Tough 1500 Resin produces stiff and pliable parts that bend and spring back quickly under repeated use. This material is ideal for functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, and connectors undergoing temporary deflection or high impacts.

Formlabs developed Tough 1500 Resin to bridge the gap in mechanical properties between Tough 1000 Resin and Tough 2000 Resin. Tough 1500 Resin performs similarly to polypropylene in terms of strength and stiffness, which makes it an excellent choice for prototyping products that will be made from that material.

Tough 1500 Resin has material properties that fall between Tough 1000 Resin and Tough 2000 Resin, making it a resilient, robust and versatile material.

See the table below for a comparison of relevant material properties:

To learn more about the performance properties of Formlabs resins, refer to the library of material properties datasheets.

Install or update PreForm, then set up the next print job.

To prepare a model for printing in PreForm:

1. Open a model.
2. Select the resin, resin version, and the desired layer thickness.
3. Orient to preserve fine details.
4. Generate supports.

5. Send the print job to the printer.

PreForm has two settings for Tough 1500 Resin: 50 microns and 100 microns. For more information about available settings and compatibility, see the support article Choosing the right material.

Printing and installing a cartridge shim

The newest Tough family of resins (Tough 1000 Resin V1, Tough 1500 Resin V2, and Tough 2000 Resin V2) cause the resin cartridge bite valve to swell over time. A swollen bite valve dispenses resin more slowly, especially towards the end of a cartridge’s life. In a limited and contained number of cases, the bite valve can ultimately fall off the resin cartridge entirely, leading to a significant resin spill.

If your resin cartridge is from lot number 20251022 or later, it is not at risk for a resin spill, so you can print a shim that mitigates poor dispensing even if the valve swells. To prevent dispense interruptions caused by valve swelling, Formlabs recommends using this shim.

To install the cartridge shim:

1. Download the shim file.
2. Prepare the print job.
   1. Import the shim file into PreForm.
   2. Select your printer and resin type. The shim is designed to print with any General Purpose Resin, Fast Model Resin, or any resin in the Tough family.
   3. Set the Raft Type to None and generate supports. This will support the overhanging portions of the shim while leaving it flat against the build platform.
3. Print and post-process the shim.
4. Position the shim so that its rounded edges are aligned with the cartridge skirt.
5. Insert the retention tabs straight into the opening next to the bite valve. They should click into place with minimal force. The flat portion between the tabs should sit next to, not on top of, the bite valve.

6. Check that the four grooves around the shim align with the walls on the bottom of the cartridge.

The Form Wash agitates the solvent bath and removes parts from the bath after a set time. Wash parts according to the support article Form Wash time settings. Pay particular attention to information that affects mechanical properties or biocompatibility requirements.

If the model is hollow or has internal channels, ensure liquid resin is flushed out thoroughly from these features. Allow parts to fully dry before post-curing.

Tough 1500 Resin requires post-curing to reach its optimal mechanical properties. Cure parts printed in Tough 1500 Resin on supports to prevent warping or distortion. Refer to the time and temperature settings for your machine for post-curing recommendations:

• Form Cure V1
• Form Cure V2
• Form Cure L V1
• Form Cure L V2

• Tough 1500 Resin V1 sterilization report