Instructions for Use IFU for mixing additives with 3D resins

Our 3D resins can be functionalized with a broad range of functional additives and auxiliaries.

Before doing any mixing please read beforehand in detail the product information shown on the website.

For mixing a normal lab rotary mixer at 500-1500 rpm is enough for mixing well most 3Dresyns additives and auxiliaries: 

• too low dispersion speed settings (<100 rpm) cannot ensure full mixing due to the too low shear rate
• too high dispersion speed settings (>2000-3000 rpm)  can cause gelation and excessive foam formation
• rotary mixers or stirrers are ideal for mixing resins for SLA, DLP and LCD printers, but are often too big for small mixing quantities suich as for 2PP printers, unless small Conn blades are used. Avoid excessive shear to prevent gelation, caused by polymerization due to excessive heat generation, or by foaming. Cowles blades are less prefered than Conn blades because they generate too much friction and breakage due to their sharp cutting edges
• vortex mixers are ideal for mixing small quantities at low concentrations and viscosities in test tubes since cross-contamination and excessive heat is prevented because direct contact with the 3D resin system with sharp blades is prevented. Blades can cause excessive heat in the contact area of the blade with the resin inducing premature thermal polymerization. Vortex mixers tend to create excessive foam formation. Use vortex mixers gently. If too much foam is formed, warm it gently to promote foam elimination, or use sonication, or use vacuum to remove air bubbles
• magnetic stirrers are not recommended since they cannot fully mix and disperse additives and auxiliaries at high concentrations or viscosities due to their low mixing yield 
• high-speed dispersers, also known as high-speed homogenizers, are capable of mixing efficiently 3D resins. At too high speed they can cause gelation, due to excessive shear, and local heat generation, causing premature polymerization, excessive foaming, and breakage of delicate additives such as nanowires and microfibers. On the other hand, high-speed homogenizers at low speeds can be used efficiently to mix viscous components
• ultrasonic cleaning machines and ultrasonic probe sonicators (also known as ultrasonic liquid processors) are ideal for dispersion nano and submicron additives, but need to be used with caution to prevent chemical gelation (thermal polymerization) of the photo reactive 3D resins. Excessive sonication by too high frequency and time, generate excessive heat, which can promote premature polymerization. Sonication can also be used gently to eliminate foam

Contact us for consultation before placing your orders at: info@3Dresyns.com