When 3D printing, it pays to use the right resin

There are many resins advertised as suitable for applications and functional parts, but which is the best and for what purpose?

According to [Jan Mrázek], if one prints gears, so they're definitely not all the same. He recently achieved fantastic results with Siraya Tech Fast Mecha, a composite resin that contains a filler to improve its properties, and he has lots of images and data to share.

[Jan] identified some key features that are important for functional parts like gears. Dimensional accuracy is important, there must be low surface friction on mating surfaces, and printed objects must be durable. Of course, nothing beats a good real-life test. [Jan] puts the resin to work with his favorite method: printing a 1:85 compound planetary gearhead and testing it to failure.

The results? The composite resin worked admirably and, somewhat to his surprise, the teeth of the small gears showed no signs of wear. We recommend that you check the results on his page. [Jan] used the same process to test many different materials, and it's still updated with all the tests he's done to date.

Whether it's solving anything that can go wrong or making flexible build plates before they're cool, we really admire [Jan Mrázek]'s commitment to getting the most out of 3D printing with resin.