Tech

Nexa DLP Resins for High-Performance 3D Printing

Prime StarMarch 12, 2025

0 3 3 minutes read

Abstract

The rapid evolution of digital light processing (DLP) technology has enabled the production of end-use parts with mechanical properties rivaling traditional manufacturing methods. Nexa3D’s line of DLP resins, formulated for ultrafast printing and high-performance applications, provides solutions for general-purpose prototyping, engineering-grade components, elastomers, freeform injection molding, and dental applications. This white paper explores the material properties, performance characteristics, and industrial applications of Nexa DLP resins. Furthermore, it highlights RapidMade’s capabilities as an advanced service provider for high-quality, production-grade Resin 3D-printed components.

1. Introduction

Resin-based 3D printing, specifically DLP and SLA, has historically been limited to prototyping applications due to brittle material properties and low production throughput. However, Nexa3D’s Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc®) technology and advanced resin formulations have significantly improved the speed, mechanical strength, and heat resistance of 3D-printed photopolymers. The integration of these resins into industrial applications has enabled the production of functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, tooling, and even final production parts.

RapidMade leverages Nexa3D’s cutting-edge material portfolio to offer customers high-quality, high-speed resin 3D printing for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.

2. Overview of Nexa DLP Resins

Nexa3D offers a diverse set of high-performance photopolymers categorized by their specific applications:

General-Purpose Resins: Optimized for prototyping, these resins offer high-detail resolution, smooth surface finishes, and cost-effective production.
Engineering Resins: Designed for industrial applications requiring high strength, impact resistance, temperature resistance, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties.
Elastomeric Resins: Flexible, rubber-like materials ideal for gaskets, seals, handles, and other applications requiring high elongation and tear resistance.
Freeform Injection Molding Resins: Used for prototyping with traditional injection molding materials, reducing lead times for molded parts.
Dental Resins: Biocompatible and precision-engineered resins for dental modeling, surgical guides, and custom orthodontic solutions.

3. Material Properties and Performance

3.1 General-Purpose Resins

These resins provide excellent printability, fine feature detail, and smooth finishes.

x45 (Natural): High-speed printing with robust mechanical properties, suitable for functional prototyping.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 52 MPa
- Tensile Elongation at Break: 12%
- Flex Strength: 95 MPa
xMODEL15 (Black, Gray): Cost-effective material with excellent surface finish, ideal for iterative prototyping.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 48 MPa
- Tensile Elongation at Break: 28%
xMODEL17-Clear: A rigid, high-clarity resin for optical and lighting applications.
- HDT: 47°C
- Notched Izod Impact Strength: 47 J/m

3.2 Engineering Resins

These high-performance materials mimic injection-molded plastics for demanding industrial applications.

xABS3843 (Black): ABS-like stiffness, durable, with excellent weathering resistance.
- Tensile Modulus: 1400 MPa
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 32 MPa
- HDT: 56°C
xPEEK147 (Black): High-temperature-resistant polymer, comparable to PEEK.
- HDT: 238°C
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 75 MPa
xESD (Black): Electrically conductive, suitable for electronics manufacturing.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 68.1 MPa
- HDT: 91.3°C
xCERAMIC3280 (White): Ceramic composite resin with extreme rigidity and high-temperature performance.
- HDT: 280°C
- Tensile Modulus: 9410 MPa

3.3 Elastomeric Resins

Elastomers are engineered for resilience, impact absorption, and long-term durability.

xFLEX402 (Black): Firm rubber-like material for functional prototyping.
- Hardness Shore A: 73
- Elongation at Break: 230%
xFLEX475 (Black, White): Softer, high-elongation elastomer with excellent energy return.
- Elongation at Break: 150-159%
- Tear Strength: 7.3-11.7 kN/m

3.4 Freeform Injection Molding Resins

xMOLD: Enables rapid prototyping of injection-molded parts without traditional tooling.
- Tensile Modulus: 4.6 MPa
- Tensile Elongation at Break: 159%

3.5 Dental Resins

Dental applications demand high precision, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability.

xDENT201 (Gray, Beige): High-resolution resin for orthodontic models.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength: 55 MPa
- Tensile Modulus: 2300 MPa
KeySplint Hard® (Clear): Rigid, biocompatible splint material with excellent wear resistance.
- Flex Strength: 65 MPa
- Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-5 certified
KeyGuide® (Translucent): Surgical guide resin with high accuracy.
- Flex Strength: 106 MPa

4. Industrial Applications

Nexa3D DLP resins are utilized in various industries, including:

Aerospace & Automotive: Lightweight, high-strength components with temperature and chemical resistance.
Consumer Goods: High-detail functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Medical & Dental: Biocompatible surgical guides, splints, and orthodontic models.
Manufacturing & Tooling: Jigs, fixtures, molds, and injection-molding tools.

Case Studies

Alstom (Rail Transportation): Produced passenger footrests using xABS3843 resin, replacing discontinued supplier parts.
PepsiCo (Packaging): Reduced blow mold tooling costs by 96% using xPEEK147 resin.
Liquid Sound Technologies (Acoustic Accessories): Achieved a 90% cost reduction by replacing machined brass parts with xCE resin.

5. Advantages of Nexa DLP Resins Over Traditional Manufacturing

Speed: LSPc® technology enables production in hours instead of weeks.
Cost Efficiency: Eliminates expensive molds and tooling.
Design Freedom: Enables complex geometries without manufacturing constraints.
Material Versatility: Provides options ranging from rigid, high-temp polymers to elastomers and ceramics.