{"id":165162,"date":"2022-07-22T10:10:59","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T02:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165162"},"modified":"2022-08-11T11:41:23","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T03:41:23","slug":"sla-3d-printing-how-do-you-dispose-of-resin","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/sla-3d-printing-how-do-you-dispose-of-resin","title":{"rendered":"SLA 3D Printing: How Do You Dispose of Resin?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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3D printing resins are tricky to handle, so how do you dispose of resin? Learn what (and what not) to do with this important material.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Liquid resin is the main material used in\u00a0stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing<\/a>. SLA uses a UV laser that traces the shape of an object onto the surface of a photopolymer vat. The resin then cures to form layers of the print, and the entire process is repeated until it\u2019s a complete 3D print.<\/p>\n

Using a\u00a0resin 3D printer<\/a>\u00a0is very different from using an\u00a0FDM printer<\/a>\u00a0for many reasons, including the unique properties of resin itself. Resins used in 3D printing have toxins and need to be safely handled, stored, and disposed of. Not surprisingly, resins\u2019 toxicity makes the whole process of disposal more complex than with FDM and plastic filaments.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll guide you through the safety precautions that you should take when handling resin, how best to store it, and finally, how best to dispose of it. Safety considerations also have a role in what resin you choose to print with, so we\u2019ll kick things off with a discussion of safer resin options.<\/p>\n

Be a good citizen and read on!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The Best Resin 3D Printers of 2022<\/a><\/div>\n
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Environmentally Friendly Resin<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Eco-friendly resins are your safest bet! (Source: Elegoo, Models by Great Grimoire & Archvillain Games)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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There are a lot of resin options available, but if you\u2019re concerned about\u00a0resin\u2019s toxicity<\/a>, you might want to consider using an environmentally friendly resin. These resins are typically bio-based and (theoretically) biodegradable. Noteworthy examples include\u00a0Anycubic\u2019s line of plant-based resin<\/span>,\u00a0Elegoo\u2019s range<\/span>, as well as\u00a03Dresyns\u2019 offerings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While all of the safety precautions we describe below should still be followed, eco-friendly resins are far less harmful to you and the environment than regular resin. For usage and disposal guidance, always follow the manufacturers\u2019 instructions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Safety<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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70% isopropyl alcohol and a pack of nitrile gloves is a good start (Source: All3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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When dealing with resin, you should always wear protective gear. Resins can harm your skin, so whenever you use resin, always wear gloves.<\/p>\n

In most places, you\u2019ll be able to choose from latex and nitrile gloves. The latter are better for handling resin because they\u2019re chemical resistant and, of course, will prevent any resin from getting on your bare hands.<\/p>\n

Apart from the gloves, you may also want to wear protective glasses, which keep you safe from splashes. It won\u2019t cost you much to pick up a pair, so from our perspective, it\u2019s a no-brainer. You can also use a mask to prevent breathing in any fumes from resin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Storage<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Keep resin in a dark, cool space (Source: Monocure3D Pro Tips via YouTube)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When you\u2019re not using your resin, it\u2019s important to store it correctly. As resins easily react with UV light, resin manufacturers always use black, light-proof containers.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s also recommended that the containers be kept out of the sun. Putting the container in a cabinet or in a dark place is best.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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During Printing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Always wear gloves (Source: Formlabs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Pre- and mid-printing phases are simple when it comes to handling your resin safely. The most important thing is to make sure you\u2019ve got your gloves on when initially pouring resin into the vat or if you need to add more during the printing process.<\/p>\n

Spills can happen when you\u2019re pouring resin, so let\u2019s discuss what to do if that happens. In the end, it isn\u2019t that big of a deal if you have the proper gear to clean it up.<\/p>\n

Before you start doing anything with resin, make sure you\u2019ve got some isopropyl alcohol. Cleaning with alcohol ensures all your spilled resin will be removed properly. You\u2019ll also need alcohol for cleaning the vat and the build platform, so make sure you\u2019ve got at a big bottle nearby!<\/p>\n

After Printing<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Alcohol is your friend (Source: Uncle Jessy via YouTube)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The post-printing phase is a bit more involved. It includes removing your print from the build platform, cleaning the vat and the build platform, and also pouring the resin back into its container.<\/p>\n

