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    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.

    1) 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.

    2) 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.

    3) 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.

    4) 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.

    5) 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.

    6) Mixing and homogenization

    Proper mixing is essential to ensure consistent additive distribution and reproducible printing behaviour.

    The required homogenization methodology depends strongly on:

    • additive type,
    • filler loading,
    • particle density,
    • sedimentation tendency,
    • resin viscosity,
    • functional powder content.

    Basic mixing strategy for low-viscosity or non-technical systems

    For simple low-viscosity or non-technical additive systems where no significant sedimentation or powder loading is present, manual homogenization by hand shaking may be sufficient.

    This may apply to:

    • low-concentration liquid additives,
    • simple colour modifications,
    • low-density transparent modifiers,
    • minor formulation adjustments without heavy fillers.

    Technical mixing strategy for filled or high-load systems

    For more technical systems containing:

    • high powder loading,
    • ceramic particles,
    • metallic particles,
    • bio-based powders,
    • functional fillers,
    • sedimentable additives,
    • high-density pigments,
    • fibres or reinforcing particles,
    • high-viscosity components,
    • thermally conductive fillers,
    • electrically functional powders.

    manual hand shaking may become insufficient to achieve complete homogenization.

    In these cases, the use of a conventional laboratory mixer, mechanical stirrer or overhead laboratory mixing system is strongly recommended.

    The objective is to obtain:

    • uniform additive distribution,
    • stable viscosity,
    • consistent curing behaviour,
    • reproducible printing performance,
    • reduced sedimentation gradients.

    Recommended homogenization practices

    • add the calculated amount of additive to the resin,
    • mix thoroughly using controlled agitation,
    • avoid introducing excessive air bubbles,
    • allow degassing where necessary before printing,
    • verify absence of visible sediment before use.

    Where significant sedimentation tendency exists, periodic re-homogenization during long printing sessions may also be necessary.

    Consequences of incomplete homogenization

    Incomplete or unstable homogenization may lead to:

    • local property variation,
    • sedimentation gradients,
    • inconsistent exposure response,
    • variable viscosity,
    • print defects,
    • unstable curing behaviour,
    • dimensional inconsistency,
    • variable mechanical performance,
    • print failure.

    Proper homogenization is therefore considered part of the overall process-control strategy.

    7) 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.

    3Dresyns calibration files

    8) 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.

    9) 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.

    10) 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.

    11) Relationship to other Instructions for Use

    This IFU must be used together with:

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

    12) 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.