Using 3D-printing resin in extremely cold, cryogenic atmosphere

The use of resins in applications with extreme athmospheres is increasing. A lot of information is already available on our website regarding thermal aging of 3D-printing resin, UV-stability of resin or using 3D-printing resins in contact with petrol or other chemicals. Additionally, in an earlier study Liqcreate Strong-X was placed in freezing conditions. Now the question arises about a 3D-printing resin that can work in even more extreme temperature conditions. In this article you can read how Liqcreate 3D-printing resins will perform when continuesly dipped in liquid nitrogen at 70 Kelvin / -203°C / -333°F.

3D-printing resin in cryogenic atmosphere (extremely cold)

A selection of general purpose, flexible, tough and extremely rigid resins were tested.

• – Liqcreate Deep Blue
• – Liqcreate Stone Coal Black
• – Liqcreate Premium White
• – Liqcreate Premium Tough
• – Liqcreate Premium Flex
• – Liqcreate Composite-X
• – Liqcreate Strong-X
• – Liqcreate Clear Impact
• – Liqcreate Tough-X
• – Liqcreate Flexible-X

Testing 3D-printing resin at extreme cold, cryogenic atmosphere.

The test setup was build with in its core a 350 ml flask. This flask is filled with liquid nitrogen at 70 degree Kelvin / -203°C / -333°F. The 3D-printed resin parts were dipped into the liquid nitrogen bath, leading to an immediate cold shock. During the 5 minute exposure to liquid nitrogen, the temperature was kept at the same low temperature. Before assessing the parts, they were acclimatized in normal atmosphere for half an hour.

Result of 3D-printing resin at extreme cold, cryogenic atmosphere.

After repeating the liquid nitrogen dip for at least 10 times, there were a few resins that were still in good condition without any defects. Liqcreate Deep Blue, Stone Coal Black, Premium White, Premium Tough and Composite-X have passed the tests without visual defects. Other resins like our flexible materials and some tough resins did not, or partially survive repeated exposure to liquid nitrogen at 70 degrees Kelvin.

Table 1: which resin survived repeatedly cold shocks in liquid nitrogen?

Conclusion

When you are looking for a 3D-printing resin in cryogenic athmosphere or any other low temperature application, Premium White, Deep Blue, Stone Coal Black, Premium Tough and Composite-X are very promising to use in these extremely cold conditions.

We hoped this was an interesting and educational read. Please send us an e-mail at info@liqcreate.com if you have any questions, comments or remarks. We wish you happy printing and good luck with using 3D-printing resin in extreme athmospheres!