Optimization of Physical-Mechanical Properties of light cure Resins for use in 3D printing by micro and nano additives for industrial applications

3D printers have become widely used in the industry in the last decade so that this technology is sometimes referred to as the fourth industrial revolution. Stereolithography is one of the oldest and, at the same time, the most accurate method used in this industry. Despite numerous studies in various fields involved in this technology, there is a lack of quantitative studies on strengthening the mechanical properties of resins used in this method for application as the final piece and without post-processing, especially in button-up printers (mainly used in desktop printers). In this paper, the physical and mechanical properties of an industrial grade resin were improved via addition of calcium carbonate micro and nanoparticles, with and without surface modification with a mechanical stirrer, at the same time the limitations and effects of adding this filler on other properties such as printability have been studied. It was found that optimal viscosity for use in these printers is ranged between 180 to 300 centipoise. It was also observed that the addition of calcium carbonate particles reduced the curing induced shrinkage and improved the mechanical properties up to 70% with the increase of micro and nanoparticles. In addition, it was observed that the post-curing process is critical to achieving the optimal properties.