Composition
Formlabs Tough 1500 Resin is a state-of-the-art photopolymer material crafted for SLA 3D printing on Formlabs’ range. Notably striking a balance between rigidity and flexibility, this resin excels in both aesthetics, with its smooth finish in light to medium shades, and performance across various applications. Whether it’s functional prototypes or mechanical assemblies, the resin’s perfect equilibrium of toughness ensures longevity and efficacy.
Physical Properties
- Density: Generally around 1.1–1.2 g/cm³
- Tensile Strength: Typically falls within the range of 50-65 MPa, depending on post-curing processes
- Heat Deflection Temperature: Usually sits between 60-80°C after proper post-curing
Aesthetic Quality
Formlabs Tough 1500 Resin produces prints with a smooth, high-quality surface finish, often available in light to medium shades. The material captures details well and is suitable for both functional and display applications, offering a good aesthetic appeal.
Durability and Usage
Engineered for durability, this resin is designed for applications requiring a balance of toughness and stiffness. It is ideal for functional prototypes, mechanical assemblies, and parts subjected to moderate stress or strain. The material’s balanced mechanical properties make it versatile for a wide array of industrial and engineering applications.
Post-Processing
Post-processing involves washing the print in a solvent, most commonly isopropyl alcohol, to remove any residual uncured resin. This is followed by UV curing to maximize mechanical properties. The material can be sanded, drilled, and painted, and generally adheres well to commonly used adhesives and coatings.
Environmental Impact
Like most SLA resins, Tough 1500 is not biodegradable and should be handled and disposed of responsibly to minimize its environmental impact. It is also derived from non-renewable resources, making it less eco-friendly than bio-based materials like PLA.
In summary, Formlabs Tough 1500 Resin offers a balanced, high-performance material suitable for a wide range of SLA 3D printing applications. Its combination of toughness and stiffness makes it a popular choice for both industrial and engineering projects requiring moderate stress resistance. While it may not be the most environmentally friendly material, its performance characteristics make it a valuable asset for specialized applications.
Formlabs Tough 1500 – Technical Data Sheet