{"id":165640,"date":"2022-08-19T10:24:26","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T02:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165640"},"modified":"2022-09-09T17:04:36","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T09:04:36","slug":"resin-3d-printing-can-you-use-food-coloring-in-resin","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/resin-3d-printing-can-you-use-food-coloring-in-resin","title":{"rendered":"Resin 3D Printing: Can You Use Food Coloring in Resin?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Food dyes are used all the time in baking to give a splash of color. But can you use food coloring in resin? Read on to find out!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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All About Resin<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Printing with resin can give beautifully intricate results (Source: Oggie via Cults)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Resin<\/a>\u00a0is made up of combinations of oligomers and monomers that are photosensitive. In the context of\u00a0additive manufacturing<\/a>, this photosensitivity is used in\u00a0vat polymerization<\/a>, where the specifically-designed resin is cured (hardened) by exposure to UV light. In the case of\u00a0stereolithography (SLA)<\/a>, the light source is a high-powered laser, while in newer methods like\u00a0digital light processing (DLP)<\/a>, a projector screen is used.<\/p>\n

To some extent, these processes are comparable with\u00a0fused deposition modeling (FDM)<\/a>\u00a03D printing, as a part is still created layer by layer. However, with resin 3D printing, the build plate is slowly raised away from the vat of resin as each layer is cured, rather than layers being extruded on top of each other.<\/p>\n

Resin can be purchased in a variety of colors, but as with anything, makers have begun to experiment with other methods of coloring, including using dyes intended for food. But don\u2019t be fooled: Even if you can add food coloring to it,\u00a0resin is still toxic<\/a>! When handling or printing with resin, we recommend wearing\u00a0safety goggles<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0nitrile gloves<\/a>, and always work in a well-ventilated area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How to Dye<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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You can even change colors at different layers (Source: FEPshop)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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3D printing resin is usually already dyed by the manufacturer in its own range of colors. If you wish to customize your own, the process is similar to that of dyeing resins for other purposes \u2013 basically, you mix in the dye! It\u2019s recommended to use a clear resin when aiming for a transparent finish, and white resin for an opaque result.<\/p>\n

To change the color of the resin, prior to printing, you add drops of dye or pigment to the resin to achieve the desired color. It\u2019s important to do this in a cup or another plastic container, so you can ensure it\u2019s properly mixed before pouring it into the printer\u2019s vat.<\/p>\n

As pictured above, it\u2019s possible to change colors in a single print. A gradual color change is achievable by periodically adding more or different dye to the resin vat, though the inability to mix in the color can lead to patchy or streaky results. Alternatively, you can change colors mid-print by pausing the print and replacing the resin in the vat with a new color.<\/p>\n

For best results, a\u00a0color chart<\/a>\u00a0and sub-milligram scales are recommended. Keep thorough records of what you\u2019ve done for repeatable and accurate colors.<\/p>\n

Note that, depending on the machine and type of dye you add, there\u2019s a possibility that you could be voiding your manufacturer\u2019s warranty. Be sure to double-check before trying anything out of the ordinary!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Playing with Food Coloring<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Using food coloring can cause prints to crack (Source: Powderandpencils via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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First thing\u2019s first, for best results you should be using a powdered pigment or a liquid dye designed for UV resin. 3DJake, for example, offers\u00a0resin dyes in a variety of colors<\/span>\u00a0so you can create any color you like, though it\u2019s important to note that their\u00a0base color mix<\/span>\u00a0is intended for use with\u00a0DLP or LCD printers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, it\u2019s possible to use food coloring that\u2019s either powdered or oil-based, as these will work essentially the same as those designed for UV resin. Examples include pigments used to give color to chocolate or candy. The reason these specific food dyes are oil-based is to retain proper consistency and mix well with the confectionary.<\/p>\n

The issue with most supermarket-bought food coloring is that it\u2019s water-based, and resin is not. Keeping your base materials the same is important, as one of the issues with using water-based dyes is that they may not mix well. This could lead to streaky color at a minimum, or even failed prints!<\/p>\n

An additional problem with using water or solvent-based dyes is what might happen in the future. As explained by Monocure3D Pro Tips\u00a0on YouTube<\/a>, these types of dyes can evaporate over time and crack the resin, ruining the print.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Best Practice & Tips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Wear nitrile gloves when handling resin (Source: MatterHackers)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Follow the following to get the most out of your dyed prints and avoid common mistakes:<\/p>\n