Performance of Resins for Stereolithography Printers in Jewelry Casting Applications: A Qualitative Assessment

Abstract

This research analyzes the technical feasibility of manufacturing jewelry castings using the lost wax technique, substituting wax by the use of resins within the framework of 3D stereolithography printers (SLA). To achieve this goal, a pair of distinct 3D ring designs have been crafted: a robust signet ring and an intricate filigree ring. The purpose behind this decision is to determine whether the unique features of these two different designs have any noticeable effect on the result. Five different commercial resins have been utilized, with one of them explicitly formulated for casting purposes. Non-castable resins generate a unique, weathered appearance, due to the variability in ash residue within the mold after resin combustion, yielding unpredictable outcomes and diverse sample characteristics such as grainy texture, cracks, and corroded effect. Examining the castable resin reveals its optimal performance for smaller elements like the filigree ring, showcasing remnants of supports or layers originating from the resin's printer curing process. On the contrary, larger resin-abundant objects like the signet ring result in notable flaws, attributed to gas accumulation within the mold, exerting internal pressure and causing mold rupture, leading to metal leakage.