Hi, I’m Paree, a product manager at Formlabs. Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of Color Resin V5, the first-ever pre-mixed, custom-color 3D printing resin that helps our users make 3D printed parts in a wide range of colors with high color accuracy. Since this is a brand new product that is custom made to each order, I’m here to answer any questions you might have, and my materials science colleagues who developed the material may jump into the comments as well.
For those who already have feedback about the product, please share your feedback with us in this survey. That data will be used to inform the next stages of development for Color Resins. I will personally be the one reading the responses.
Some Q&As to get the thread started:
What range of colors and accuracy can I expect?
Input your RGB and HEX color code using the color picker tool on the web-store. The color displayed in Closest Match gives you an idea of the color accuracy for your selected color. Typically, digital colors can be much more saturated on a screen and selecting a color within the central regions of the color picker tool appears bright and rich on plastic parts. Feel free to click on the info button underneath the color picker tool to learn more.
To learn more about the differences between color accuracy, physical colors and digital colors, please refer to this article.
What is the minimum order quantity?
One liter. Since we manufacture our own resins, we have a high degree of control over the supply chain and manufacturing process. Between that, and being one of the largest suppliers of 3D printing resin in the world, we can take advantage of economies of scale.
How does Color Resin V5 compare to White/Grey/Black V5?
Color Resin V5 is a custom-colorable General Purpose Resin for Form 4 Generation 3D printers similar to Black Resin V5, Grey Resin V5, and White Resin V5. Users can expect this material to deliver similar dimensional accuracy, aesthetics, and mechanical properties. However, there are some minor differences between the products, that are outlined below:
- Mechanical properties are within ±15% (and some variation exists by color)
- Print times are approximately 25-35% slower
How does Color Resin V5 compare to Color Kit V1?
Compared to Color Kit, Color Resin V5 has:
- More saturated, bright, and intense colors
- Improved color accuracy
- ~50% larger color palette
- No manual mixing or errors from dispensing pigments yourself
- On-demand print settings generation tuned for each color
Will Color Kit V1 be sunset?
We are not actively sunsetting Color Kit V1 yet. We will monitor sales for this resin and, when it falls below an appropriate threshold, we will begin sunsetting the resin.
Why is Color Resin V5 available only in the USA?
Color Resin V5 ships directly from our US-based manufacturing facility, so we are starting with domestic orders to ensure short lead times. We plan to open international orders once our production and fulfillment is ready to support international shipments.
Let us know if you have more questions in the comments. I’m excited to see what you create with Color Resin V5!