223053 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,223053#msg-223053
I'm a lab researcher and we are considering a 3D printer for prototyping some small-scale fluidics.

The MiiCraft DLP printer looks like a very promising and cost-effective device for our needs (the small but high-res print envelope is ideal). This apparently uses a 405nm LED source. Anyone have experience with one of these? Alternatively we might look into getting a student project to build a DIY DLP printer or look for money towards a Perfactory Micro.

Our other requirement beside resolution is biocompatibility. We require materials which are water-resistant and will not react with the biology we will be feeding through them. I have spotted a few resins with certified biocompatibility - the Somos WaterShed XC 11122 from DSM and Envisiontec's medical series resins - E300 or E600 seem like they would work. The only problem is I don't know if either of these will work with a 405nm source. It appears the Envisiontec printers use 405nm light themselves - could anyone confirm?

Any advice would be appreciated.
- Mike]]> mikesz Polymer Working Group Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:39:47 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,200077#msg-200077 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,200077#msg-200077
the micro has a led projector inside. the film is a mfa-film.streched only not couted nor lasered. just streched.]]> perfactory-master Polymer Working Group Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:42:13 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,196244#msg-196244 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,196244#msg-196244
My first hunch is it has something to do with how a cured layer gets released. When moved in the z-axis, the membrane does flex and the cured layer releases from it. The thin sheet might be preventing a vacuum between the membrane and glass? and possibly protecting images from burning into the stretched membrane? or its the focal point for the projector? (trying to think of why it might be coated and laser etched like that)

As far as what it is made out of exactly - no clue ... or if an alternate plastic sheet could be used. But it does look like a plastic sheet when some special coating on it.]]> lindalou Polymer Working Group Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:03:50 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,195054#msg-195054 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,195054#msg-195054 anu suggestions?]]> linnkin Polymer Working Group Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:01:41 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,195038#msg-195038 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,195038#msg-195038 Can you give me more specific details about that Teflon FEP, Serial number, that i can search it on a web to buy.
Thanks in Andvance.]]> linnkin Polymer Working Group Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:46:06 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194983#msg-194983 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194983#msg-194983
I assume there's some sort of frame or something that seals the film to the bottom and keeps the resin from flowing under the film?]]> B9Creations Polymer Working Group Tue, 26 Mar 2013 03:09:42 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194952#msg-194952 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194952#msg-194952
I might speculate an answer with more information. What do you mean material basement? Is it a container (VAT) holding the liquid resin? How did the film originally attach to the basement? Glue?

Gozi]]> Gozi Polymer Working Group Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:06:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194757#msg-194757 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194757#msg-194757 dl.dropbox.com]
[dl.dropbox.com]
There is a light absorber in the bottom of material basment.
its a kind of transparent film witch takes the unneeded light,
as you can see its has been damaged and i whant to replace it, just dont know witch one shoud i use in stead.]]> Andrej Polymer Working Group Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:29:40 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194479#msg-194479 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194479#msg-194479 -------------------------------------------------------
> Hi every one have a small question, I have
> perfactory micro machine does any body knows what
> kind of light absorbing filter is placed in
> material basement, and if there any resin with can
> be used in stead of EC500 offered by envisiontec




hi,
you mean the latest envisiontec micro machine? if possible please send a pic from this part.
usually you should be able to use the other resins supplied by envisiontec as well.]]> perfactory-master Polymer Working Group Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:49:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194373#msg-194373 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,194373#msg-194373 Andrej Polymer Working Group Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:01:40 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193151#msg-193151 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193151#msg-193151
which machines are you or your office running?

nuri]]> perfactory-master Polymer Working Group Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:51:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193112#msg-193112 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193112#msg-193112 mehmet Polymer Working Group Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:14:09 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193063#msg-193063 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193063#msg-193063
his site is here: [spotamaterials.com]]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:40:18 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193041#msg-193041 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,193041#msg-193041 This is Mehmet from Odak Sanat Ltd.co.,Istanbul. We are interested in purchasing some of your VL Curing Resins. I would appreciate your web-siteaddress, to see your products or technical data(viscocity- curing depth- surface hardness- packing types/prices etc.) And one more thing; which country will the shipment be made pls. My e-mail address is: maykoc@odakhobi.com

Kind regards,

Mehmet.]]> mehmet Polymer Working Group Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:13:56 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,188498#msg-188498 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,188498#msg-188498 bucktownpolymers.com] cure from the UV spectrum up to the visible ~440nm. They actually have hundreds of formulas but only list a few with Paypal links for DIY and low volume sales.

