Composition
Formlabs Castable Wax Resin is expertly crafted for SLA 3D printing. Designed for high-precision lost-wax casting, this resin is a standout in jewelry and dental restoration applications. With its ability to capture fine details and its optimal burnout characteristics, it stands as a top choice for professionals seeking intricate designs.
Physical Properties
- Density: Generally ranges between 1.05–1.15 g/cm³
- Tensile Strength: Around 20-30 MPa, depending on the post-curing process
- Melting Point: Specifically designed for easy burnout, leaving minimal ash residue during the casting process
Aesthetic Quality
Formlabs Castable Wax Resin produces prints with a smooth and highly detailed surface finish. The material often comes in blue or translucent colors to assist with visual inspection. It is adept at capturing fine details, making it ideal for intricate applications that require high precision.
Durability and Usage
Though not engineered for long-term durability, this resin provides enough strength for short-term handling and assembly. It is particularly optimized for lost-wax casting applications, often used in the jewelry industry and dental sector to produce highly detailed and complex casts.
Post-Processing
The post-processing protocol involves washing the 3D print in a solvent, typically isopropyl alcohol, to eliminate any residual uncured resin. Depending on the application, UV curing may or may not be necessary. The primary aim is to prepare the model for the burnout and casting process, during which the material will be completely burned away to leave a void in a mold for metal casting.
Environmental Impact
Like most SLA resins, Castable Wax Resin is not biodegradable and should be handled and disposed of responsibly to reduce its environmental impact. Since the material is derived from non-renewable sources, it is not as eco-friendly as bio-based materials like PLA.
In summary, Formlabs Castable Wax Resin offers a specialized material specifically formulated for lost-wax casting applications. While not designed for durability, its unparalleled castability and fine-detail resolution make it an essential choice for sectors like jewelry design and dental restoration. Although not the most environmentally friendly material, proper handling and disposal are crucial for minimizing its environmental impact.
Formlabs Castable Wax – Burnout Schedule