3D resins with low refractive index (RI range 1.31-1.44)

3Dresyns® Low Refractive Index Resins (RI 1.31–1.44) comprise a specialized family of photopolymers engineered for advanced optical, microfluidic and micro/nano fabrication applications requiring low refractive index values and highly tunable material performance.

Designed for use in SLA, DLP, LCD and advanced lithography systems within professional and research environments. Suitable for optical components, index-matching systems, microfluidic devices and nanoimprint lithography (NIL) applications where low refractive index is required.

• Optical components and index-matching systems
• Microfluidic devices and lab-on-chip systems
• Nanoimprint lithography (NIL)
• Micro and nano fabrication
• Functional prototyping and engineering parts
• Research and advanced material development

• Density: 0.90–1.20 g/cm³, depending on formulation and, where applicable, selected version (ISO 1675)

• Refractive index (RI): 1.31–1.44

• Broad tunability of glass transition temperature (Tg)
• Wide range of Young’s modulus and hardness
• Adjustable tensile and flexural strength
• Variable viscosity and adhesion properties

• Photocurable with light sources from 150 to 420 nm
• Compatible with SLA, DLP & LCD 3D printing systems
• Available in biocompatible, monomer-based and monomer-free formulations
• Bio-based and biocompatible versions available
• Suitable as negative photoresists for nanoimprint lithography (NIL)
• Compatible with conventional, automatic and manual recoating systems
• Fluorescent and non-fluorescent grades available
• Photocurable in ambient conditions (no inert N₂ atmosphere required)
• Clear formulations available for optical applications

• RI 1.31 – custom designed
• RI 1.32 – custom designed
• RI 1.33 – custom designed
• RI 1.34 – custom designed
• RI 1.35 – custom designed
• RI 1.36 – custom designed
• RI 1.37 – custom designed
• RI 1.38 – custom designed
• RI 1.39 – custom designed
• RI 1.40 – custom designed
• RI 1.41 – custom designed
• RI 1.42 – custom designed
• RI 1.43 – custom designed
• RI 1.44 – custom designed

Standard low refractive index grades are supplied made-to-order across the RI 1.31–1.44 range. These materials are intended for applications where refractive index is the primary design parameter and are supplied using established low-RI photopolymer platforms.

Applications requiring specific mechanical, thermal, optical, chemical resistance or adhesion properties beyond the standard grades may require a custom-designed material developed through our Customization Services program.

Examples include combinations such as ultra-low refractive index with increased rigidity, enhanced glass adhesion, optimized microfluidic performance, tailored thermal resistance, or application-specific optical requirements.

For these cases, 3Dresyns can develop customized low-refractive-index photopolymers according to customer specifications through the Customization Services program: Customization Services.

• Compatible with SLA, DLP, LCD and advanced lithography systems
• Suitable for high-resolution exposure strategies
• Supports micro and nano-scale fabrication
• Adaptable to a wide range of processing workflows and environments

Material performance depends on printer type, exposure conditions, geometry, optical requirements and post-processing. Optical performance, refractive index accuracy and application-specific behavior must be validated by the user.

• Low refractive index range (RI 1.31–1.44)
• Customizable formulations for specific optical requirements
• Broad compatibility with additive manufacturing and lithography systems
• Wide tunability of mechanical and processing properties
• Suitable for optical, microfluidic and nano-fabrication applications
• Ambient curing capability without inert atmosphere
• Availability of biocompatible and bio-based formulations
• Fluorescent and non-fluorescent options

These materials are supplied as professional manufacturing materials and are not marketed as finished products. Final validation for optical performance, biological interaction and application-specific requirements remains the responsibility of the user.

For optical material selection by refractive index, compare the complete 3Dresyns RI range and adjacent refractive-index material windows.

• 3D Resins by Refractive Index
• Medium Refractive Index Resins
• High Refractive Index Resins

This technical datasheet should be used together with the relevant processing, calibration, safety and workflow documentation available in the 3Dresyns® Resources section.

Access the 3Dresyns® Technical Resources (IFU, calibration, CRT, post-processing and troubleshooting)