Formlabs Clear Cast Resin is a specialized transparent castable SLA resin designed for high-precision investment casting applications where extremely low ash content, dimensional accuracy, and reliable metal casting results are critical.

This material is widely used in:

• industrial precision casting
• jewelry manufacturing
• engineering metal prototypes
• functional metal components
• complex geometries
• high-end design parts

Clear Cast Resin is engineered to provide maximum process control and clean burnout performance, making it ideal for professional lost-wax casting workflows.

What Makes Clear Cast Resin Unique?

1. Transparent Material for Process Control

Clear Cast Resin features a slightly amber-transparent appearance that provides valuable visual feedback during the manufacturing process.

Benefits include:

• easier inspection of internal geometries
• detection of print defects before casting
• improved workflow validation
• better support structure evaluation

Although the material fully burns out during casting, its transparency is especially useful during production preparation.

2. Extremely Low Ash Content

One of the most important characteristics of Clear Cast Resin is its clean burnout behavior.

During the casting process:

• the resin burns out completely and predictably
• minimal ash residue remains
• the risk of casting defects is significantly reduced

This results in:

• cleaner molds
• higher casting yield
• improved surface quality of metal parts
• fewer failed castings

3. High Dimensional Stability

Clear Cast Resin is engineered for rigid and accurate part production.

Printed components offer:

• excellent dimensional accuracy
• stable geometry during handling
• predictable shrinkage behavior during casting
• repeatable production results

This makes it highly suitable for industrial workflows where consistency is essential.

4. Process Reliability in Investment Casting

Clear Cast Resin is optimized for consistent performance across the full casting workflow:

• printing
• washing
• curing
• investing
• burnout
• metal casting

This ensures:

• fewer casting failures
• higher production efficiency
• better repeatability across batches

Mechanical and Processing Characteristics

Clear Cast Resin is not designed as a functional end-use material but as a precision pattern material for metal casting.

Key Properties

Rigid and Stable

• maintains fine geometries
• resists deformation during handling
• supports delicate structures reliably

Smooth Surface Finish

• minimal visible layer lines
• reduced polishing after casting
• improved final metal surface quality

High Detail Resolution

• suitable for micro-features
• thin walls
• intricate internal channels
• fine engravings

Typical Applications

1. Industrial Investment Casting

Used for precision metal components such as:

• housings and enclosures
• connectors
• mechanical prototypes in metal
• small functional parts
• fluid or air channel components

2. Jewelry and Luxury Products

Clear Cast Resin is also used for:

• high-end jewelry designs
• complex geometric pieces
• technical or minimalist jewelry
• precious metal prototypes

3. Engineering and R&D

Ideal for development teams working with metal prototypes:

• functional metal validation parts
• tolerance testing
• small production runs
• rapid iteration in product development

Workflow: From Print to Metal

Step 1 – 3D Printing

Parts are printed on compatible Formlabs SLA systems.

The resin is optimized for:

• high resolution
• stable print behavior
• reliable supports
• consistent results

Step 2 – Washing

Printed parts are cleaned using IPA or compatible solvents to remove uncured resin.

Proper washing is essential to:

• ensure clean burnout
• avoid surface contamination
• maintain fine detail integrity

Step 3 – Post-Curing

Controlled curing may be applied depending on the application to:

• improve dimensional stability
• enhance structural integrity
• ensure consistent casting behavior

Step 4 – Investment

The printed pattern is embedded in investment material using standard lost-wax casting procedures.

Step 5 – Burnout

During thermal burnout:

• the resin fully decomposes
• ash residue is kept extremely low
• a clean cavity is formed in the mold

Step 6 – Metal Casting

Compatible with a wide range of metals, including:

• steel
• brass
• bronze
• silver
• gold (application-dependent)

Surface Quality of Final Castings

Clear Cast Resin is known for producing high-quality metal surfaces:

• smooth finishes
• sharp detail reproduction
• minimal post-processing
• excellent aesthetic quality

This reduces labor requirements and improves production efficiency.

Printer Compatibility

Clear Cast Resin is compatible with multiple Formlabs SLA printers:

• Form 3
• Form 3+
• Form 3B
• Form 4
• Form 4B

Proper validated settings are required for optimal casting results.

Key Advantages

• extremely low ash content
• high dimensional accuracy
• excellent surface quality
• reliable burnout behavior
• suitable for complex geometries
• stable industrial performance
• high repeatability
• ideal for precision metal casting workflows

Limitations

Clear Cast Resin is not intended for:

• functional plastic end-use parts
• high-impact applications
• flexible components
• long-term UV exposure
• structural mechanical loads

Successful use also requires:

• correct burnout cycles
• proper investment materials
• experience with investment casting processes

Professional Positioning

Clear Cast Resin is a premium material designed for companies that bridge digital manufacturing and traditional metal casting.

It excels in environments where:

• precision is critical
• repeatability is required
• complex metal parts are produced
• casting quality must be consistent

Its combination of:

• SLA precision
• ultra-clean burnout
• low ash residue
• industrial reliability

makes it a trusted solution for professional lost-wax casting workflows in both industrial and jewelry applications.