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Frequently Asked Questions
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3D Printing
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is way of transforming 3D digital models into physical parts by stacking thin layers of a material in sequence forming a solid model from those layers in your desired shape.
How does resin 3D printing works?
Liquid resin 3D printers like the ones that use Cosmos Resins work by solidifying thin layers of resin in a tank, also known as VAT. When that solid layer is pulled from the film in the bottom of the tank, the resin can flow under the print and the machine gets ready to solidify another thin layer of resin and that starts the process again continuing until the part is complete.
What is the common size print area?
Each 3D printer has its specific print volume, the ones used in dentistry start around 130x80mm, the printed parts tend to be around the size of a fist. There are also much bigger print sizes like 1500x1000mm for specific uses and every size in between with varying prices and qualities.
Why do I need supports?
Supports are a key piece of successfully achieving great prints consistently. Without them overhanging pieces would not have any place to grow from and would end up glued on the FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) film resulting in unsuccessful prints.
What is the best layer height?
Layer thickness can affect the visual quality of your print and get you better adaptations on your parts. Thinner layers like 25μ(0.025mm) tend to have marginally better visual details but they take an exorbitant amount of time to print. The most common layer size is around 50μ(0.050mm) which gives you a good visual surface quality and reasonable print times. Thicker layers like 100μ(0.100mm) can be used for les rigorous study models where the general shape is more important than the details.
thick layers - print fast | thin layers - high resolution
Is 3D printing difficult?
No, like any new tool there is a learning curve, but the activity is straightforward and there is a lot of content that can help you figure out any difficulties that you might have along the way.
How long does it take to print a study model?
Supports are a key piece of successfully achieving great prints consistently. Without them overhanging pieces would not have any place to grow from and would end up glued on the FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) film resulting in unsuccessful prints.
How do I calibrate my printer to the resin?
You will need to find the recommended settings for your printer in the Cosmos Resins Interactive Guide, from that starting point you can follow our calibration guide and find the best configuration for your printer/resin combination.
Access our setup videos and documentation and learn how to configure your printer: globalplay.cosmosresins.com
What is the FEP film?
The FEP or Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene is a thin film that allows the UV light to pass and polymerize the resin and, at the same time, it doesn’t allow the resin to firmly stick to the FEP, it is a material with nonstick properties that allows the part to stay in the build platform but not in the bottom of the resin tank.
Resins
What is the right type of resin for my 3D printer?
In a simplified way:
DLP 3D Printers and LCD 3D Printers:
DLP Resins
SLA 3D Printers:
SLA Resins
Are resin prints biocompatible?
Most 3D printing resins are not biocompatible, resins for intraoral use are purpose-built adhering to strict guidelines and tests in compliance with the necessary health and safety agencies requirements.
What resin 3D printers can do?
There are tons of things that can be 3D printed, the only limitation is getting a digital file with the correct model and a material with the correct behavior. In Dentistry, Cosmos Resins has an extensive line of resins for your necessities. From study models to surgical guides and full dentures or functional prototypes.
Access our brochure and learn more about our product line:
Is printing with resin 3D printers safe?
When all the security precautions are followed in accordance with the 3D printer´s manufacturer instructions and specially the PPE´s (Personal Protective Equipment) are correctly used, 3D printing can be done in a safe manner.
Do I need to shake my resin?
Yes, you should always stir your resin before use according with the instructions in your bottle.
What is Layer Time/Exposure Time?
The Layer Time/Exposure Time is the time each layer will be exposed to UV light during the formation of a layer, even though each combination of resin and specific 3D printer will have its optimal settings Cosmos Resins has an interactive guide of starting parameters that can help you with the calibration of your printer/resin calibration.
What are bottom layers?
Bottom layers are the first few layers that will secure your print to your building platform, they are very important to make sure your part stays glued to the platform and not to the FEP. Usually, they are cured for around ten times more than a typical layer granting a higher level of attachment to the building platform.
Post Processing
How long a print needs to be cured?
Prints need to be fully polymerized to be ready for use, you should check the IFU of each resin to know for how long each resin needs to be cured.
What to do if I got resin on me?
You should always utilize the required PPE´s and follow all the safety precautions while 3D printing according with the 3D printer manufacturer instructions, if even then an accident happens you can find instructions in the IFU(Instruction For Use) and SDS(Safety Data Sheet).
Where should I keep my resin?
You should keep your resin a cool place away from any source of UV light, you can find detailed instructions on how to keep your resin in it´s bottle and IFU.
How to clean/wash my prints?
After the print leaves the printer, it needs to be cleaned to remove any uncured resin that stayed in the part before the final cure, the parts should be cleaned in two different baths of ethyl or isopropyl alcohol following the IFU instructions.
Why is my print sticky or tacky?
3D prints need to be very well cleaned before the final curing, the final clean needs to be in very clean alcohol, after the cleaning the part needs to be completely dry before the final cure, the curing needs to be made in a suitable chamber for the time directed on the resin IFU.