Material Profile: Aqua Clear / Aqua Clear Plus Resin for SLA / LCD 3D
Phrozen SLA / LCD Resin Technical Report Series
Compiled from Phrozen official datasheets, SDS documents, and third-party technical reviews
Abstract—Aqua Clear (and the toughened Aqua Clear Plus variant) is Phrozen's transparent SLA resin family. It produces optically clear printed parts (subject to layer-line smoothing) suitable for fluid visualisation, light-pipes, water features, and decorative pieces. Aqua Clear Plus adds non-brittle toughness for handled transparent objects.
Index Terms—additive manufacturing, SLA, LCD, photopolymer, transparent resin, optical clarity.
I. MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION
This section establishes the canonical names and commercial designations under which the resin is supplied.
A. Designation
Trade name: Phrozen Aqua Clear / Aqua Clear Plus Resin. Color: Transparent.
B. Resin Family
Low-viscosity transparent acrylate photopolymer without pigment; 405 nm UV cure.
C. Aliases and Alternative Designations
|
Alias |
Origin / Usage |
|
Aqua Clear |
Standard transparent variant |
|
Aqua Clear Plus |
Toughened transparent variant |
|
Phrozen Transparent Resin |
Generic descriptor |
II. COMPOSITION AND PHOTOPOLYMER CHEMISTRY
A. General Resin Family
Generic photo-polymerisation: monomers (multi-functional acrylates / urethane-acrylates) + photoinitiator (e.g., TPO / BAPO) + 405 nm UV → crosslinked thermoset network. Exact formulation is proprietary. Pigment-free formulation for optical transparency.
Fig. 1. Photopolymer crosslinking schematic for the resin family.
Fig. 2. SLA / LCD print → wash → post-cure process flow.
B. Composition Breakdown
TABLE I COMPOSITIONAL BREAKDOWN OF AQUA CLEAR / AQUA CLEAR PLUS (TYPICAL / PER SUPPLIER DATASHEET)
|
Constituent |
Mass fraction |
Function |
|
Transparent multi-functional acrylate monomers (pigment-free) |
≈ 70–85 wt% |
Form the backbone of the cured network |
|
Reactive diluents (low-viscosity acrylates) |
≈ 10–20 wt% |
Reduce viscosity; increase crosslink density |
|
Photoinitiator (acylphosphine oxide, e.g., TPO) |
≈ 1–3 wt% |
Absorbs 405 nm UV, initiates radical polymerisation |
|
Pigments, stabilisers, additives |
≈ 1–3 wt% |
Color, UV blocker for shelf life, surface flow |
|
Total |
100 wt% |
— |
III. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Aqua Clear is engineered for transmittance > 80% (when layer-line polished). Aqua Clear Plus adds non-brittle toughness at minor cost in clarity. Mechanical properties below are typical for the Plus variant.
TABLE II MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF AQUA CLEAR / AQUA CLEAR PLUS (POST-CURE, ISO 527 / ASTM D638)
|
Property |
Value |
Test method / source |
|
Density |
≈ 1.05–1.12 g/cm³ |
ASTM D792 |
|
Viscosity (uncured liquid) |
≈ 150–300 cP @ 25 °C |
Brookfield viscometer |
|
Surface hardness |
≈ Shore D 80–85 |
ASTM D2240 |
|
Tensile strength, ultimate (UTS) |
≈ 35–50 MPa |
ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
|
Tensile (Young's) modulus |
≈ 1500–2200 MPa |
ASTM D638 |
|
Elongation at break |
≈ 12–20 % |
ASTM D638 |
|
Flexural strength |
≈ 50–65 MPa |
ASTM D790 |
|
Izod impact, notched (23 °C) |
≈ 20–30 (est.) J/m |
ASTM D256 |
IV. RECOMMENDED PRINT PARAMETERS
Values below are the manufacturer-recommended starting points for compatible Phrozen LCD printers; specific machines may require ±10–20% adjustment based on LCD age and ambient temperature.