Once your print is done, we suggest you lay some paper towels down around the printer. This will prevent the resin from going directly onto the surface you\u2019re working on. Of course, wear gloves when pulling the build platform out of the printer, as well as when you\u2019re cleaning it with alcohol.<\/p>\n

We won\u2019t go through the process of post-processing here, as that\u2019s beyond the scope of this article. If you\u2019re interested, you can read more about\u00a0post-processing resin parts<\/a>\u00a0in our dedicated article.<\/p>\n

Water-Washable Resin<\/h3>\n

It is important, however, to briefly discuss\u00a0water-washable resins<\/a>. They simplify the cleaning of resin 3D printed parts but leave residual rinse water behind that contains substances that are very hazardous to you and the environment.<\/p>\n

Leftover rinse water\u00a0should not<\/em>\u00a0be poured down the drain. Any residual resin in the water has to be cured prior to disposal, which we\u2019ll discuss in detail below.<\/p>\n

Clean Up<\/h3>\n
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You’ll find a simple funnel a very useful tool for handling leftover resin (Source: All3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a print\u2019s done, the vat typically contains some leftover resin. This resin can be reused, so definitely put it back into its container.<\/p>\n

Open up the container, and put a funnel into the opening. It\u2019s ideal if the\u00a0funnel has a mesh filter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Slowly pour the uncured resin from the vat back into the container until the vat is empty. Then use paper towels with alcohol to wipe out any remaining uncured resin. Be gentle when wiping the FEP film so that it doesn\u2019t get scratched.<\/p>\n

Curing<\/h3>\n
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Cure all resin residue before disposing (Source: Formlabs Support)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Curing is absolutely critical when it comes to resin disposal, so let\u2019s get into what it is and how to do it. When you buy resin, it comes in an uncured (liquid) form, which is good for printing but also toxic!<\/p>\n

Thankfully, curing is pretty simple and involves heating the resin up or exposing it to sunlight (or another source of UV light) until it\u2019s completely hardened. Basically, cured resin is safe resin.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re done with printing, your gloves will have some resin on them, as well as the paper towels used. We suggest putting your gloves and paper towels into the sun, if possible, to cure the leftover resin so that you can dispose of that waste with the regular trash.<\/p>\n

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A creative and effective UV curing oven (Source: Adam Savage\u2019s Tested via YouTube)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you aren\u2019t in a sunny place, there are a number of other ways to cure the resin from your gloves, paper towels, bottles, and prints. All involve turning up the heat, literally, with heat or UV lamps.<\/p>\n

Curing simply takes time and depends on the type of resin you\u2019re using. The manufacturer should have information printed on the bottle about recommendations, as well. The most important thing is that the resin dries completely from whatever surface it\u2019s on.<\/p>\n

Regarding water-washable resin, prior to disposing of the residual rinse water, it should also be exposed to either sunlight or UV light.\u00a0 Depending on the intensity of the sun, at least a half-hour should suffice. Any residual resin in the water will form as solid particles, which can be strained from the water and disposed of with regular trash.\u00a0 After that, the rinse water can be safely thrown out.<\/p>\n

Disposal<\/h3>\n
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You’ll definitely want to throw this away (Source: Dav56 via Formlabs Community Forum)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a case where you\u2019d like to throw away a failed print (and the memory of it), be sure to cure it first. When cured, the resin isn\u2019t dangerous anymore, hence why the parts can be touched without gloves and therefore disposed of with the regular trash.<\/p>\n

The same goes for resin containers that are either emptied or contain some leftover resin. Always let the resin cure before disposing of it. Simply open up the containers and leave them in the sun or a warm place until they\u2019re completely dry.<\/p>\n

Never pour the resin into the drain as it can end up damaging your pipes and, even worse, the environment.<\/p>\n

Another option for disposing of resin is to let the professionals do it. Contact your local waste or recycling center to see if they have the capacity to dispose of your waste safely.<\/p>\n

Dos & Don’ts<\/h3>\n
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Keep the trash clean (Source: Ataca via Thingiverse)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here\u2019s a quick \u201cDos and Don\u2019ts\u201d list for you to make sure you\u2019re handling your resin responsibly.<\/p>\n

Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n