About the importance of following 3Dresyns Instructions for Use (IFU)

3Dresyns® materials are process-dependent photopolymer systems. Final performance is determined by the full material–printer–process–post-processing chain, not by the liquid resin alone. For this reason, following the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) & Printing Parameters is essential to achieve consistent print quality, reproducible properties and controlled safety margins.

In most cases, negative or inconsistent outcomes come from workflow deviations (exposure strategy, cleaning chemistry, post-curing, storage conditions, geometry constraints) rather than from the intrinsic capability of the resin system. IFUs exist to prevent these avoidable failure modes.

Quick guidance

No cutting corners: printing and post-processing steps are part of the material system.
Use the right IFU level: core IFU + technology-specific + application-specific (when relevant).
Document your workflow: resin version, printer, exposure strategy, cleaning and post-curing conditions.
Ask for support early: many issues are resolved quickly when the workflow is reviewed.

Start here: Instructions for Use (IFU) & Printing Parameters.

FAQ

Why do printed properties change between printers or workflows?

Photopolymers form their final polymer network during printing and post-processing. Exposure strategy, light intensity, layer thickness, cleaning chemistry, post-curing energy and storage conditions all influence cure depth, conversion, surface chemistry and interlayer bonding. As a result, reported values are typically workflow-dependent outcomes rather than universal constants.

What do 3Dresyns IFUs define?

3Dresyns IFU & Printing Parameters define qualified reference workflows and recommended process windows to support stable printability and reproducible results. They help users reach optimum outcomes without trial-and-error, while acknowledging that photopolymer systems remain inherently multivariable.

What are the most common causes of poor results?

Incorrect exposure strategy, layer thickness or calibration.
Inappropriate washing chemistry or excessive wash duration.
Insufficient or excessive post-curing (time/energy/temperature).
Inadequate storage conditions (humidity/temperature), especially for temporary or sacrificial systems.
Missing documentation (resin version/SKU, printer, slicer settings, post-processing conditions).

Case study 1: why sacrificial water-soluble systems need stricter handling and storage

This publication attributes limitations to the resin rather than to the workflow: Fabrication of Compliant and Transparent Hollow Cerebral Vascular Phantoms for In Vitro Studies Using 3D Printing and Spin–Dip Coating.

"We believe that this was entirely related to the poor performance of the water-soluble resin..."

Water-soluble sacrificial resins are temporary functional systems and require controlled handling, storage and post-processing to preserve print integrity and dissolution performance. If dedicated sacrificial guidance is not followed (including storage and post-processing constraints), results may be fragile or inconsistent and comparisons become unreliable.

Dedicated guidance: IFU for water soluble sacrificial 3D printed resins.

Case study 2: why cleaning chemistry can reduce transparency and affect mechanical results

This paper compared 3Dresyn OD-Clear TF for aligner manufacturing: Comparison of mechanical properties of 3-dimensional printed and thermoformed orthodontic aligners.

"...washed for 30 minutes in 99% isopropyl alcohol..."

Long exposure to alcohols (IPA/ethanol) can reduce clarity and mechanical performance for many printed parts, especially when the wash is prolonged. This is why 3Dresyns provides specific post-processing guidance for transparency and for aligner workflows.

Transparency and gloss workflows: IFU for ultra gloss and transparency.
Aligner workflows: IFU for printing aligners (DLP & LCD).

What should I report when testing or benchmarking a resin?

Resin name and version/SKU.
Printer model, wavelength and calibrated exposure strategy.
Layer thickness, orientation and support strategy.
Cleaning chemistry, time, temperature and agitation.
Post-curing method, time and total energy.
Conditioning and testing conditions (standard, speed, environment).

What should I send 3Dresyns for faster troubleshooting?

Printer model and firmware, slicer name/version.
Screenshots of key slicing settings (layers, exposures, lift speeds).
Resin name + version/SKU + storage conditions.
Cleaning and post-curing workflow (equipment, chemistry, timing).
Photos of the issue (print on platform + close-up of defects).

Before publishing results involving 3Dresyns®

To ensure traceability and fair interpretation, follow the applicable IFUs and comply with:

Need help or want us to review your workflow?

Email our team with your printer model, resin name/version, slicing settings, cleaning method and post-curing conditions at info@3dresyns.com. We can often identify root causes quickly and help you stabilize performance.