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Using Flexible 80A Resin V1

Using Flexible 80A Resin V1

Notice:

To avoid damage to equipment, check the resin tank compatibility table in Choosing the right material to confirm you are using a resin tank that is compatible with this material.

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Flexible 80A Resin is an elastomeric resin designed to print stiff, flexible parts that simulate the flexibility of rubber. Flexible 80A Resin prints at 50 microns and 100 microns.

Recommended for:

  • Soft-touch, tactile prototypes
  • Seals and gaskets
  • Consumer products and wearables
  • Medical devices and anatomical models
  • Props and modelmaking

Not suitable for:

  • Simulating very high elongation materials
  • Very fine features or thin walls
  • Parts that require quick rebound

Note:

To learn more about the performance or specific material properties of Flexible 80A Resin, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS). Always consult the SDS as the primary source of information to understand safety and handling of Formlabs materials.

 Formlabs Flexible Resin FLFLGR02, post-curedFormlabs
Formlabs Flexible 80A Resin FLFL8001, post-cured
Formlabs Elastic 50A Resin, post-cured
Elongation at break (%)80120160
Tensile Strength (MPa)7.7–8.58.93.2
Durometer/Shore hardness80–85A80A50A
Tear strength (kN/m)10.62419.1

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

Printing with Flexible 80A Resin

Notice:

  • To avoid damage to equipment, check the resin tank compatibility table in Choosing the right material to confirm you are using a resin tank that is compatible with this material.
  • There may occasionally be some crystalized or gelled resin blocking the bite valve. If resin does not dispense normally, squeeze the bite valve with a gloved hand to remove the blockage.
  • If the resin freezes during shipping, it will be cloudy and thick, even after thawing. If you notice this, heat the resin cartridge at 70 ℃ for 90 minutes in a non-food oven, Form Cure L, or other similarly-suitable device.

Flexible 80A Resin is a high-viscosity resin. It may take longer to fill the resin tank than other resins.

Tall, thin features are difficult to print in Flexible 80A Resin because the material flexes during the peel process. If possible, orient the part closer to the build platform but at a 20° angle minimum.

Print feature recommendations

Supported wall thickness
Minimum: 400 microns
Recommended: 600 microns

Unsupported wall thickness
Minimum: 600 microns
Recommended: 800 microns

Shallow angles
Minimum: 19 degrees
Recommended: 45 degrees

Horizontal span/bridge
Maximum: 600 microns

Vertical wire diameter
Minimum: 300 microns
Maximum: 1500 microns

Clearance between adjacent parts
Minimum: 1000 microns

Hole diameter
Minimum: 800 microns

Tip:

When designing your model, keep in mind that its flexibility will depend on its structure and thickness. A thicker part will be more impact resistant but less bendable.

Finishing

To remove Flexible 80A Resin parts from the build platform, insert a scraper or flush cutters under one edge and slowly peel the part away from the build platform surface.

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.

Post-curing requirements

Flexible 80A Resin requires post-curing to reach its optimal mechanical properties.

Refer to the support article Form Cure time and temperature settings for post-curing recommendations.