Resin printers can achieve a much\u00a0higher resolution<\/a>\u00a0and precision when compared to other desktop solutions such as\u00a0FDM 3D printing<\/a>. This is why the technology is often used for aesthetic purposes, like visual prototypes and artistic models, or finely detailed parts, like those found in the jewelry industry.<\/p>\n Yet, ordinary photopolymer resinsare somewhat fragile, and they leave the smaller details on your prints susceptible to cracking and snapping. Some companies have addressed this issue by introducing tougher and more durable resins. This is an especially popular move as resin 3D printing continues to become more common and affordable.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at what tough resin is, how it\u2019s used, and how it compares to standard resins.<\/p>\n Tough resins are developed for applications requiring materials that can withstand high strain and stress. In fact, the mechanical properties of the cured parts produced by tough resins can even rival industry-grade plastics, as we\u2019ll see later.<\/p>\n Balancing strength and compliance, tough resin is a great choice for strong, functional prototypes and assemblies that need to undergo short periods of mechanical stress. This makes it ideal for wearables, gadgets, and other objects that need to withstand some wear and tear.<\/p>\n Such resins can pose their own challenges when compared to standard resins. Some may require professional 3D printers, and others are simply well above the budget for most hobbyists and home power users.<\/p>\n For comparison, below are some of the main properties of tough and standard resin:<\/p>\n There a handful of general tips when printing with tough resins. While each resin manufacturer provides its own specific recommendations, the following guidelines should also be observed:<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019re well acquainted with tough resins and their peculiarities, let\u2019s dive into some of the best brands and materials for tough resins.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll note that for tough resins, every manufacturer provides technical specifications regarding mechanical behavior. We shouldn\u2019t get into much detail on these properties, although some clarification might be welcome for the uninitiated in material engineering (most of us).<\/p>\n Tensile strength<\/a>\u00a0is a value representing the maximum stress (in MPa) that a material can handle, while\u00a0Young\u2019s modulus<\/a>\u00a0evaluates the elasticity of the material and how much strength is necessary to start deforming it.<\/p>\n Finally,\u00a0Shore D hardness<\/a>\u00a0is a test method to evaluate how hard a given material is. The higher the Shore D value, the harder the material is. This relates more to the possibility of indenting the material surface than overall strength per se.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Siraya Tech\u2019s Blu is one of the most popular tough resins in the market, partially due to its low price point. At around $50 per kilogram, this resin is comparable to standard resins in cost while still providing better mechanical properties.<\/p>\n Blu is advertised as a fast and easy-to-use resin that works well with most desktop 3D printers as well as common cleaning and post-cure methods. Be aware that it was designed for\u00a0LCD and DLP printers<\/a>, not SLA. Siraya recommends printing Blu at temperatures of 25 \u00b0C or above, although a heater is rarely required.<\/p>\n Peopoly\u2019s Tough Resin is perfect for true SLA 3D printers. At first, the material will be softer during the printing process. This is why the folks at Peopoly recommend using extra support and preferably at temperatures of 25 \u00b0C or higher.<\/p>\n For\u00a0post-processing<\/a>, this resin needs some extra care: at least 30 minutes of post-curing with parts submerged in water. However, all of these steps will eventually pay off, resulting in smooth and very tough parts at a very low cost.<\/p>\n For more detailed instructions on how to print with Peopoly\u2019s Tough Resin, check out their\u00a0printing guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n eSun\u2019s Hard-Tough resin is a urethane acrylate photocurable resin appropriate for LCD printers. It claims to have hardness and toughness comparable to ABS filament, able to produce prints that can withstand impact and wear.<\/p>\n When it comes to usage, it\u2019s recommended to print at temperatures between 18 and 35 \u00b0C, and the resin could potentially be pre-heated to 60 \u00b0C, as stated by the manufacturer. For post-processing, eSun also recommends placing the parts in a 50 \u00b0C\u00a0 oven for 20 minutes after the post-cure step.<\/p>\n For more information on instructions and precautions, refer to\u00a0eSun\u2019s printing guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Formlabs\u2019 Tough 2000 resin is a reformulated version of their old Tough Resin. According to the company, it\u2019s the strongest resin in its portfolio, offering the same if not better properties than those of ABS plastic.<\/p>\n As with any Formlabs material, Tough 2000 was developed for use in their own machines, namely the Form 2 and Form 3. Formlabs\u00a0highly recommends<\/a>\u00a0post-curing times of 60 minutes at 70 \u00b0C to bring out the best mechanical properties.<\/p>\n Liqcreate\u2019s Strong-X is perhaps the toughest resin on this list. Boasting a 91 MPa tensile strength and 135 Mpa flexural strength, it can easily be applied for heavy-duty uses. Strong-X also provides a high-temperature resistance, enough even for injection molding applications.<\/p>\n The coolest thing, however, is that it can be printed on most budget DLP and LCD printers, including the\u00a0Anycubic Photon<\/a>,\u00a0Elegoo Mars<\/a>, or\u00a0Wanhao D7<\/a>. (See\u00a0full compatibility list<\/a>.) The only downside is cost: Priced at around $195 per kilogram, it\u2019s one of the most expensive resins in the market.<\/p>\n Loctite<\/a>\u00a0is a brand best known for its adhesives, sealants, and chemicals in general. While photocurable resins fit the description, it might come as a surprise that Loctite produces and sells resins for 3D printing.<\/p>\n Loctite 3843 HDT60 High Toughness<\/a>\u00a0resin is a professional material that provides high impact strength and moderate temperature resistance. It\u2019s compatible with any DLP printer that covers the 386 nm wavelength spectrum.<\/p>\n This material is extensively documented, from printing settings to post-curing instructions, so be sure to check its datasheet for more information.<\/p>\n While marketed as a prototyping resin, the superb mechanical properties of B9Creations\u2019 Gray Resin can easily be put in the tough resin category. It\u2019s intended for B9 DLP machines, but it\u2019s compatible with third-party machines, too.<\/p>\n Besides the high-strength, high-impact properties, this material maintains its shape and dimensions by post-curing. In addition, it can be printed at extremely high speeds \u2013\u00a0up to 100 mm\/hour<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 without sacrificing quality<\/p>\n To finish off this strong list, we have\u00a0EnvisionTEC\u2019s E-Rigid<\/a>. This is a polyurethane-based resin that can produce parts that rival injection molded ones. It is available in three colors: natural, black, and white, with the latter displaying the best mechanical properties.<\/p>\n The E-Rigid polyurethane is a versatile and tough material, ideal for both functional prototyping applications and producing end-use parts. It\u2019s by far the most expensive material on this list, being more suitable when polyurethane properties are required.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nIntroducing Tough Resin<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/c5bb691684b6e579.png\")
How Does It Compare?<\/h3>\n
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TOUGH RESIN<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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STANDARD RESIN<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Useful Tips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/b7ab36386320cb7b.png\")
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Material Properties<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/9d0e3aeb45f32dc0.png\")
Siraya Tech Blu<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/8855f601b7a1f195.png\")
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Peopoly Moai Tough Resin<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/1d1a239c033ccf7e.png\")
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eSun Hard-Tough Resin<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/40b293059abcf8c6.png\")
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Formlabs 2000<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/5946c67d07171c9d.png\")
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Liqcreate Strong-X<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/cdfd5f3de3931161.png\")
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Loctite 3843 HDT60 High Toughness<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/4cd4c24f797edb11.png\")
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B9Creations Gray Resin<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/c197ee6db8e711c6.png\")
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EnvisionTEC E-Rigid PU<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.facfox.com\/imgs\/2022\/03\/34f8f41213e9b4df.png\")
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