Tough resins are formulations designed to increase impact, flexural, and mechanical fatigue resistance compared to standard resins. They are the choice for functional parts: prototypes undergoing mechanical testing, casing shells, utility accessories, parts that need to "work" and not just "look good." On Strato3D, you will find a selection of the best tough resins on the market.
When to use a tough resin
- Functional prototypes: parts that must pass bending, impact, and fatigue tests.
- Casings and shells: electronic housings with detail and robustness.
- Snap-fits and clips: parts that need to interlock and withstand opening/closing cycles.
- Knobs and utility accessories: prints that undergo daily handling.
- Industrial models: pre-series prototypes with performance close to the final part.
Technical characteristics
- Wavelength: 405 nm.
- Tensile strength: 40-60 MPa (vs 30-40 MPa standard).
- Elongation at break: 10-20% (vs 5-10% standard).
- Izod impact strength: 30-80 J/m (vs 10-20 J/m standard).
- Heat resistance: 60-100 °C post-cure.
- Exposure time: slightly longer than standard.
Available families
- Tough ABS-like: behavior similar to FDM printed ABS — rigid + tough.
- Tough PLA-like: rigid like PLA but with higher toughness.
- Tough Nylon-like: high flexural strength and fatigue resistance, simulating nylon properties.
- High Impact: designed for applications subject to impacts.
Brands you can find on Strato3D
Tough resins from Anycubic, Elegoo, Sunlu, Siraya Tech (Blu/Tenacious), BASF Forward AM Ultracur3D ST 1400.
Frequently asked questions
Tough resin or ABS filament? For small parts with detail: tough resin. For large and functional parts: ABS or ASA filament.
Are special print parameters needed? Yes, exposure times are typically 20-30% longer than standard. Check the technical data sheet.
Are they really "tough"? They significantly improve over standard resin, but do not reach the performance of a technical FDM material (ABS, PETG, Nylon).
Are they sun resistant? No, UV resins degrade under UV rays. For outdoor use, protective coating is required.