TABLE III RECOMMENDED PRINT AND POST-PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR AQUA CLEAR / AQUA CLEAR PLUS
|
Parameter |
Value / range |
Notes |
|
UV wavelength |
405 nm |
Standard for Phrozen LCD printers |
|
Compatible printers |
Sonic Mini 8K / 8K S, Sonic Mighty 8K / 12K, Sonic Mega 8K |
Best paired with the indicated resolution class |
|
Layer thickness |
0.025–0.050 mm (typical 0.030 mm) |
Thinner layers improve detail at the cost of print time |
|
Normal exposure (per layer) |
≈ 2.0–3.0 s @ 8K resolution |
Test-tower validation recommended |
|
Bottom exposure |
≈ 25–35 s × 6 layers |
First-layer adhesion to build plate |
|
Lift distance / speed |
≈ 6–8 mm @ 60–100 mm/min |
Slower for fine geometries |
|
Wash medium |
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or 95% ethanol |
30–60 s wash; do not over-soak |
|
Post-cure |
405 nm UV box, 30–60 min (avoid over-cure to prevent yellowing) depending on size |
Phrozen Cure Mega S or equivalent |
V. GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURE (TG)
Reported / typical Tg: ≈ 65–75 °C.
Over-curing may cause yellowing; balance toughness and optical clarity by limiting post-cure to 30–60 min.
VI. HEAT DEFLECTION TEMPERATURE (HDT)
HDT defines the temperature at which a 1.27 mm-thick standardised bar deflects 0.25 mm under the specified flexural load. Two test loads are reported per ASTM D648 / ISO 75.
TABLE IV HEAT DEFLECTION TEMPERATURE OF AQUA CLEAR / AQUA CLEAR PLUS
|
Test load |
HDT |
Test method / source |
|
0.45 MPa |
≈ 65–75 °C |
ASTM D648 |
|
1.82 MPa |
≈ 55–65 °C (estimate) |
ASTM D648 |
VII. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS AND STANDARDS
A. Optical transparency > 80%
When polished or solvent-smoothed, achieves > 80% light transmission — suitable for fluid visualisation, lenses (low-precision), and decorative light-pipe applications.
B. Aqua Clear Plus: non-brittle variant
Aqua Clear Plus adds impact toughness at a small clarity cost. Recommended for handled transparent items (jars, lampshades, jewelry settings).
C. Layer lines visible without polishing
Achieving glass-like clarity requires post-print sanding, polishing, or solvent vapor smoothing. Direct prints have visible layer lines that diffuse light.
D. UV stability is limited
Transparent photopolymers yellow under prolonged UV exposure; not recommended for outdoor service without UV-blocking topcoat.
VIII. REPRESENTATIVE APPLICATIONS
Aqua Clear / Aqua Clear Plus is typically deployed in the following applications:
1) Light pipes and decorative LED housings: Internal LED lighting effects in figurines or display cases.
2) Fluid visualisation models: Pump impellers, manifolds, sight glasses for engineering demos.
(Sourse : Phrozen)
3) Aquarium accessories and jewelry: Decorative water-resistant pieces.
4) Custom drinkware (with food-grade caveats): Decorative glasses and bottles; not recommended for hot food or repeated dishwasher use.
5) Cosplay accessories: Crystal-look jewelry, weapons gems, lantern lenses.
IX. REFERENCES
[1] Phrozen Technology, “Aqua Clear Resin Product Page,” 2024. Available: https://phrozen3d.com/products/aqua-resin?variant=44850580652219
[2] Phrozen Technology, “Aqua Clear SDS,” 2024. Available: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0436/6965/1618/files/SDS_Aqua_Clear.pdf
[3] ASTM D638-14, “Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics,” ASTM International.
[4] ASTM D2240-15, “Standard Test Method for Rubber Property — Durometer Hardness,” ASTM International.
[5] ASTM D648-18, “Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load,” ASTM International.
(Image Source : Phrozen)