Instructions for Use (IFU) for Inkjet Printers

This document provides fast, practical and illustrative guidance for printing with inkjet-based photopolymer additive manufacturing systems using 3Dresyns® inkjet-compatible resin systems.

This Fast IFU is intended as a workflow aid and visual reference. It complements, but does not replace, any official Instructions for Use (IFU) provided by 3Dresyns or by inkjet printer manufacturers and must be used in conjunction with the applicable official documentation.

This Fast IFU does not define validated or universal processing conditions.

Purpose of IFU for Inkjet Printers

The purpose of IFU is to:

• support rapid setup of inkjet printing workflows

• provide practical guidance on jetting behavior and curing

• assist troubleshooting during initial trials

• accelerate onboarding for inkjet resin systems

This document focuses on practical usability, not on exhaustive qualification.

Scope and limitations

This Fast IFU applies to:

• inkjet-based photopolymer printing systems

• drop-on-demand and continuous inkjet configurations

• 3Dresyns® inkjet-compatible resin systems

This Fast IFU does not apply to:

• vat photopolymerization technologies (SLA, DLP, LCD)

• powder-based or extrusion-based systems

• regulated medical workflows unless validated separately

Performance and print quality depend on the complete material–printer–process system, including ink formulation, printhead characteristics, jetting parameters, curing strategy and environmental conditions.

3Dresyns does not control printer hardware, firmware updates or proprietary jetting algorithms.

Ink and material considerations

Inkjet photopolymer systems require:

• controlled viscosity and surface tension

• stable jetting behavior

• compatibility with printhead materials

Ink properties may be influenced by:

• temperature

• aging and storage conditions

• formulation version and additives

Not all resin systems are suitable for all inkjet platforms.

Typical starting conditions (indicative only)

The following are indicative starting considerations and must be validated by the user:

• Ink viscosity and temperature within printer-specific limits

• Drop size and firing frequency appropriate for the printhead

• UV curing intensity matched to ink reactivity

Exact values depend strongly on the selected printer and ink formulation.

Jetting validation and observation

Prior to printing functional parts, users should:

• visually inspect droplet formation and trajectory

• confirm absence of satellites or misfiring

• verify consistent jetting across nozzles

Jetting instability must be resolved before scaling production.

Curing and solidification considerations

Curing behavior in inkjet printing depends on:

• ink reactivity

• UV wavelength and intensity

• exposure timing relative to droplet deposition

Insufficient curing may lead to spreading or deformation, while excessive curing may reduce interlayer adhesion.

Calibration and process optimization

Inkjet process optimization may involve:

• adjusting printhead temperature

• tuning firing frequency and waveform

• modifying curing intensity and timing

Only one parameter should be changed at a time, and results must be documented.

Post-processing considerations

Post-processing steps may include:

• additional UV curing

• cleaning or removal of uncured material

• thermal stabilization where applicable

Post-processing workflows depend on the specific inkjet system and application.

Troubleshooting (indicative)

If jetting is unstable:

• verify ink viscosity and temperature

• check nozzle condition and cleanliness

If printed features spread or deform:

• increase curing intensity or reduce deposition rate

If poor adhesion is observed:

• adjust curing timing or surface preparation

All adjustments must be validated experimentally.

Relationship to official Instructions for Use

This IFU must always be used together with:

• any official IFU provided by 3Dresyns

• printer-specific documentation supplied by the inkjet equipment manufacturer

• any application-specific IFU, where applicable

In case of discrepancy, the official documentation always prevails.

Governing principle

This Fast IFU provides practical guidance only. Final material performance depends on ink formulation, printer configuration, jetting behavior, curing strategy and post-processing workflow and must be validated by the user.