Resin 3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing that uses photochemical techniques to 3D print objects. More specifically, concentrated UV light is directed at resin to bond molecules together, ultimately forming the shape of a desired part, layer by layer.
Unlike Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), this type of printing does not involve spools of solid, thread-like filament. Instead, liquid resins are used, which are light-sensitive mixtures of monomers and oligomers – short-chain carbon molecules that combine into longer chains during photochemical curing, forming a hardened thermoset polymer, a type of plastic.
Unfortunately, the chemical nature of resin is more toxic than that of FDM filaments. But don’t worry – experts have told us the safest way to work with these materials.
Read on to learn more about resin toxicity and how you can make 3D printing resins safer for both yourself and the environment. We also recommend some “eco-friendly” resins that you can try out for yourself.
A deeper dive
Resin 3D Printing – The Ultimate Guide