If you’re into 3D printing, you’ll know that water-washable resins can either make or break your experience. Traditional resins require extra tools, which can be a hassle, and, not to mention very costly. Water washable resins here are a game changer in the 3D printing world, offering convenience, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety.
This water resin solves the challenges of traditional methods, making 3D printing more accessible and affordable for both professionals and enthusiasts. Before you go ahead and make the purchase, let’s take a look at how exactly it makes the 3D printing experience smoother.
In this article, we’re going to list the top five ways these resins simplify your 3D printing process and save you money!
1.Simpler Post-Processing with Water
One of the biggest selling points of water washable resins is the ease in cleaning. With traditional resins, you need isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or other chemical solvents to remove uncured resins from your prints. Not only do you need to be super careful handling these hazardous chemicals, but you’d have to pay a lot from your pocket as well.
But water washable resins, as the name suggests, can be rinsed clean using only water. The process made it quick and much safer because all you need to do is take your print to a sink and rinse off any excess resin.
You’re essentially going to save up a lot on material costs by eliminating the need for IPA. You also don’t have to deal with chemical disposal, which makes it good on your wallet and the environment. So water washable resin will give you a hassle free process with rinsing, and way fewer risks.
2.Lower Long Term Costs
Upfront water washable resins may seem more expensive compared to standard or traditional resins, but in the longer run, they help you save up on costs. Traditional resins require additional tools like IPA mentioned above, but also additional investments like ultrasonic cleaners or washing stations made to handle the chemicals properly. Put together, all of this can be a major load.
With water washable resin, these extra investments go out the window, because they can be cleaned with just tap water. Over time, the savings add up and sure are noticeable, especially for hobbyists or professionals who do this on the regular.
You can also get a longer lifespan on your 3D printers and related tools, because less chemicals mean less wear and tear on your equipment, meaning you don’t need to worry about damages as much!
3.Environmentally Friendly Choice and Cost Efficiency
Not only is there a load off your wallet, but you’ll be going lighter on the environment too. Traditional resins and their associated chemicals are hazardous and require extra careful disposal to avoid contaminating water systems. Water washable resin simply reduces the risks associated with removing the use of toxic solvents.
The reason why it has less environmental impact is because of simplicity in being easier to deal with, having minimized toxicity. However, it’s still important to note that the wastewater contains some amount of uncured resin which means you should responsibly dispose of it.
When there’s no need to purchase IPA in bulk, you’re saving your bank balance and the environment at the same time. Think of it as a double rainbow effect in your workspace. You get a more sustainable and cost-effective method that will keep your productivity coming for a longer time with less effort, and that’s the dream.
4.Faster and Safer Workflow
Affordability is not the only plus, using water washable resin will significantly speed up the process and improve your 3D printing workflow. With traditional resins there’s always the extra step of chemicals and solvents, as well as being extra cautious by using gloves or masks, and taking it step-by-step. Overall, that process really reduces your productivity and can be frustrating at times.
That’s the thing with water washable resins, you don’t have to focus too much on the cleaning part; one simple step of rinsing it off with tap water will do the magic. This gives you more time to focus on the creative aspect, especially as a professional who may not have that much time, and can bypass the technicalities.
The tedious and hazardous parts are something you don’t have to worry about at all, and you can simply enjoy the process of creating the magic.
Additionally, speed and safety means that water washable resins are also suitable for beginners who want to explore the craft easily. They don’t have to deal with chemicals, and can operate in a safe manner. New learners and old users alike are given a better chance to focus on learning and experimenting with reduced accidents.
5.Better Print Quality at Good Prices
Many users are often concerned that water washable resins won’t provide the standard of quality as traditional resins, but don’t worry that’s a misconception. In fact, water washable resin provides comparable, if not better, print quality.
The print tends to have a smooth surface with finer details, making it suitable for a wide range of things, from highly detailed models to functional parts.
Moreover, the resins cure just as well under UV light, meaning you don’t have to compromise on finishing or durability. If it’s the same quality, what makes it so great? Well, that’s thanks to all the costs you’ll be saving up along the way.
With continuous advancements in the formulation of these resins, you can expect even better performance over time on a wider range of applications.
Final Thoughts
So, what’s our final verdict? Investing in water-washable resins is definitely worth it because you’re saving up on numerous ends while also creating a better work environment. For professionals, they can speed up the work and not have to worry about accidents. When it comes to hobbyists, they can have home offices and cause no harm to themselves.
Overall, it’s a win-win situation when you factor in the reduced costs over time. Give water-washable resins a try and see the difference for yourself!
