Due to its ability to create detailed prints, resin 3D printing has become the go-to choice for printing jewelry, miniature game figures, and other intricate designs that require a flawless finish. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the world of 3D printing, resin printing offers unparalleled printing quality and is a great option for bringing your designs to life. Let’s explore more about resin 3D printing and STLs that you can use to start your adventure!
Demonic Ring / Ring of Rat King Dominion / Ring of Celestial Patronage
Dragon Earring / Elven Earring / Earring of Communication
Signet of the Spider Queen / Ring of Book Storage / Claw Ring Armor
One of the biggest advantages of resin printing is that it typically produces smoother surface finishes than FDM printing. This is especially important when printing small objects, as it can be difficult to achieve a smooth surface finish using an FDM printer.
Another advantage of resin printing is that it generally is more stable compared to FDM print, in terms that on elevated temperatures it wont bend. This is due to the fact that the resin material is less prone to thermal expansion and contraction. Resin printers are also easier to maintain and calibrate than FDM printers, making them a great choice for beginners who are just starting out with 3D printing.
At Props&Beyond, we have some STLs that are perfect for 3D resin printing like jewelry pieces. While you can certainly print them on FDM printers, the level of detail and precision will be much higher when using a resin printer. Take a look at the comparison below:
On the left you see a resin printed brooch, on the right FDM printed. The resin print is more clean and smooth, but of course both look good! The brooches come from the Mystic Machinery Steampunk Campaign.
Before you start with resin 3D Printing, it is important to have the necessary equipment in place. The basic equipment required includes a resin 3D printer and a photosensitive resin.
It is also critical to prioritize your safety while working with resin 3D printers. To protect yourself from skin and eye irritation caused by uncured resin, you must wear safety gear such as gloves and goggles. You should never compromise on safety while dealing with resin 3D printers.
Proper ventilation can help you avoid any respiratory issues and ensure that you are working in a safe environment.
After printing, it is also crucial to thoroughly clean your print and the workplace of any uncured resin. This will ensure that you do not come into contact with any hazardous materials and that your work area remains clean and safe.
As a beginner, it can be tricky to figure out which models to use when starting out. Fortunately, at Props&Beyond, we have a wide selection of resin-oriented pieces to choose from. Our collection features an array of fantasy jewelry options, such as 3D rings, brooches, bracelets, amulets, earrings, and other unique items perfect for D&D roleplay games, LARP, cosplay, or even as everyday fashion pieces.
We take pride in offering diverse jewelry designs that cater to different styles, shapes, and sizes.
If you’re new to our store and want to check out the quality of our products before making a purchase, we understand! That’s why we’re offering a free Ring of the Ram for you to download and test out for yourself.
Once you have decided on the model you want to print, the next step is actually printing the model. Before you start the print, make sure to shake your resin bottle for about a minute to ensure that it’s properly mixed. It’s important to note that resin doesn’t print that well in low-temperature environments, so make sure that your printer is in a place where the temperature doesn’t go under roughly 20C.
Once your 3D resin model is printed, it needs to be washed, and this can be a bit of a hassle without the proper tools. But don’t worry, you can make your job easier by using a few containers and IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to clean the model in stages.
Start by cleaning the model in the first container using a brush or a toothbrush to remove most of the resin. Then move to the second container with cleaner IPA to remove the remaining resin off the model. Finally, repeat the process in a third container to ensure that your model is thoroughly cleaned and there’s no more uncured resin left on it. With these simple steps, you can clean your 3D resin model easily and effectively.
Once the model is clean, it’s time to remove the supports and cure it. After you thoroughly clean the model, submerge it in hot water (~60C-70C) for a few seconds. This will allow you to easily remove the supports with minimal damage to the model.
All Props&Beyond STLs are pre-supported or supportless (in case of bigger objects) so there is nothing to worry about. Small pieces like 3D jewelry are pre-supported and the supports are very easy to remove, leaving almost a clean surface. See the pic below!
As you can see, the ring is straight after removing supports and everything looks already clean! This Ring of Domes comes from the Mystic Machinery Crowdfunding Campaign.
Finally, the model is now cleaned, supports are removed, and it’s ready for the last step, which is curing. To cure a 3D printed resin model, you can use sunlight or a UV lamp. Sunlight is the cheapest but slowest option and may not work well on cloudy days. A UV lamp is faster and more reliable, taking only a few minutes to cure the model. But, be careful not to over-cure your model while using transparent resins because that can make it really fragile and damage the material it’s made of or even change the resin color.
If you want to print small and detailed objects like 3D printed jewelry or miniatures, there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Firstly, the resolution of the printer is crucial as pieces of jewelry or small tabletop minis typically have a lot of details that require high precision. Therefore, it’s recommended to look for a printer that can produce fine detail.
Material compatibility is also a vital consideration. It’s best to opt for a printer that is not limited to one manufacturer’s materials.
Additionally, cost is an essential consideration when purchasing a 3D printer. It’s not just the printer’s price that needs to be taken into account, but also the cost of maintenance and materials.
It’s worth noting that no matter how good a printer sounds on paper, the only way to evaluate its suitability for your workbench is to ask the manufacturer for a sample print. Most manufacturers will be happy to demonstrate the capabilities of their printers in practice.
Looking for an opportunity to expand your creative horizons? Look no further! For just $9.99, you can receive a monthly Prop-Drop pack, which contains a wide variety of unique and interesting props to elevate your next gaming session. And that’s not all! You’ll also receive a Welcome Pack that features 12 models and a 40% storewide discount!
The jewelry models in the picture come from the May 2022 Prop Drop – Get Slavic!
In our next post, we’ll dive deeper into the advantages of FDM printing, so be sure to stay tuned!
