What is Photosensitive Resin?

The photosensitive resin is also known as photopolymer, light-activated resin, and UV curable resin. It is a polymer that changes its properties when exposed to light, often in the ultraviolet or visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. These changes are often manifested structurally, for example, hardening of the material occurs as a result of cross-linking when exposed to light.

Typical UV curable resins consist of oligomers, monomers (which act as diluents), photo-polymerization initiators, co-initiators (spectral sensitizers, reducing agents, etc.) and various additives such as stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, and pigments.

UV curing has many advantages over conventional curing in terms of less energy consumption and equipment space, reduced waste, less emission, higher productivity (fast curing) and lower temperature setting. In addition, UV curable resins usually do not contain any organic solvents that have an adverse effect on the environment. They are applied to make prototypes, jewelry models, dental surgical guides, and functional parts.