www.3ders.org

Jun 1, 2015 | By Simon

While we’ve been seeing an ever-increasing range of 3D printers including both those that incorporate additional manufacturing processes as well as those that aim to be more minimal and low-cost , we’ve also been seeing an increase in interesting and useful 3D printing materials as well.  

More recently, researchers at Bucktown Polymers have developed a new type of 3D printing material that cures rapidly when exposed to light yet remains water soluble after curing: Rinse Out Resin (ROR).  

The company  - which is based in Chicago, Illinois and produces a range of products including adhesives, coatings, inks, resins, composites, photopolymers and other materials for manufacturing - found that the materials have unique uses in additive manufacturing and casting processes since they are able to change from a liquid into a solid using only a light source as a temporary support for other materials or as a pattern during the casting process.  Once a process has been completed, the support material is able to be quickly dissolved using only a warm water rinse.  

Among other benefits of the ROR (Rinse Out Resin) include its ability to drastically reduce the amount time required to produce as an investment casting material.  Existing polymer or wax-based offerings have up to a 12-hour long burnout process whereas the ROR is capable of being rinsed with water in a matter of minutes.  Additionally, the material allows for higher pattern resolution, intricacy and better finishes than other similar materials.  Since the water rinse is ultimately replacing the burnout process, it is also eliminating the problem of unintended patterns that can be created from other materials due to polymer expansions or leftover ash and residue.   

Features of Rinse Out Resin (ROR):

• Zero VOC
• Fast Curing
• Available in -V420 for curing by UV-light, LED or laser up to Violet 420nm.
• Low Viscosity (Ec: <15mj/cm^2)
• Low odor
• Dissolves rapidly in hot water.
• Cures by UV or visible light
• Comaptible with SLA, laser and DLP 3D printers

Of course, regardless of the benefits of the material, determining its usability comes down to its ability to be used without the need for expensive equipment or a complicated user experience that could deter would-be users.  With this in mind, the water soluble materials can be formulated for compatibility with many existing desktop 3D printers and more complicated industrial additive manufacturing machines including SLA, DLP, Inkjet and powder-based processes.  Perhaps its most significant use though will be in replacing lost wax processes which are used for creating various metal objects.   

Those interested in finding out more about Rinse Out Resin can head over to Bucktown Polymers.  

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Materials

 

Maybe you also like:

• ProtoFlux magnetic 3D printing filament launches on Kickstarter
• i.materialise add five sparkly colors to their alumide 3D printing material
• Functionalize fund raising for ultra-conductive 3D printing filament for printing electronics
• 3D printing incorporates complex metal alloys for stronger manufacturing parts
• German scientists turn to 3D printing technology to create artificial textiles
• 3DXNano ESD Carbon Nanotube 3D printing filament optimized for semi-con & electronics industry
• Cyrus printers releases new 3D printing filament range
• Design for Craft launches PLA HS 3D printing filament - stronger than ABS
• Biome Bioplastics launches Biome3D biodegradable material for 3D printing
• NanoSteel announces crack-free 99.9% dense steel powder for 3D metal printer

   

Emanuele wrote at 10/3/2017 1:15:49 PM:

Hi, I'm writing to you from the Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) in Zaragoza, Spain. We're very interested in ROR polymer because it fit perfectly in our study case. If you could tell us how we can buy it. Thank you Best Regards

Emanuele wrote at 10/3/2017 1:14:58 PM:

Hi, I'm writing to you from the Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon (INA) in Zaragoza, Spain. We're very interested in ROR polymer because it fit perfectly in our study case. If you could tell us how we can buy it. Thank you Best Regards

Todd Michael wrote at 10/21/2015 4:25:23 PM:

Very interesting, is this a product that is available to the consumer yet? I use an open source 3d DLP printer, and if possible would like to get some of the Resin and printing instructions to program my printer and give this a try? Toddmichael 248-559-0100

Capra J'neva wrote at 6/1/2015 10:11:44 PM:

While it may be possible to eliminate some of the need for kiln-firing, should the investment be intended to cast metals, the investment would need to be heated for 2 purposes: to harden the mold, and to bring it to the proper temperature for casting. Otherwise your mold will fail. Usually this is done slowly to decrease stress on the mold.

Andreas wrote at 6/1/2015 12:51:02 PM:

So, what happens to the water that was used to wash out the resin? Are there some problems to be expected when you just dump it in the sink? The only statement regarding this is the "Zero VOC" remark (volatile organic compounds), but that does not really say it's completely safe/non toxic for the einvironment.

Leave a comment:

Your Name: