3Dresyn Nylon-like vs. Toughest” SLA 3D resins

Mechanical Resistance Comparison & Executive Summary

Executive Summary

3Dresyn Nylon‑like is a tough, semi‑rigid SLA/DLP/LCD resin engineered for thin‑wall ductility and snap‑fit geometries with ultra‑low water absorption (ULWA) and bio‑content. Unlike many “tough” resins that turn brittle when wall thickness drops, Nylon‑like can be bent at low thickness without cracking. It remains relatively rigid (for good dimensional stability and scuff resistance), yet exhibits controlled flexure and impact absorption in thin sections—striking a practical balance between stiffness and ductility for functional parts.

Bend without breaking—at thin walls.
3Dresyn Nylon‑like is semi‑rigid for stability yet ductile when thin, enabling snap‑fits and hinge‑like flex without cracks—and it resists nylon‑style moisture uptake. ULWA, bio‑content, and open‑system compatibility make it a practical choice for real‑world functional parts.

Typical intent (vendor guidance): designed for ≤ 2 mm thin‑wall regions that can flex and recover, with low moisture pick‑up to keep dimensions steady over time. Works on open 385/405 nm printers.

Data Table — Typical Properties (post‑cure; vendor data and competitor TDS)

Resin Flexural strength Notched Izod Elongation Density / Notes
3Dresyn Nylon‑like < 40 MPa up to ~80 J/m (thin‑wall foldable) ULWA (very low water absorption); bio‑content; open 385/405 nm.
Liqcreate Tough‑X — (impact‑focused) ~72 J/m 100–150 % Open 385–420 nm; very high ductility; low tensile strength.
Henkel Loctite 3172 High Impact (impact‑oriented) high high Partner ecosystems; PP‑like positioning.
Forward AM Ultracur3D ST 80 (tough) Flex @5% ≈ 60 MPa ~16–37 J/m ~20–25 % Open via partners; general‑purpose tough.
Nexa3D xPP405 (PP‑like) ≈ 50 MPa ~51–65 J/m ~100 % PP‑like feel; moderate HDT.
Formlabs Tough 2000 ≈ 65 MPa ~40 J/m ~48–74 % Closed ecosystem.
Formlabs Durable (PP‑like) ≈ 24 MPa ~114 J/m ~55–75 % Very ductile; low HDT; closed ecosystem.

Comparability note: Some competitors report stress at 5% strain (not maximum) or require thermal bake. Normalize across ASTM/ISO methods when comparing headline numbers.

What Makes 3Dresyn Nylon‑like Different

1) Thin‑Wall Bending Without Cracking (Despite Being Relatively Rigid)

  • Designed to resist breaking when bent at low thickness. In ≤ 2 mm regions, Nylon‑like can be bent and flexed repeatedly without fracture, even though the material is relatively rigid compared with elastomeric grades. This makes it ideal for living‑hinge‑like areas, clips, latches, and covers that must flex during assembly or service.

  • Why it works: A tuned balance of toughness and semi‑rigidity delivers high resistance to crack initiation under localized bending. You get controlled flex when thin, and shape stability when thick.

2) Ultra‑Low Water Absorption (ULWA) vs. Real Nylon (PA)

  • Real nylon absorbs moisture and can swell; Nylon‑like remains dimensionally stable with very low water uptake. This preserves fit, tolerances, and surface finish in humid environments—crucial for precision assemblies and micro‑mechanisms.

3) Safer Chemistry & Bio‑Content

  • Highlights bio‑content and biocompatibility claims (non‑cytotoxic) to support safer prototyping contexts. (Always validate against your end‑use regulatory requirements.)

4) Open‑System Compatibility & Process Agility

  • 385/405 nm compatibility across SLA/DLP/LCD/MSLA platforms (no lock‑in). Easier adoption, tuning, and scaling compared with closed ecosystems.

Application Guidance

  • Choose 3Dresyn Nylon‑like for:
    Snap‑fits, living‑hinge‑like features, flexible housings/caps, thin protective shells, impact‑absorbing elements, and assemblies requiring dimensional stability in ambient/humid conditions. The resin is rigid enough to hold shape, yet ductile enough to bend at low thickness without cracking.

Processing Notes (Quick Start)

  • Design for flex: Target ≤ 2 mm wall thickness where you want bending; add fillets at hinge roots; avoid sharp notches; orient build to reduce layer‑wise stress risers in flex zones.

  • Post‑cure: UV post‑cure to reach target toughness; avoid over‑bake that may embrittle thin features (general best practice for tough resins).

  • Storage: Standard dry storage is sufficient; ULWA means no special moisture conditioning is required.

References