These will cure quite rapidly for your application even using a full spectrum or UV-A reaching aquarium or reptile lamp. A small laser pen from 360-440nm will also work quite well.]]> Anonymous User Polymer Working Group Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:16:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,188231#msg-188231 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,188231#msg-188231
I would really like something that would work with a laser pen like the one in this link

[www.aliexpress.com]

I do not really know how powerful it needs to be to achieve cure times that are quick. I am sure this all has to do with the thickness of the resin applied. Is a 3watt light enough? Would a 1 watt light work? Is a 365nm light more effective than a 405nm light? I am assuming the higher the wattage and lower the wavelength means a more powerful torch, but I also want to keep safety in mind, because from what I have read you are safer working with lights at the higher end of the 356nm to 405nm range. I do not have experience in this area and there is little information out there available since most is proprietary trade secrets of these manufacturers. I can see putting a nice little kit together that if priced properly would sell very well. And if the materials were easy to work, safe and provide nice results there are many fly fishmen and hobbiests that would like this. There is increasing competition out there, but there is always room for a good product. Again, thank you for your response, I look forward to your reply.]]> flytyer Polymer Working Group Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:01:35 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,187622#msg-187622 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,187622#msg-187622
Theoretically this should work, but I have never tried to cure them with such torches. It is a matter of power, as the wavelengths you mention are very well suited. 3W in the window between 365 and 405 is actually plenty!
By thin and thick viscosity, do you know the figures or comparative liquids you are aiming for?

Also, I suppose water resistance is very important and a serious physical strength too. Is this going to be used in marine environments?

Cheers,
Fernando]]> spota Polymer Working Group Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:39:39 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,187593#msg-187593 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,187593#msg-187593
[www.lt-box.com]

Let me know what you think.

Eric]]> flytyer Polymer Working Group Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:54:20 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170326#msg-170326 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170326#msg-170326
I have first to buy a bottle N2 and some armatures, so can take a while ... maybe faster, when finished the projects around 405nm ...]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Sat, 08 Dec 2012 15:24:12 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170243#msg-170243 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170243#msg-170243
Back then I was testing several different resins and didn't name the samples very explicitly. But in the end I managed to evolve all the currently available products.

If they work well at 405nm it means you have the prime photoinitiator, which by the way should also work fine at 337nm. Actually you may need to be carefull with those zillion powered pulses or you'll cure the whole tank of resin in a pulse ;)]]> spota Polymer Working Group Fri, 07 Dec 2012 18:21:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170221#msg-170221 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170221#msg-170221
... and have plans for 337nm and ultrashort pulses from the N2-TAE-laser B)]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:47:01 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170212#msg-170212 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170212#msg-170212
445nm is indeed in the extreme fringe of the activity of my prime photoinitiator. I do have an alternate one that works at 470nm and has a decent absorption at 445-450nm. But you have to take in account that this alternate photoinitiator is slower than th eprime one. But I have seen it being used in several resins used for DLP 3D printing, so it works.

I don't remember which photoinitiator I sent you, do you recall which it was?

Cheers!]]> spota Polymer Working Group Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:16:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170194#msg-170194 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170194#msg-170194
did you change the basic chemistry of your resins in general?

With your first samples I had excellent curing with 405nm but nearly no effect with 445nm @ much higher energies.

Haven't repeated this with the second 1kg-bottle, but will try this, when reassembling the 445nm-beamer ...]]> VDX Polymer Working Group Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:51:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170191#msg-170191 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?184,91562,170191#msg-170191
I just saw you PM with your request. I will answer you over there and we can discuss the details by mail.
As a general info, my resins work both in the visible blue as well as in the UV spectrum.

You can see details of the available resins here:
[www.spotamaterials.com]

Cheers!]]> spota Polymer Working Group Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:33:46 -0500