Instructions for Use (IFU) for Additives & Resin Modification

This document defines the general principles, limitations and responsibilities associated with the use of functional additives and formulation modifications in 3Dresyns® photopolymer resin systems.

This IFU applies to the modification of 3Dresyns resins by adding functional additives supplied by 3Dresyns and must be used in conjunction with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) for the relevant printing technology and application.

Scope of application

This IFU applies to:

• functional additives supplied by 3Dresyns

• modification of 3Dresyns resin systems prior to printing

• tuning of printing speed, resolution or functional behavior

This IFU does not cover:

• additives or chemicals supplied by third parties

• off-label formulation changes

• reverse engineering or reformulation of resin chemistry

Nature of 3Dresyns additives

3Dresyns additives are designed as controlled functional modifiers that enable fine adjustment of resin behavior within a validated formulation framework.

Depending on the additive type, modifications may target:

• printing speed and exposure sensitivity

• resolution and light bleeding control

• viscosity and flow behavior

• surface properties

• functional performance (electrical, optical, thermal, etc.)

Additives do not create new base materials. They modify the response of an existing resin system.

Multivariable system consideration

3Dresyns resins are multivariable systems. The effect of any additive depends on:

• base resin formulation

• additive type and concentration

• printer technology (SLA, DLP, LCD, 2PP, etc.)

• exposure strategy and power

• post-processing workflow

Additive effects must therefore be evaluated within the complete material–printer–process system.

General rules for additive use

The following general rules apply to all additive use:

• Only additives supplied or explicitly recommended by 3Dresyns may be used.

• Additives must be introduced in small, incremental steps.

• Each modification must be documented and traceable.

• Only one variable should be changed at a time whenever possible.

Exceeding recommended ranges or combining multiple additives without validation may lead to unpredictable behavior.

Typical additive concentration strategy

Additives are typically introduced at low concentrations relative to the base resin.

Indicative principles:

• start at the lowest recommended increment

• evaluate printability and performance

• increase stepwise only if needed

Because exposure architectures differ, dosing increments may vary between:

• laser-based SLA systems

• projection-based DLP & LCD systems

Refer to the relevant printer-specific IFU where applicable.

Mixing and homogenization

Proper mixing is essential to ensure consistent additive distribution.

Recommended practices:

• add the calculated amount of additive to the resin

• mix thoroughly using gentle mechanical agitation

• avoid introducing air bubbles

• allow degassing if required before printing

Incomplete mixing may lead to local property variation, print defects or inconsistent performance.

Effect on printing and calibration

Any additive addition invalidates previous calibration data.

After additive modification:

• exposure time must be re-evaluated

• curing rate behavior must be re-measured if relevant

• reference test files (e.g. 3DTest1, 3DTest2) should be reprinted

Additives may change curing kinetics, light penetration and green strength.

Interaction with post-processing

Additives may influence:

• washing efficiency

• post-curing response

• surface chemistry

• long-term stability

Post-processing workflows must therefore be validated again after additive use.

Deviation from qualified post-processing workflows may significantly affect final part performance.

Traceability and documentation

For any resin modification, users must maintain clear documentation including:

• base resin product and version

• additive type and concentration

• lot numbers

• printer and exposure settings

• post-processing workflow

This documentation is essential for reproducibility, troubleshooting and application validation.

Limitations and responsibilities

Additive use introduces additional variability into the printing process.

Users are responsible for:

• validating modified resin systems for their intended application

• ensuring regulatory compliance where applicable

• verifying long-term performance and safety

3Dresyns does not assume responsibility for performance, safety or compliance of resin systems modified outside qualified and documented workflows.

Relationship to other Instructions for Use

This IFU must be used together with:

• Instructions for Use (IFU) for Vat Photopolymerization (SLA, DLP & LCD)

• printer-specific IFU documents

• application-specific IFU where applicable

In case of discrepancy, the most restrictive or application-specific IFU prevails.

Governing principle

Functional additives modify resin behavior within a controlled formulation framework. They do not eliminate the need for calibration, validation or process control. Final performance depends on the complete material–printer–process system.