The softest material you can 3D print is Elastic Resin, a flexible and resilient material that mimics the properties of silicone. This material has a Shore durometer of 50A, which means it can bend, stretch, compress, and bounce back without tearing. Elastic Resin is ideal for prototyping parts that require softness and elasticity, such as wearables, medical models, robotics, and special effects props. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and applications of Elastic Resin, as well as compare it with other soft 3D printing materials.
Elastic Resin is a type of resin that is designed for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. SLA is a 3D printing process that uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers, creating high-resolution and smooth-surfaced parts. Elastic Resin is one of the Engineering Resins developed by Formlabs, a leading manufacturer of desktop SLA 3D printers. Formlabs claims that Elastic Resin is the most pliable of their Engineering Resins, and that it can produce parts that look and behave like molded silicone parts.
Elastic Resin has the following properties:
Shore durometer: 50A
Tensile strength: 6.9 MPa
Elongation at break: 160%
Tear strength: 19.1 kN/m
Young’s modulus: 1.7 MPa
These properties indicate that Elastic Resin is very soft, flexible, and durable, and can withstand repeated cycles of deformation and recovery. Elastic Resin also has a translucent appearance, which can be useful for visualizing internal structures or creating realistic effects.
Elastic Resin offers several advantages over other soft 3D printing materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and soft PLA. Some of these advantages are:
Faster and easier prototyping: Elastic Resin can be 3D printed directly on the desktop, without the need for moldmaking or outsourcing. This can save time and money, as well as enable more iterations and design changes. Moreover, Elastic Resin can be printed with high accuracy and detail, resulting in parts that fit and function well.
Better performance and feel: Elastic Resin can produce parts that have similar properties and aesthetics to silicone, which is a widely used material for soft and flexible applications. Elastic Resin parts have a smooth and rubbery texture, and can conform to complex shapes and contours. Elastic Resin can also resist abrasion, chemicals, and UV light, making it suitable for various environments and conditions.
More creativity and innovation: Elastic Resin can open up new possibilities for 3D printing soft and flexible parts that were previously difficult or impossible to make. For example, Elastic Resin can be used to create intricate patterns, hollow structures, or interlocking mechanisms that can enhance the functionality and appearance of the parts. Elastic Resin can also be combined with other materials, such as rigid resins or metals, to create hybrid parts with different properties and features.
How to Use Elastic Resin?
To use Elastic Resin, you will need a compatible SLA 3D printer, such as the Form 3+ or the Form 3L from Formlabs. You will also need a resin tank, a build platform, and a finishing kit. The steps to use Elastic Resin are as follows:
Shake the resin cartridge well before inserting it into the printer.
Select the Elastic Resin profile in the printer software and upload your 3D model.
Start the print and wait for it to finish. The print time will depend on the size and complexity of your model, as well as the layer height and orientation settings.
Remove the part from the build platform and wash it in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for 10 minutes.
Dry the part with compressed air or a paper towel, and post-cure it in a UV chamber for 60 minutes.
Trim off any support structures and sand or polish the part if needed.
Elastic Resin can be used for a variety of applications that require softness and flexibility, such as:
Wearables: Elastic Resin can be used to create straps, bands, cases, covers, and other accessories for wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, headphones, and VR headsets. Elastic Resin can provide comfort, durability, and customization for the users.
Medical models: Elastic Resin can be used to create realistic models of soft tissues, organs, vessels, and nerves for medical education, training, and simulation. Elastic Resin can mimic the feel and behavior of human anatomy, and can be printed with fine details and colors.
Robotics: Elastic Resin can be used to create soft actuators, sensors, grippers, and joints for robotic systems, such as soft robots, bio-inspired robots, and human-robot interaction. Elastic Resin can enable more flexibility, adaptability, and safety for the robots and their users.
Special effects props: Elastic Resin can be used to create lifelike props, masks, costumes, and animatronics for movies, TV shows, theater, and cosplay. Elastic Resin can produce realistic effects, such as skin, hair, muscles, and wounds, and can be painted and textured to enhance the appearance.
Conclusion
Elastic Resin is the softest material you can 3D print, and it offers many benefits for prototyping and creating parts that require softness and elasticity. Elastic Resin can produce parts that look and behave like silicone, and can be used for various applications, such as wearables, medical models, robotics, and special effects props. Elastic Resin can be 3D printed on the desktop with high accuracy and detail, and can be combined with other materials to create hybrid parts. Elastic Resin is a versatile and innovative material that can expand the possibilities of 3D printing.
