Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D Printer Casting Resins

[Javier Odom]

Has anyone used the Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D Printer for creating models of jewelry for casting? If so, what castable resin did you use?

I can see the "BlueCast X10 Casting Resin 0,5kg" resin and the "BlueCast Phrozen Wax Casting Resin 0,5kg" resins listed on their website, but as of this post both specifically list they are NOT compatible with the SL1S, and they are only compatible with the SL1.

The SL1S does list that it, "Supported materials UV sensitive liquid resin (405nm), long-exposure materials supported." A quick Google search shows Power Resins sells a 1kg bottle of WAX Castable Resin that supports, "Suitable for 365nm / 385nm and 405nm wavelenght 3D printers."

[Javier Odom]

Responding to my own post here, but I contacted Prusa technical support and they said the only castable resin they sell through their website is the "Bluecast X-One V2 0,5kg" resin. From Prusa's website, here is the description of the Bluecast X-One:

BlueCast X-One V2 is the second generation of the premium castable resin developed and produced by BlueCast. It is suitable for DLP and Monochromatic LCD printers, and it offers excellent printability, fine detail, and 0% shrinkage. The X-One V2 is suitable for casting any kind of pattern with text, engravings, micropavè, etc. Part of the resin mixture is wax which gives the resin its unique properties: the resin melts when heated and then burns like paraffin. This helps the perfect and short burnout at low temperatures without leaving ash in the hollowed areas. The unusual resin composition makes it possible to be post-cured in alcohol with no need for a UV curing station.

From Bluecast's website, things get pretty complicated. This is from Bluecast's site:

BEFORE PRINT

• Due to the use of a low-temperature melting polymer, the resin solidifies below 18°C. Prior to use, it is necessary to heat the resin within the temperature range of 25 to 40°C. The optimal operating range is from 20 to 30°C. The resin will remain in liquid form at temperatures above 18°C.
• Various methods can be used to heat the resin, such as microwave ovens (never exceeding 30 seconds), ultrasonic cleaners, hot air, baby bottle warmer, etc.
• Before pouring the resin into the resin tank, shake the bottle for one minute.
• For proper debubbling, allow the resin to rest in the resin tank for 5 minutes before starting the print. To expedite the process, the resin can be filtered to remove air bubbles or vacuumed from the opened bottle.
• Due to the use of a low-temperature melting polymer, the minimum supports (the initial pattern supports) must be larger than usual. The ring sprue can be designed within the model and used as the main support.
• Avoid using contact points under 0.4 mm and ensure proper support for the shank of the rings.
• Failure to filter the resin after each print or neglecting to heat the resin before each print may result in printing failures. Do not store the resin in the tank. Please remove the resin from the printer tank, filter it, and store it in the original bottle. For maximum detail, consider using HD FEP or No-FEP - PFA.

Bluecast goes on to say:

POST-PRINTING CLEANUP

• Patterns printed with this resin are more fragile compared to other BlueCast resins, particularly delicate patterns like filigree and prongs. Handle them with care.
• The resin contains a waxy polymer, making the patterns moderately softer.
• Clean the prints using 91% to 99% ethyl alcohol.
• When using an ultrasonic cleaner, run a 5-minute cycle with heat turned off (recommended procedure).
• With a resin washer machine, run a cycle of approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
• For simple immersion in an alcohol bath, wait approximately 10 minutes submerged.
• When using IPA alcohol, reduce the washing time.
• After washing, dry the patterns using compressed air. The resin color will transition from dark gray to light gray/white.
• After the initial washing step, spraying brand new 91% to 99% ethyl alcohol or IPA onto the patterns and drying them again will improve the casting quality.
• If compressed air is unavailable, a hairdryer can be used to dry the patterns.
• Whitening of the resin will require longer times.
• The duration of resin whitening is strongly influenced by the quality and exhaust of the alcohol used, as well as the washing procedure. Lower quality and more exhausted alcohol will require longer whitening times.
• After the washing procedure, allow sufficient time for the alcohol to evaporate before investing. Post-curing can expedite alcohol evaporation, making the patterns more rigid and stiff.

Blah blah bleh. So, we will try using the CCW EasyCast HD resin from ResinWorks3d.