- There’s a best used by date included on most bottles of the resin- generally, it’s a year from production
- It’s kind of like expired milk- you can still use it, but it can jeopardize print quality (Source)
- 3D printer resin can go bad over time, so it’s important to store it in a cool, dark place and check the expiration date before using
- If you’re unsure whether the resin is still suitable, it’s always best to err on caution and replace it
- Look out for signs that the resin has gone bad, such as a change in color or smell, and discard it if necessary.
It’s no secret that 3D printing is becoming more and more popular. But many people don’t know that there are different types of 3D printers, each using different materials to create objects. One of the most popular materials used in 3D printing is resin.
But just like any other material, the resin can deteriorate over time. To answer the question, “Does 3D printer resin go bad?” we’ll need to take a closer look at how the resin is used in 3D printing and what causes it to degrade.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what causes the resin to go wrong and how you can prevent it from happening.
What is 3D printer resin?
3D printer resin is a liquid plastic that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light is generated by an exceptional LED array inside the 3D printer. When the LED is turned on, it cures the resin and allows it to solidify into the desired shape.
How long does 3D printer resin last?
3D printer resin can last for several years if it’s stored properly. However, it’s essential to remember that 3D printer resin has a shelf life and will eventually expire. Once 3D printer resin expires, it will no longer be effective for printing and will need to be replaced.
To extend the shelf life of 3D printer resin, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dark place. 3D printer resin should also be sealed in an airtight container to prevent it from drying.
How can I tell if 3D printer resin is bad?
One of the easiest ways to tell if 3D printer resin is bad is to try to print with it. If the resin doesn’t harden when exposed to UV light, it isn’t good and will need to be replaced. Another way to tell if the resin is bad is by its expiration date.
Resin that has expired will be more challenging to work with and may not produce the same quality of prints. If you’re unsure whether your resin is still suitable, it’s always best to err on caution and replace it. 3D printer resin can go bad for several reasons:
Exposure to air – Over time, 3D printer resin can become complex and brittle if exposed to too much air. This is why it’s essential to seal the resin in its container when not used.
Exposure to light – 3D printer resin is sensitive to UV light and will harden when exposed to it. However, if the resin is exposed to too much UV light, it can become brittle and difficult to work with.
Heat – Heat can cause the resin to expand, making it more challenging to print with. It can also cause the resin to become less viscous, making it harder to control.
Age – Like many other materials, 3D printer resin can degrade over time. That is why it’s essential to check the expiration date before using it.
Are there other ways to tell if 3D printer resin is bad?
There are other ways to tell if 3D printer resin is bad. One way is to look at the color of the resin. It isn’t good if the resin is yellowing or changing color and should be replaced.
Another way to tell if the resin is bad is by its smell. If the resin has a foul odor, it’s likely gone bad and should be discarded.
My experiences with expired 3D printer resin
Recently, I decided to print a complicated Star Wars light saber using some expired 3D printer resin I had lying around. I was a little worried that the resin might not work properly, but I decided to give it a try anyway.
To my dismay, the Star Wars figurine came out looking terrible. The print was deformed and there were several noticeable errors. After inspecting the print closely, I realized that the main reason for the poor quality was due to the expired 3D printer resin.
At first, I was really frustrated with myself for not checking the expiration date before using the resin. But then I got to thinking about all of the other things that could have gone wrong if I had tried to use fresh resin instead.
Sure, the figurine might have come out looking better if I had used fresh resin, but there’s no guarantee that it would have worked properly. The fact is, expired 3D printer resin is more likely to fail than fresh resin. So even though it wasn’t ideal, using expired resin was still better than trying to use fresh resin and risking a failed print.
In hindsight, using expired 3D printer resin wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Sure, it resulted in a poor quality print, but at least it didn’t ruin the entire print altogether.
Conclusion
3D printer resin can go bad over time. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to store the resin in a cool, dark place and to check the expiration date before using it.
If you’re unsure whether the resin is still suitable, it’s always best to err on caution and replace it. Make sure to keep an eye on the color and smell of the resin, as these can be signs that it’s gone bad.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
