Effect of printing specifications on biocompatibility and mechanical properties
Photopolymer 3D resins are photoreactive resin systems, which depending on their design, the functional additives used, the degree of cure (% conversion from monomer to polymer), the postcuring and cleaning process used for removing residuals and byproducts, can have increased or decreased biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
Their overall results can vary significantly because depend on the final 3D resin tuning or customisation to different printing, postcuring and post processing specifications, which affect the overall biocompatibility and performance properties of printed materials.
Different printers have different specifications, such as light wavelength (365, 385 and the most commonly used 405 nm) and light power across the resin tank, which can range from 0.3 to 50 mW/cm2, or even higher depending on the chosen SLA, DLP, LCD or Inkjet printer.
Photopolymer 3D resins cannot be considered finished materials, such as conventional plastics or polymers, because their biocompatibility and functionality "performance" depend on their tuning, adjustment, or customisation to the specifications of the chosen printing setup. The degree of cure and cleansing of any residuals and reaction byproducts, depend significantly on the printer power, the postcuring, cleansing and overall post processing specifications and protocols.