Shrinkage: 

Shrinkage refers to the deviation of material dimensions after printing from the desired values. The shrinkage characteristics of resins depend on the resin's composition, curing value, and post-processing factors. As a result of shrinkage, resins tend to shrink both in mass and volume. More about shrinkage. 

Caliper: A tool commonly used by jewelers to measure, adjust, or expand the diameter of rings and bracelets. 

 The difference in height measured with a caliper within 1 hour at room temperature for a solitaire stone-set ring: 

*Measured with a caliper. 

In caliper measurements, 1 unit represents the inner diameter size of the ring. 

 1 unit = 13.2 mm = 0.52 in 

Casting Performance 

Two of the most significant factors influencing the casting performance of photopolymer resins are their ash-free residue percentages and their reaction with investment materials. During the casting process, the amount of ash left behind by burned resins in the environment results in visible defects on the casting surface. Traditional waxes excel in casting performance due to their ash-free characteristic, resulting in flawless casting results. However, advancements in new resins have made significant progress in this aspect.  

Additionally, the reaction between the model invested in investment material during the burnout process plays a crucial role while it's being burned. Therefore, specialized investment materials developed for resins should be used, and the recommended casting cycles provided by the resin manufacturer should be followed. For casting, learn more. 

Dimensional Accuracy 

Comparing standard deviations among all resins for a thick model ring with a heat map can provide a visual spectacle. 

Accuracy is generally based on the similarity between the digitally designed and finished products. This similarity becomes challenging to achieve, especially for jewelry designs due to their complexity. Jewelry designs can have highly intricate structures. These complex structures often demand flawless accuracy in the X, Y, and Z axes. The capacity of a 3D printer plays a significant role in achieving this accuracy (such as minimum layer thickness, pixel size, Galvo laser diameter, etc.). However, 3D printer resins also play a substantial role in achieving this accuracy, as they are categorized based on their capabilities. Dimensional accuracy, learn more. 

Heat Map for Vintage Resin 

Standard Deviation: 50 microns 

 Standard deviation is a measure used in probability theory and statistics to summarize the spread of data values for a population, a sample, a probability distribution, or a random variable. 

 The model was printed on the Novafab MEGA at 405 nm. The 3D scanning image of the model was matched with the STL data to create a heat map.   

Heat Map for Zero Dark Resin: 

Standard Deviation: 50 microns 

Standard deviation is a measure used in probability theory and statistics to summarize the spread of data values for a population, a sample, a probability distribution, or a random variable. 

The model was printed on the Novafab MEGA at 405 nm. The 3D scanning image of the model was matched with the STL data to create a heat map. 

Heat Map for Yellow Resin: 

Standard Deviation: 50 microns 

Standard deviation is a measure used in probability theory and statistics to summarize the spread of data values for a population, a sample, a probability distribution, or a random variable. 

The model was printed on the NovaFab MEGA at 405 nm. The 3D scanning image of the model was matched with the STL data to create a heat map. 

Wax Content

There is a common misconception regarding the wax content in resins used in the lost wax technique for casting. Resin companies often share information claiming their resins have a wax content of 100% (including paraffin and its formula). However, this is a marketing strategy and does not reflect the truth. 

Due to its chemical composition, Wax is not a suitable material for processing in DLP/LCD 3D printers. Polymers that claim to have 100% wax content, among other polymer-based 3D printer resins, cannot react with UV light and alter their structural form. 

In polymer-based 3D printer resins, wax can be used in the 5-10% range. As this percentage increases, the efficiency of polymerization in the resin decreases. Consequently, the correct curing behavior does not occur in the 3D model. Power Resins has used an optimum wax content in their resins. 

In polymer-based resins, specialized polymers that do not leave ash behind are used when exposed to high temperatures. These polymers are customized for this purpose. Therefore, even though a certain amount of wax filler might be used, most of the material should be specialized ash-free polymers. 

Wax content is covered in more detail here. 

Susceptibility to Jewelry Models 

 3D printers and resins are generally an unlimited production method that doesn't restrict imagination. This allows jewelry manufacturers to create models in various styles. Based on the general capabilities of the resins, we can categorize the most suitable resins for these products. 

Yellow: Engraving Models 

Vintage: Chain Models 

Zero: Filigree Models 

More about model susceptibility 

Surface Quality 

The surface quality of printed objects can be influenced by factors such as the type of resin used, the resolution of the 3D printer, the positioning of the object on the print bed, and the type and quantity of support structures. 

More about surface quality 

Yellow > Vintage > Zero Dark 

Sustainability 

Sustainability, by definition, involves ensuring the continuity of production and diversity while maintaining the natural environment. In today's context, 3D printers and resins play a vital role in production diversity. 3D printing reduces the environmental impact of production compared to traditional factory processes by minimizing waste, energy consumption, and space requirements. In an era where boutique production and differentiation are increasing, localized and demand-based production through 3D systems contributes to reducing carbon emissions. More about sustainability.  

Flexibility/Stone Setting Compatibility 

Flexibility in materials obtained from 3D printers holds significant importance for stone setting. For a model produced to be suitable for stone setting processes, it's essential that the stones fit perfectly into the prong gaps designed in the model, and the prongs must grip the stone firmly. To ensure these features, the resin should exhibit flexible properties and have the ability to return to its original position after an impact. 

More about stone setting compatibility 

Sensitivity to Jewelry Models of DLP/LCD Resins 

What Does Resin Suitable for Design Mean? Resins have various capacities and properties that set them apart from each other.