3D Printer + Epoxy Resin for Fun Frag Racks

[D3DPrintedThingz]

A little elbow grease required , but I do like how these turned out. Very little shading underneath the frag rack , and you can get the last frag pretty far away from the glass.

 

[shakacuz]

interesting design!!!

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

That is interesting - are you dipping the print in epoxy resin, or do you have some sort of mold you create to set the rack in to encase the arms in resin?

 

[D3DPrintedThingz]

That is interesting - are you dipping the print in epoxy resin, or do you have some sort of mold you create to set the rack in to encase the arms in resin?

I actually just mix some 2 part and let it set for 5-10 minutes , theres a window where the epoxy will form and hold its teardrop shape that I try to catch. I tried the dumping method but it was not enough epoxy on the surface to give it the smooth finish. It is such a small amount of epoxy I try to make them in batches of 5-10 at a time , but if more than that I waste the epoxy because it gets too dry before I am done. I have seen 'UV resin' on the YouTube , but I have not messed with it very much.

 

[Vivid Creative Aquatics Verified Sponsor]

I actually just mix some 2 part and let it set for 5-10 minutes , theres a window where the epoxy will form and hold its teardrop shape that I try to catch. I tried the dumping method but it was not enough epoxy on the surface to give it the smooth finish. It is such a small amount of epoxy I try to make them in batches of 5-10 at a time , but if more than that I waste the epoxy because it gets too dry before I am done. I have seen 'UV resin' on the YouTube , but I have not messed with it very much.

We have been playing around with the 2-part rising for use as custom VCA keychains. Its easy enough to work with, but you're right - there's a small window in between too runny or to thick.

The UV resins for our experience is even more thin. But, it is easier to get a smooth, clear look out of it, and it cures much faster.

One thing you may need to worry about for the UV resin would be addition exposure to light. I know that 3D printed resin parts can (and do ) get brittle pretty quick in the display tank of a typical saltwater aquarium, but seem top be fine in the sump.

For what that's worth - we did experiment with some UV resins that where sold as being used in art projects. We made a few keychains , and after curing, left one outside in the Arizona sun for an afternoon , and it had no visible side effects. Definitely worth some addition testing .

Either way - I dig the frag rack design. its different that others I have seen and the use of resin is unique.