3D-ADD Circular & Hybrid — Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What are these additives?

They are plug-and-play liquid concentrates for SLA, DLP and LCD 3D printing systems working at 385–405 nm. They add three possible behaviors to the host resin:

• Warm-Release: warm-press re-seal plus gentle-bath soft release.
• RePrint: release, recover a printable syrup, and re-print.
• Hybrid Hot-Weld: high-integrity thermal interlayer welding in rigid and high-Tg host resins, with optional gentle release for maintenance.

Which printers are compatible?

Open-materials SLA, DLP and LCD systems with 385–405 nm light. Closed-materials printers may require OEM unlock.

Which resins can I use them with?

• Rigid, engineering and high-Tg resins: best matched with Hybrid Hot-Weld.
• Clear rigid and tough resins: suitable for Warm-Release or RePrint in the Optic version.
• Flexible and elastomeric resins: suitable for Warm-Release for warm-press re-seal, and for RePrint when soft release or barrier-like behavior is required at higher loadings.
• Pigmented and filled resins: compatible, although exposure should be re-tuned on dense or opaque systems.

How much should I add? (starting guidance)

• Warm-Release: rigid and tough resins 5–15 wt %; flexible and elastomeric resins 10–20 wt %.
• RePrint: rigid and tough resins 5–10 wt %; flexible resins 10–20 wt %; barrier or seal behavior 20–30 wt %.
• Hybrid Hot-Weld: rigid and high-Tg resins 5–10 wt %.

Tip: Optic usually performs best at the lower end of the range, while Thermal-Weld generally benefits from mid to higher use levels.

What is the typical activation for repair, weld or release?

• Warm-Release: re-seal at approximately 40–60 °C with light pressure, and perform soft release in a controlled warm bath.
• RePrint: repair at approximately 50–80 °C with light pressure; for re-printing, release to a printable syrup in a warm bath.
• Hybrid Hot-Weld: approximately 90–120 °C for 10–20 minutes with light clamping, then cool in contact to lock the joint.

Exact conditions depend on host Tg, post-cure, section thickness and applied pressure.

Will I need to change exposure settings?

Usually yes. A typical starting point is +10–30% versus the clear baseline. Bottom layers and normal layer exposure should be re-tuned, and cure depth should be verified on internal coupons.

How do I mix it in?

Add the additive under moderate stirring. If needed, temper to 40–50 °C to improve homogenization. Degas before printing when optical quality is critical.

What is the difference between Optic, Thermal-Weld and BioGen (MTO)?

• Optic (High Clarity & Low Odor): designed to preserve appearance and clarity, making it suitable for lenses, displays and transparent housings.
• Thermal-Weld (Hot-Weld Focus): designed to prioritize high-integrity interlayer welding in rigid and high-Tg parts.
• BioGen: made-to-order variant with a bio-positioned narrative and the same usage logic; contact us to configure it.

Will it affect mechanical properties?

At recommended levels, the following effects can typically be expected:

• More robust interlayer joints, with fewer layer-split failures.
• Lower incidence of micro-cracks and improved fatigue resistance.
• Flexible and flex-tough resins may soften slightly at higher loadings, especially with RePrint when targeting barrier or seal behavior.

Final properties should always be validated on coupons using internal methods or ISO-aligned methods.

Does it stay clear?

Optic versions are designed for high clarity. Thermal-Weld versions prioritize weld integrity, so a minor trade-off in optics is possible. BioGen can show a warm tint, so dose should be kept modest when display-grade clarity is required.

Will it increase odor or VOCs?

All variants are low-odor and low-volatility. Optic is the most odor-lean option. Good ventilation is still recommended during mixing and printing, as with any UV resin.

How do I perform a repair?

1. Align the damaged interface or crack.
2. Apply the required activation temperature for the selected product with light pressure.
3. Allow the part to cool in contact and, if needed, apply a brief local 405 nm flash to lock the joint.

How do I do a RePrint cycle?

1. Place the part in a controlled warm bath until it reaches the required softening or flow condition.
2. Recover the printable syrup, filter if needed, and re-balance exposure on coupons.
3. Re-print and track cosmetic quality and dimensional fidelity over repeated cycles.

Does it work with pigments and fillers?

Yes. Exposure should be re-tuned and through-cure should be verified. For very opaque or heavily filled systems, a slightly higher use level or longer exposure may be needed.

Any risk to vat or tank life?

These additives are formulated for low shrinkage and low volatility. Many users observe equal or improved vat life compared with aggressive fast-cure resin systems. The vat should remain covered when idle.

Is it biocompatible, dental, implant or food-grade?

These products are intended for industrial and R&D use by default. If such claims are required, contact us for a dedicated validation path.

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed at 15–25 °C, dry and protected from light. Shelf life when unopened is 12 months. Mix under controlled light conditions. Do not expose vats or open containers to ambient light.

Troubleshooting quick guide

• Poor weld or repair: increase activation temperature or time, move to the Thermal-Weld version, and verify post-cure.
• Cloudiness in clear prints: reduce dose or switch to Optic, improve degassing and filtration, and re-tune exposure.
• Fragile thin walls: increase per-layer exposure slightly and consider a small increase in use level to improve interlayer cohesion.
• Release too slow (RePrint): increase bath temperature within the guidance range and verify that the part has reached target temperature uniformly.
• Warp or overcure: reduce per-layer exposure, add more supports, and ensure ambient light is controlled.

How do I choose where to start?

• For repair plus occasional release in clear rigid parts, start with Warm-Release (Optic) at 5–10 wt %.
• For a re-printable syrup after use, start with RePrint (Optic) at 5–10 wt % for rigid systems or 10–15 wt % for flexible systems.
• For layer-split issues in engineering builds, start with Hybrid Hot-Weld (Thermal-Weld) at 7–10 wt %.

What is in the box?

A ready-to-mix additive, a mini measuring kit, and a 250 mL black bottle designed to protect blends from ambient light.