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What consumables are used in UV 3D printing?

Release time:

2026-07-11 23:58

What consumables are used in UV 3D printing?

The performance of UV‑based 3D printing largely depends on the choice of material system. The materials used in this technology are primarily photosensitive resins, which undergo a photopolymerization reaction upon exposure to ultraviolet light, transitioning from a liquid state to a solid one. The composition of these photosensitive resins directly influences the print’s dimensional accuracy, mechanical properties, and surface quality. Gaining an understanding of the compositional systems of UV‑based 3D printing materials helps in selecting the appropriate material type to meet specific application requirements.

I. Basic Composition of Photopolymer Resins

Photosensitive resin consists of oligomers, photoinitiators, and reactive diluents, among other components, and its formulation directly influences the performance of 3D‑printed parts. Each component plays a distinct functional role within the formulation.

Oligomers serve as the film-forming constituents of photosensitive resins and are the key components that determine the properties of the cured material. The molecular weight of photosensitive prepolymers typically falls within a specific range and is a critical factor governing material performance.

Photoinitiators are the key components that enable UV curing. Under irradiation with UV light of a specific wavelength, photoinitiators absorb light energy and decompose to generate free radicals or cations, thereby initiating the polymerization reaction. During the reaction, photoinitiators themselves participate in the process and are consumed; in contrast, photosensitizers facilitate energy transfer and act as catalysts, remaining unchanged throughout the reaction. Different types of photoinitiators are suited to distinct curing wavelengths and resin systems.

Reactive diluents primarily serve to adjust viscosity while also participating in the curing reaction and becoming part of the polymer network. Based on the number of reactive functional groups per molecule, reactive diluents can be classified as monofunctional, bifunctional, or polyfunctional.

II. Fillers and Functional Additives

In addition to the basic components, fillers and various functional additives may be incorporated into photosensitive resins to tailor the material’s properties and processing characteristics.

Fillers are used to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of resins or to impart specific functionalities. Common fillers include silicon carbide, carbon nanotubes, mica powder, and talc powder. Conductive particles such as carbon nanotubes and metal powders can be employed to prepare electrically conductive photosensitive resins. The dispersion quality of the filler directly affects the homogeneity of the resin system and the performance of the cured material.

Additives include leveling agents, defoamers, dispersants, and polymerization inhibitors. Leveling agents enhance the resin’s spreading performance during printing; defoamers suppress bubble formation; dispersants promote uniform dispersion of fillers; and polymerization inhibitors improve the resin’s storage stability. The proper formulation and combination of different types of additives are critical for ensuring print quality.

III. Material Type

Depending on the specific application requirements, UV‑curable 3D printing materials have evolved into a variety of types.

Standard photosensitive resins are commonly used to produce high‑precision models, making them ideal for industrial design, prototyping, and other applications. The printed parts feature smooth surfaces and excellent detail reproduction, making them well suited for designs that demand fine detail and high accuracy.

Engineering-grade photopolymer resins exhibit high strength, excellent heat resistance, and superior chemical corrosion resistance. They are used in the fabrication of mechanical components and functional prototypes, can withstand greater loads, and are well suited for applications demanding high strength and durability.

Flexible photosensitive resin can be used to print models that are elastic and bendable, making it suitable for soft connectors, gaskets, and other components. It can partially replicate the tactile qualities of rubber and exhibits excellent tensile strength and impact resistance.

Transparent photosensitive resin is used to fabricate models with stringent transparency requirements and is commonly found in applications such as electronic device housings and medical devices. Its exceptional transparency and fine surface finish make it indispensable for applications demanding high clarity or specific optical properties.

High-temperature‑resistant photosensitive resin can withstand elevated temperatures and is suitable for manufacturing heat‑resistant components in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. After curing, it maintains excellent dimensional stability and precision.

IV. Mainstream Resin Systems

From the perspective of resin types, UV‑3D printing materials primarily fall into two major systems: epoxy resins and acrylic resins. Epoxy‑based systems typically employ a cationic curing mechanism, offering low shrinkage and excellent adhesion; acrylic‑based systems utilize a free-radical curing mechanism, providing rapid cure rates and well‑established processing protocols. These two systems can also be blended to create hybrid curing networks, thereby leveraging the distinct performance advantages of each. In recent years, novel resins such as hyperbranched polyester acrylates have emerged, further enhancing crosslink density and overall material performance.

V. Conclusion

UV 3D printing materials are centered on photopolymer resins and primarily consist of oligomers, photoinitiators, and reactive diluents, supplemented by fillers and various additives to tailor their properties. Different resin types cater to diverse application scenarios, offering tailored material solutions ranging from standard prototypes to engineering‑grade functional parts, and from flexible components to high‑temperature‑resistant parts. With the ongoing development of novel resin systems and functional fillers, the performance and application scope of UV 3D printing materials continue to expand.

Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.

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Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-100	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, excellent chemical resistance, and rich body.
B-113	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA.
B-221	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to boiling water
B-276H	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	High hardness, fast curing, excellent toughness, and low yellowing.
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance
B-296M	Polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to polar solvents, yellowing-resistant, and impact-resistant.
B-301	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, excellent toughness, and good sandability.
B-302	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high strength, excellent toughness, and good grindability.
B-368	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good toughness, excellent leveling, excellent bend resistance, and excellent heat resistance.
B-529	Polyester acrylate	Excellent adhesion, low shrinkage, and good resin compatibility.
B-609	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.
Dentistry
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-100M	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	Low viscosity, high hardness, high gloss, and high body.
B-113	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA.
B-276H	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	High hardness, fast curing, excellent toughness, and low yellowing.
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance
B-296M	Polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to polar solvents, yellowing-resistant, and impact-resistant.
B-301	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, excellent toughness, and good sandability.
B-302	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high strength, excellent toughness, and good grindability.
B-368	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good toughness, excellent leveling, excellent bend resistance, and excellent heat resistance.
B-376	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	LED yellowing is minimal, and the nail polish formulation exhibits excellent stability.
B-609	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.
B-79D	Polyester acrylate	High hardness, low yellowing, and high evaporation efficiency at elevated temperatures.
Casting
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-79D	Polyester acrylate	High hardness, low yellowing, and high evaporation efficiency at elevated temperatures.
Resilience
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-210D	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, low heat of reaction, and excellent toughness.
B-286	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low heat generation, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and impact resistance.
B-296M	Polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to polar solvents, yellowing-resistant, and impact-resistant.
Elasticity
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-268M	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent adhesion, superior plating performance, and strong hiding power.
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance
B-39	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low viscosity, good flexibility, and low volatility.
B-450-2	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low shrinkage upon curing, excellent flexibility, and good tensile strength and elasticity.
B-451	Aliphatic polyurethane methacrylate	Good stretchability, low shrinkage, and excellent flexibility.
High transparency
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-296	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance
B-376	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	LED yellowing is minimal, and the nail polish formulation exhibits excellent stability.
Environmental protection
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-296SW	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Yellowing resistance, impact resistance, bio-based content > 40%
Monomer Recommendation
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
BM1211 (HPMA)	Hydroxypropyl methacrylate	HEMA-free, high strength, low irritation, and high adhesion
BM2223 (TPGDA)	Dipropylene glycol diacrylate	Good flexibility and low volatility
BM3231 (TMPTA)	Trimethylolpropane triacrylate	High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance.
BM3235 (PET3A)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	Fast curing, high crosslink density, high hardness, and chemical resistance.
BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.

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