3D resin Phrozen Aqua Clear

Phrozen Aqua Clear is a standard photopolymer resin designed for resin 3D printers (MSLA/LCD) that produces high-transparency models with low shrinkage and low odour. With a viscosity of 50–100 cps and a Shore hardness of 74 Shore D, it is the ideal choice when you need clear prototypes, optical parts or components that reveal their interior without sacrificing mechanical strength.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Aqua Clear is aimed at any application where material transparency is functional or aesthetic. Its low shrinkage makes it particularly reliable for precision parts and presentation prototypes.

• Product prototypes where it is necessary to see the interior or simulate transparent materials (glass, acrylic)
• Optical components and low-demand experimental lenses
• Decorative pieces, jewellery or artistic elements that require transparency after post-processing
• Dimensional check moulds thanks to its low shrinkage
• Anatomical or medical visualisation models (not certified for clinical use)
• Architectural scale models with simulated glazed elements
• Lightweight industrial parts that require some flexibility (EAB 14 %)

How to use it

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly for at least 60 seconds before pouring the resin into your printer's vat. Component separation can affect colour and curing.
2. Set the exposure parameters according to your printer model and the desired layer thickness. Use Phrozen's official profiles as a starting point and adjust based on your results.
3. Print in a well-ventilated environment. Although Aqua Clear has low odour, uncured resin vapours are irritating; wear nitrile gloves and avoid skin contact.
4. Once printing is complete, remove the part with gloves and remove excess liquid resin with a silicone spatula before washing.
5. Wash the part with 99.9% isopropyl alcohol in two successive baths: first a rough wash (dirty) and then a finishing wash (clean). The recommended time is 1 to 3 minutes per bath depending on the size of the part.
6. Allow to dry completely in air or with compressed air before post-curing. Residual isopropanol interferes with UV curing.
7. Post-cure in a UV station following your equipment manufacturer's recommendations. Excessive post-curing can yellow the part and reduce its transparency.
8. To maximise transparency, sand progressively with wet-and-dry sandpaper (400 → 800 → 1500 → 2000) and polish with plastic polishing compound or coat with a high optical clarity clear varnish.

Usage tips

How to achieve maximum transparency

The final transparency depends on both post-processing and print parameters. Avoid overexposure on bottom layers, as it causes deformations at the base that make subsequent sanding more difficult. Use layers between 0.05 and 0.1 mm to reduce layer lines visible when backlit. Mechanical polishing with fine wet-and-dry sandpaper followed by a high clarity finishing varnish is what makes the difference between a translucent result and a truly transparent one.

Storage and shelf life

Store the bottle upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and UV light sources. The ideal storage temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. Once opened, close the cap tightly after each use. The resin may separate over time: always shake before use. Do not mix remnants from different batches or resins of different formulations in the same vat without cleaning it first.

Printer compatibility and exposure parameters

Aqua Clear is optimised for MSLA/LCD printers with a 405 nm monochromatic light source. Being a transparent resin, light penetrates more easily than in opaque resins, which can cause overexposure if you copy profiles from grey or black resins. Reduce exposure times by 10 to 20% compared to a standard grey resin profile as a starting point and adjust using an exposure calibration tower.

Frequently asked questions