Flex

Flexible resin – definition

• Impact resistance: flexible resin can absorb shocks without cracking. That’s because of its high polymer content.
• Elasticity: it stretches and returns to its original form like silicone, urethane or rubber.
• High resolution: it produces smooth, intricate models that are perfect for precision applications.
• Additive potential: when you mix it with other resins, flexible resin enhances overall strength and elasticity while reducing brittleness.
• Versatility: it’s suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.

That versatility unlocks a lot of possibilities. You can create handles, grips, overmolds and detailed prototypes that need a softer touch. Flexible resin is a popular choice in the 3D printing world for crafting items that require both durability and flexibility.

Types of flexible resin – overview

• Flexible Resin: This one’s celebrated for its durability. It can bend 360 degrees without cracking.
• Tenacious Clear/Obsidian Black 65D: This variant produces parts that are both flexible and resistant to impacts. You can mix it with other 405nm resins to enhance its impact resistance.
• Tenacious Flex Black 70A: This one features a soft, rubber-like texture. It’s got quick rebound and impressive elasticity.
• Flexible 80A Resin: This resin replicates the feel of silicone, urethane or rubber. It’s particularly advantageous in applications where a soft touch is crucial without compromising strength.
• Liqcreate Flexible-X: This opaque black photopolymer resin is crafted for use with open MSLA, DLP and laser-based 3D printers. It provides exceptional flexibility along with excellent rebound characteristics.

Flexible resin is a robust material that stands out for its ability to bend completely without fracturing. That’s what makes it an ideal choice for projects that require both adaptability and strength. Even under stress, this resin maintains its durability, allowing printed components to withstand various conditions while preserving their intended shape.

Flexible 3D resin – characteristics

Flexible resin stands out as a robust material renowned for its exceptional ability to bend completely—360 degrees—without fracturing. This unique property makes it an ideal choice for projects that require both adaptability and strength. Even under stress, this resin maintains its durability, allowing printed components to withstand various conditions while preserving their intended shape.

 

Resin Type	Impact Resistance	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Hardness (Shore A)	Elongation (%)
Tenacious Flex Black 70A	Excellent	N/A	Soft rubber-like	High elasticity
Flexible 80A	Good	7.2	Medium	N/A
Liqcreate Flexible-X	Very Good	N/A	55	Up to 160

 

• Impact resistance, thanks to its high polymer content, flexible resin effectively absorbs shocks, significantly boosting its toughness.
• Tensile strength: various formulations of flexible resins offer differing tensile strengths. For instance, the 80A variant showcases an impressive ultimate tensile strength of 7.2 MPa.

Flexible resins come in a range of hardness levels. That’s particularly true of Liqcreate Flexible-X, which has a relatively low hardness rating of 55 Shore A. That makes it perfect for applications where a soft touch is required.

The following table provides a concise overview of popular flexible resins and their properties:

Resin Type	Impact Resistance	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Hardness (Shore A)	Elongation (%)
Tenacious Flex Black 70A	Excellent	N/A	Soft rubber-like	High elasticity
Flexible 80A	Good	7.2	Medium	N/A
Liqcreate Flexible-X	Very Good	N/A	55	Up to 160

 

Flexible resins are really advantageous in sectors where soft and elastic elements are essential. That includes automotive design, medical device manufacturing and consumer product development. By choosing the right type of flexible resin for your needs-you can enhance your 3D printing projects with materials that meet specific functional requirements while achieving remarkable print quality. 

Flexible 3D printer resin – applications

Flexible 3D printer resin is an essential material in the world of 3D printing. It opens up a world of possibilities for various applications and makes printed items much more usable. One of the most notable uses is in impact-resistant components-resins like the robust clear/obsidian black 65D are ideal for crafting resilient parts that can withstand significant stress without failing.

Tailored products are another area where flexible resins shine. Tenacious flex black 70A has a soft, rubber-like feel that allows for the creation of custom-fit items. Silicone-like applications are also a great fit for flexible 80A resin. That’s because it excels at mimicking silicone characteristics, making it a fantastic choice for products requiring a gentle touch.

Rapid prototyping is another area where Liqcreate flexible-X stands out. Its impressive flexibility and rebound qualities make it a great choice for that kind of work. Medical innovations are also a great fit for flexible resins. Their strength and biocompatibility make them well-suited for producing medical models or devices.

Artists use flexible resin to create detailed designs that can bend or stretch without sacrificing structural integrity. That kind of creative freedom is just one of the reasons incorporating flexible resins into your 3D printing projects can expand your capabilities and ensure high-quality outcomes tailored to your specific needs.

Flexible UV resin – benefits

Flexible UV resin offers a number of benefits. One of the most significant is its remarkable flexibility. That means it can bend without breaking. It’s an excellent choice for crafting parts that require both durability and a soft touch.

One of the most impressive things about flexible UV resin is its impact resistance. That’s due to its high polymer content. This resin is incredibly tough and can endure significant stress and impacts. That’s crucial for producing functional prototypes and durable components.

Flexible resins like Tenacious Flex Black 70A rebound rapidly to their original shape after deformation. That’s perfect for applications demanding high flexibility. They also simulate the properties of silicone and rubber. The Flexible 80A resin creates parts that mimic the feel and functionality of silicone, urethane and rubber. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the products:

• BASF Ultracur3D EL 4000 B – Noir (Black) 1 kg
• ULTRACUR3D EL 150 – 1 KG
• Applylabwork SLA Spring – Flexible Pink 1kg

 

That opens up a world of design possibilities across various projects. Flexible UV resin is also incredibly versatile. It seamlessly integrates with open MSLA, DLP and laser-based 3D printers. Its compatibility with different printing setups means you can choose the right material for your needs.

You can also enhance print quality by mixing flexible resins. That preserves essential traits like flexibility and durability.

Best practices for working with flexible resin

When working with flexible resin, it’s worth storing it in a cool, dry area-shielded from direct sunlight. That helps preserve the quality of the resin and prolong its shelf life.

Before you start printing, be sure to mix the resin thoroughly. That ensures uniformity and improves the overall results of your final print.

A non-stick resin tank is also a good idea. It makes removing prints easier and reduces the chances of damaging them during extraction.

When working with flexible resin, always wear gloves and protective eyewear. That’s to avoid skin irritation and eye injuries-and to maintain a safer workspace.

To cure your flexible resin effectively, use a UV curing station. Proper curing is essential for achieving the desired mechanical properties and durability in your printed objects.

Common applications of flexible resin in various industries

Flexible resin has a number of applications across various industries. Automotive is one area where it’s really valuable. That’s because it can be used to craft lightweight yet sturdy components capable of withstanding stress and vibrations. You’ll find it in applications such as seals, gaskets and cushioning elements.

Flexible resin really shines in the medical field. That’s where its ability to adapt—much like human tissue—makes it an excellent substitute. You see that in custom-fit items like orthotics and prosthetics.

In consumer electronics, that same adaptability is used to make ergonomic grips and protective casings for devices that are both durable and comfortable to hold.

Fashion and textiles are where flexible resin creates soft accessories and components. Wearable technology, in particular, needs that rubber-like feel.

Aerospace applications demand components that are both flexible and resistant to impact. That’s where vibration-dampening parts and lightweight structural elements come in.

All these applications demonstrate just how much flexible resin can enhance product performance across industries. And that versatility is what makes it so valuable.