Resin is a durable medium but could be more flexible. Also, if overexposed to the sun, it may even become brittle. Fine details, which resin delivers so well, may also be fragile; adding flexible resin to standard resin may help make your print more resilient. However, even with these precautions, breakages still sometimes occur.
Resin printing is typically used in smaller prints and very detailed models, so there are some special considerations when repairing breakages. Fortunately, a 3D print repair can be painless and simple if you follow a few easy steps, which we will discuss below.
Two main methods are available when repairing resin prints: glue and acetone. We will cover both options, although acetone is usually the preferred method for repairing resin prints since you are using the medium of the part itself to bond the break back together.
Glue
If you are gluing your resin models, remember that certain types of glue, like epoxy or hot glue, will add a lot of material to the model, potentially ruining the fine details of your print. Superglue is probably the best glue option, and if you decide to go this route, you will most likely need to sand and prepare your print before gluing.
Use a small file or fine sandpaper to even off the surfaces you will join together.
Use a toothbrush or any small brush to clean the surface and clear them of any debris that could weaken the adhesive.
Then use a damp cloth to ensure that you have a spotless surface to start with. Let the parts dry.
Carefully apply a small amount of superglue to just one of the surfaces. Then, adjoin the pieces and press firmly for about one minute to form a bond.
Acetone
Use caution when employing this method, as acetone is highly flammable. Acetone works by dissolving the resin so that you can rejoin the broken parts while the resin is slightly melted.
Brush a bit of acetone onto each side of the broken resin print. The resin dissolves quickly, so working as fast as possible is essential.
Join the two pieces together, allowing them to bond back together as the resin hardens. If done carefully, these repairs can be nearly invisible since you are not adding any extra material to the print.
As always, when dealing with chemicals, be mindful of your safety and work in a well-ventilated area. Acetone is highly flammable, so please work away from any heat sources.
Comments