Is there a safer alternative to resin?
Natural Innovations
EcoPoxy offer bio-based, non-toxic epoxies which are an environmentally friendly alternative to other epoxy resins on the market. All over the world, customers are using EcoPoxy to create, build and beautify the space around them.
There are a few brands of liquid clay that cure crystal clear and glossy and can therefore make an excellent alternative to resin. Kato Liquid Polyclay, Sculpey Liquid Clear, and Fimo Liquid will all cure clear and glossy when they're fully cured.
CHILL EPOXY products are known for their non-toxicity and food safety. They are 100% solid and contain no VOCs or fumes, making them safe to use with proper protection such as gloves, protective lenses, and an apron.
Health and safety: Epoxy is safer to work with.
Both epoxy and polyester resin can be a mild health hazard. As such, it's important to use appropriate protective gear when working with either of them. That being said, epoxy is actually easier to work with in this regard.
ArtResin is ASTM certified (D-4236) non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, as there are no VOCs / fumes produced. ArtResin has only a low odour and is applicator friendly. However, as it still contains a small amount of Bisphenol A, it is recommended that you work in a well ventilated area.
ArtResin® is certified non-toxic (when used as directed) so it's not bad for your health like other resins. No VOCs. No fumes. No solvents.
Skin Contact: Possible skin irritation. Contact with molten material can result in burns. Ingestion: Unlikely to be harmful by ingestion under ambient temperature. Eye Contact: Vapors from heated product can irritate the eyes.
One of the most important questions asked by resin 3D printing beginners is, “Is UV resin toxic?” The short answer is yes, they are, but there are many factors to consider when getting to grips with these printing materials.
While their use has been widespread for many years, both polyurethane and epoxy resins have been shown to contain carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemicals (CMR substances) that can be dangerous to the people who work with them.
Health Hazard Summary: The most common effects of overexposure to the chemicals used in epoxy resin systems are eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, skin allergies, and asthma.
Is resin toxic to breathe?
Epoxy and resin can be poisonous if they are swallowed or their fumes are breathed in.
Once mixed, ArtResin® can be poured over many types of artwork to provide a super-clear, semi-flexible coating that won't shrink, warp or discolour over time. Uniquely, ArtResin® is certified 'non-toxic' when used as directed. It conforms to ASTM D4236 which is a US certification meaning that it is safe for home use.
Plant-based resin is a natural bio-based plastic, a smarter and much cleaner alternative to standard petroleum-based plastics. The material we use comes from castor bean oil, a highly resilient and renewable plant resource.
UV heat will also wear and cause yellowing in the epoxy in outdoor areas. Polyurea is more durable than epoxy and more flexible because it is an elastomer. It is also chemical resistant and can withstand stable heat up to 266℉ and 430℉ for a shorter time, according to Corrosionpedia.
Acrylic resin is a group of thermoplastic materials derived from acrylic acid — a monomer that is reactive with other chemicals to harden. Epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting material that can be a two-part clear liquid. Both types of resins have unique properties and applications.
So, once you've given your resin its due curing time and it is cured completely, it is safe to use. Cured resin is completely non-toxic, so be comfortable touching it, using it, or placing anything on it.
Some naturally-derived resins, when soft, are known as 'oleoresins', and when containing benzoic acid or cinnamic acid they are called balsams. Oleoresins are naturally-occurring mixtures of an oil and a resin; they can be extracted from various plants.
Traditional epoxy resins often contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can evaporate into the atmosphere and contribute to air pollution, leading to problems such as smog and climate change.
The simple answer here is, yes, epoxy is generally safe around food because it is an inert plastic when properly mixed and cured.
The plant-based resin, from a safety perspective, does not advance significantly from the typical UV-activated resins that can harm ourselves and the environment. That being said, it is worth noting that nearly 50% of this resin was able to utilize a plasticizer/filler that is plant-based.
How long are resin fumes toxic?
The smell will stop being strong after about 8 to 10 hours. Resin can sometimes take 3 days to cure, but that is generally a hard cure. Once it is at the soft cure or demolding stage, the fumes won't be a problem at all.
Protect Your Eyes and Vision
Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from contact with resin, hardeners, mixed epoxy, and sanding dust. If you get epoxy in your eyes, flush them immediately with water under low pressure for 15 minutes.
Acrylic (PMMA) biocompatibility PMMA is very biocompatible with human tissue. Because it is BPA free, it is also a useful BPA-free alternative to polycarbonate frequently used for making component parts for medical, biological and biopharmaceutical applications.
ACRYLIC CASTING COMPOUNDS, also sometimes known as water-based resins or eco compounds, are a range of products that are non-toxic, odourless and easy to clean up with water.
Yes, even though UV resin gives off less VOC fumes because it cures faster it is still a good idea to protect yourself from all levels of fumes.
Uncured resin is toxic. With that in mind, don't let it touch your skin, let alone mouth, eyes and nose. Always handle the resin and printed parts that haven't been washed and cured yet with gloves (nitrile and neoprene – NOT latex!). And I'd throw in some clear goggles and mask for good measure.
No, water-washable resins are not the greener solution for 3D printing. Despite the claims, water-washable resins are still sensitizers. In its liquid form, it might cause mild allergic reactions when exposed to the skin and is toxic to the environment when poorly handled.
Epoxy resins are the safest of the resin types regarding harmful vapors. Epoxy is safe to use indoors, in most home areas or garage type application. If using in larger quantities, use of additional ventilation tools may be needed. Most often a fan will suffice for any given epoxy.
