My analysis of the threats and opportunities the medium presents has yielded some questions that I will answer via some further research.
How strong are resin prints? Will they crack if put under pressure?
In the video by the maker Thomas Sanladerer, “Is resin 3D printing worth it?” (2021) he poses a similar question and conducts various forms of research to compare the SLA and FDM print processes. From this research it would appear that when force is applied perpendicular to the direction the layers of the resin that distortion and compression is minimal. The relative hardness and whether a 3d printed block will crack is harder to answer through secondary research as there are many different types of resin with different properties (clear, matt, “plastic like”). I do know, from my own primary research into the letterpress printing process in the proposal stage, that the amount of excess force exerted on a block is low. Metal type and wood type are not hard materials and dent easily, blocks from these materials do not deform or break except if used in an incorrect manner on the press.
New software to learn
After discussions with classmates and relevant technicians at the University, a few different programs were suggested. There are paid options like Autodesk and Sketchup and free versions such as Blender and Tinkercad. The paid options appear to be too extensive for what I aim to produce, being more suited to complex 3D shapes. Tinkercad appears to be able to very quickly produce simple shapes in the correct file type for printing.
How much does the resin smell and are there any safety concerns?
Looking at the various resins available and reading their safety sheets, all would appear to need to be used in well ventilated areas and to use gloves when handling them. Some resins are cleaned with alcohols (either isopropanol or methylated spirits) whilst others are water based and cleaned with water. In the current pandemic isopropanol alcohol has become very expensive which seems to indicate water based is a more economical option. Water based resins also are noted to be low odour. Some models such as the Elegoo Mars 2 pro has a built in carbon filter, Elegoo also produce a rechargeable carbon filtration unit that can be used with any printer (Elegoo 2021). Maker, Uncle Jesse, reviews an integrated Wash/Cure unit produced by Elegoo that appears to make the washing and curing process much easier and cleaner (2020).
How long does a print take?
In order to print a model with a 3D printer the file needs to be sliced into layers via slicing software. Many printers make use of a free slicer called Chitubox, this software also gives an estimate of how long the print will take. I have downloaded and inputted a simple 1 inch cube model created in Tinkercad and the print time is stated as being 1 hour 4 mins. This time would be the same whether you filled the print bed with designs or whether you were just printing one, it would only extend the time if the print was made taller due to the fact the prints are made layer by layer.
How much will a solid block 1inch cubed cost? Will it be uneconomical to do a selection of letters in this way?
Chitubox also allows the user to input the cost of the resin you plan to use and then generate a cost estimate based on the volume the print will use up. A solid 1inch cube is estimated at £0.76 when using waterbased resin. When 3D printing a large model it is quite common to hollow out the piece to use less material so there maybe a way to do this to minimise the resin used but still create strong prints.
There appears to be various models and makes of printers available, which is the most suitable?
3D printer technology is in a continuous state of improvement, with models of printers being superseded by new models every quarter and old models being discontinued. This has made researching what is the most suitable difficult as review videos quickly go out of date. Most machines are made in China and imported into the UK via the EU so this has also made sourcing a machine difficult. Most commercially available have a similar sized build plate and overall size, the differentiation seems come from the speed of the print and the quality of the LCD screen (3dnatives.com 2021). At the time of writing the brand Elegoo have just released the Mars 2, confusingly this is a newer model than the previous Mars 2 Pro. The Mars 2 appears to be the most suitable, it has a high quality screen with a fast print size. It also has a rubber gasket around the shell to keep fumes inside and space for carbon air filters.
References
- CHAN, N., 2020. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro $300 Resin 3D Printer Review![viewed Feb 14, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AWWRP12hGw&ab_channel=AdamSavage%E2%80%99sTested
- ELEGOO, 2020. How the Air Purifier Performs on ELEGOO Mars 2 Pro Printer [viewed Feb 17, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJsFSNYjzMc&ab_channel=ElegooOfficial
- ELEGOO, 2021. Mars Series LCD Printers 2021]. Available from: https://www.elegoo.com/collections/mars-series https://www.elegoo.com/collections/mars-series https://www.elegoo.com/collections/mars-series
- ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2 in 1 Washing and Curing Machine Review | Resin 3D Printing Cleaning 2020. [viewed Feb 17, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0_2wwVgDEo&ab_channel=UncleJessy
- ENFOY, A., 2020. 17 Best 3D Printing Software of 2021 (CAD and Modeling Tools) 2021]. Available from: https://www.adamenfroy.com/3d-printing-software
- MENSLEY, M., 2021. 2021 Best Budget Resin 3D Printers (January) 2021]. Available from: https://all3dp.com/1/best-resin-dlp-sla-3d-printer-kit-stereolithography/
- SANLADERER, T., 2019. Is resin 3D printing worth it? (Elegoo Mars Review) [viewed Feb 13, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrglNNw5A8Q
- SANLADERER, T., 2020a. 3D Printing Basics: Resin Printers! (Ep3) [viewed Feb 17, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TZ2R88rPoo
- SANLADERER, T., 2020b. Elegoo Mars (2 Pro): Which one is the best resin printer?[viewed Feb 17, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yZ4KiK_pl0
- VEGOILGUY, 2020. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro HONEST review + Mars original comparison – by VOG (VegOilGuy) [viewed Feb 15, 2021]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qq33YeFCLg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qq33YeFCLg
- What 3D resin printers are available in 2021?2021. [viewed Feb 13, 2021]. Available from: https://www.3dnatives.com/en/top-10-resin-3d-printers280320174/