Why do 3D printed resin products turn yellow?

The development of 3D printing technology has provided us with endless creative possibilities, especially when using resin materials. However, many users have found that their resin prints turn yellow over time. This article will explore the causes of yellowing of resin products and provide some effective preventive measures.

Why do resin products turn yellow?

Light factors

First, ultraviolet (UV) exposure is one of the most common causes of yellowing of 3D printed resin parts. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong indoor light sources can cause certain components in the resin material to undergo photochemical reactions, thereby inducing color changes. Most 3D printing resins are UV-curable, and continuous or prolonged UV radiation can cause resin degradation and color changes even after the initial curing.

Oxidation

In addition to light, oxidation is another major cause of yellowing of resin products. The unsaturated bonds in the resin material easily react with oxygen in the air to form oxides, which gradually turn the surface of the product yellow. This is a natural aging process that may be exacerbated by environmental factors such as oxygen, humidity, and heat.

Material quality

The quality of the resin material is also an important factor affecting the color stability of the product. The quality of resin materials produced by different manufacturers varies, and some lower-quality materials are more prone to yellowing. For example, transparent resins are particularly prone to yellowing. There are also UV-resistant or anti-yellowing resins on the market, which can provide better durability.

Chemical contamination

During the production, storage and use of resin materials, resin materials may be exposed to various chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, organic solvents, etc. These chemicals react with the resin materials and cause the product to turn yellow.

How to prevent resin products from turning yellow

While it is difficult to completely prevent resin from turning yellow, there are many ways to minimize this situation. Here are some effective preventive measures:

Limit UV exposure: Minimize the time that resin products are exposed to UV light. Resin parts can be protected by using resin coating, spray coating or hand sanding

Choose the right resin: Use UV-resistant or anti-yellowing resins, which are better able to resist yellowing

Ensure full cure: Ensure that resin parts are fully cured during the post-processing stage to avoid leaving reactive components

Storage conditions: Ensure that the resin is stored in a cool, dry place and used within the recommended shelf life, and avoid exposing the resin product to high temperatures for a long time

Polishing: If there are obvious scratches or oxidation layers on the surface of the product, you can use a polishing tool to polish it. The surface of the product after polishing will become smooth and delicate, and the color will be restored.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly extend the beauty and service life of 3D printed resin products. Although yellowing cannot be completely avoided, these methods can help you minimize this risk and maintain the quality and transparency of resin prints.

If none of the above methods can solve the problem or you are not familiar with the process, it is recommended to seek professional help. You can contact JLC3DP for consultation and discuss a solution.

Recommended resin materials that are not easy to turn yellow

If you want to choose a resin material that is not easy to turn yellow, JLC3DP recommends the following:

LEDO 6060: Standard photosensitive resin, DSM's high-performance material, with high precision and good toughness, not easy to turn yellow.

9000R: Photosensitive resin, the durability of parts made with it is more than 6.5 months, which means that your model can maintain stable performance and appearance for a long time.

8001: Transparent resin, the surface treatment will adhere to the wax coating, not easy to turn yellow.

8228: Green high-toughness resin, good temperature resistance, excellent durability.

CBY: An ABS-like three-dimensional light modeling resin with good precision, temperature resistance and toughness. It is light yellow in itself and has a high overall cost performance.

Black&Imagine Black: It is a black resin in itself, which can be sandblasted and dyed, and can also be attached with a wax coating, which is very suitable for long-term use.

In short, yellowing of 3D printing resin products is a common problem, but as long as we master the correct prevention and improvement methods, we can preserve and use them for a longer time. I hope the above content can help you. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact JLC3DP!