We prefer that children over 12 use our products; however, children of any age should follow this recommendation when working with Craft Resin. Even though 12 is the age at which it is advised that children begin working with epoxy resin, you should hold off until they are older if you are concerned about their safety.
Artist Resin consists of petroleum. Petroleum extraction causes tons of problems in the environment. One of these problems is that it pollutes not only our oceans but also the sources of water supplies. It contaminates our soil and air.
Can resin fumes cause brain damage?
If the resin is inhaled or absorbed through the skin, the solvent can affect your brain in ways similar to alcohol causing dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, headache, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the production of epoxy resins and is thought to be an endocrine disruptor.
Styrene is a colorless, oily liquid most commonly found in paints, plastics, and resins. Like many solvents, styrene can cause intoxication and central nervous system depression when inhaled in high concentrations for extended periods.
Don't make any assumptions. When in doubt call Epoxy.com tech support. Do not use Epoxies when temperatures of the air or the substrate will drop below 50 degrees F. Without first consulting with Epoxy.com Tech service for cold installation.
Tests on laboratory animals showed that older epoxy resins caused skin cancer. It is, most likely, due to epichlorohydrin, which probably causes cancer in humans as well. However, newer epoxy resins contain less epichlorohydrin, so they don't cause cancer in animals.
Inhaling any form of smoke can have adverse effects on lung health, but using vaporizers, including live resin carts, reduces the harmful effects of inhaling cannabis. Some live resin carts may contain higher levels of terpenes than traditional cartridges, which could potentially irritate the lungs.
Working with or exposure to certain epoxies or resins could increase your chances of having fertility problems, miscarriage, stillbirth, or a baby with birth defects. Here, you can learn more about these chemicals and what you can do to reduce your exposure for a healthier pregnancy.
ArtResin - Epoxy Resin - Clear - Non-Toxic - 1 gal (0.5 gal Resin + 0.5 gal Hardener) (3.78L)
These UV-cured resins are toxic and environmentally hazardous when they're still in liquid form. However, once they've been printed and cured, they're perfectly safe to handle and dispose of.
Fewer than 10% of epoxy users react when overexposed to epoxy resin or hardener. The most common reaction is contact dermatitis or skin inflammation. Both epoxy resin and hardener can cause acute contact dermatitis. Discomfort can be severe but usually disappears after stopping contact with the irritant.
Ecomalta, also called ecoresin, is an innovative and eco-friendly material, with which it is possible to create a continuous surface. It is made for 40 % out of certified recycled materials and it is fire retardant, breathable, resistant, flexible, recyclable, free of lime, cement and epoxy resins.
What is the best eco resin?
Sunlu Plant-Based Bio
Sunlu has released its own plant-based resin derived from soybean oil which is an eco-friendly choice for your standard, day-to-day resin.
Bio resins are, partially or completely, based on monomers which are derived from biological sources. These resins have green appeal as they replace petrochemical based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use of bio-based raw materials in coatings is not a recent development.
Hard plaster or concrete can be good casting materials, and they're cheaper than Milliput, Fimo or any resins. Definitely a good low cost material choice for larger pieces.
As previously stated, polyurea is four times stronger than epoxy. It also has 98% more flexibility than epoxy. It's made of elastic material, which makes it very durable and long-lasting, so it doesn't split or peel.
One of the major disadvantages of epoxy adhesives is their tendency to have a long cure time. Some formulations can cure quickly and be ready for use within minutes or hours. However, most epoxy adhesives typically require several hours or even days to fully cure.
While Lucite sounds like a material very different in kind, it is also considered a kind of resin. Specifically, Lucite is an acrylic, and more importantly here, a brand of acrylic known for its higher quality and durability. Lucite has properties of both plastic and glass, as it can be entirely clear and translucent.
Polyester resin requires a catalyst to cure and the curing time is approximately 12 hours. It can be rendered UV-resistant and is relatively easy to use. It is also tolerant to temperature and much less expensive than epoxy resin.
| MATERIAL | COST ($/cubic inch) | SKILL LEVEL (1-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Acrylic Leveling Gel | $1.14 | |
| Objet Vero Clear | $19.85 | 2 |
| Clear Glycerin Soap Base | $0.22 | 3 |
| Smooth-On Encapso K | $0.50 | 3 |
The chemicals in epoxy resin systems can affect your health when they come in contact with your skin, or if they evaporate or form a mist or dust in the air you breathe. The main effects of overexposure are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, skin allergies, and asthma.
Easy-to-Use. EcoPoxy invests heavily in researching & developing high bio-content epoxies, made from annually renewable resources. With our research & development facility in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, we're able to formulate, test, and deliver premium bio-based epoxy systems for your next project!
Is resin really that toxic?
Liquid 3D printing resins give off fumes or vapors containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to humans if inhaled into the throat or lungs. Short-term exposure to resin fumes can result in dizziness, headaches, and throat irritation.
The recommended minimum for most epoxy users is gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Protect yourself from epoxy vapors with the use of respiratory protection, which may include an air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor or multi-contaminate cartridge.
As a general guide, we would suggest that if your child is 12 and above they will probably be ok to use our products - However any child of any age should always be supervised by a responsible adult at all times whilst using Craft Resin.
Once cured, epoxy resin is waterproof.
Once it has finished bonding and curing, epoxy will prevent permeation by nearly any liquid or solid material, including water and humid air.
Plant-based resin is a natural bio-based plastic, a smarter and much cleaner alternative to standard petroleum-based plastics. The material we use comes from castor bean oil, a highly resilient and renewable plant resource.
Epoxy coating resin has a more viscous consistency as compared to casting resin. It dries or cures faster than casting resin. Compared to casting resin, epoxy coating resin has relatively shorter processing times.
