

The Ultracur3D RG 3280 resin is a ceramic-filled resin from the BASF family of Rigid resins and the first composite material in that product line. RG 3280 stands out due to its exceptionally high stiffness (10000 MPa) and resistance to high temperatures (HDT of above 280 ºC @ 0.45 MPa).
In spite of the high ceramic particle content (around 65 wt%), the RG 3280 resin has fairly low viscosity (230 mPas) and high suspension stability, which makes it easy to handle and 3D print and leads to low settling in the vat. Parts 3D printed with the BASF RG 3280 resin have a white ceramic-like color and feel.
RG 3280 can be printed on any open source LCD/DLP printer that utilized the 355-405 nm, such as the Nexa XiP 3D printer or the Phrozen Mini 4K printer. Detailed printer compatibility and recommended settings can be consulted in the Downloads section.
Compared to other materials in the BASF Rigid product line, the RG 3280 resin demonstrates significantly higher heat resistance than Ultracur3D RG 35 and Ultracur RG 1100 at a comparable tensile strength. Ultracur RG 3280 also offers higher temperature resistance and tensile strength than other similar resins on the market while having considerably lower viscosity.
As far as chemical resistance, samples 3D printed with the Ultracur RG 3280 resin were submitted to testing to determine their resistance to various hydrocarbons and cleaning chemicals (cooling fluid, multipurpose fat, engine oil, hydraulic oil, brake fluid, transmission oil, acetone, isopropanol). The weight and mechanical properties (E modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break) of the samples were tested after 30 minutes and after 7 days. Overall, the most prominent changes were observed in elongation at break, whereas other mechanical properties have shown to be relatively stable. The detailed results can be consulted in the Downloads section.
It should be kept in mind that the BASF RG 3280 resin is not meant to be burn out to create a 100 % ceramic part. RG 3280 is meant to be used in the form of plastic with a simulated ceramic look and feel. Nevertheless, performing an additional thermal cure (3 h at 150 °C) after the UV postcure can enhance the HDT properties of the parts, as well as reduce the yellowing often caused by the UV curing.
Thanks to the RG 3280 resin's stiffness and resistance to heat, parts printed with this resin can be used in applications such as high stiffness tooling, high detail molds for high temperature applications or wind-tunnel test with scaled models.
Detailed guides on the injection molding process as well as the machining of parts 3D printed with the RG 3280 resin can be found in the Attachments section.
Curing, washing, and sintering properties |
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Washing time | - |
Curing time | - |
Curing temperature | - ºC |
General information |
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Manufacturer | BASF |
Material | Photopolymer |
Format | 1.65 kg |
Technology | SLA / LED-LCD / DLP |
Wavelength | 355 - 405 nm |
Viscosity | @ 25 ºC: 300 mPas / @ 30 ºC: 230 mPas |
Density (solid) | (ASTM D792) 1.73 g/cm³ |
Density (liquid) | (ASTM D4052-18a) 1.65 g/cm³ |
Printing properties |
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Layer height | - µm |
Layer exposure time | - |
Layer off time | - |
Lifting height | - mm |
Bottom layer exposure | - |
Bottom layer count | - |
Mechanical properties |
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Izod impact strength | - KJ/m² |
Charpy impact strength | (ISO 179-1) 0.98 KJ/m² |
Elongation at break | (ASTM D638) 1.3-1.0 % |
Tensile strength | (ASTM D638) 85-87 MPa |
Tensile modulus | (ASTM D638) 10500-10600 MPa |
Flexural strength | (ASTM D790) 129 MPa |
Flexural modulus | (ASTM D790) 11200 MPa |
Surface hardness | (ASTM D2240) Shore 96 D |
Electrical properties |
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Volumetric resistivity | (DIN EN 62631-3-1) 2.80E+16 Ohm·cm |
Surface electrical resistivity | (DIN EN 62631-3-2) 3.40E+16 Ohm |
Dielectric strength | (DIN EN 60243-1) 29 kV/mm |
Thermal properties |
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Softening temperature | (ASTM D648) 284 ºC |
Flammability classification | (UL94 @ 1.8 mm) HB |
Thermal expansion coefficient | (ASTM E831 @ 0-50 ºC) 30.2 µm/(m·K) |
Thermal conductivity | (MTPS @ 23ºC) 0.47 W/(m·K) |
Specific properties |
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Maximum water absorption | (ASTM D570) 24 h: 0.29 % / >3000 h: 2.6 % |
Other |
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HS Code | 2916.1 |
Lifetime (since manufacturing) | - M |
BASF's Ultracur3D resins are highly sensitive to light and should therefore always be stored in their closed containers and away from light.
Before starting a print, the resin should be shaken well and, if possible, vacuumed to remove any bubbles that may have formed.
Once printed, the pieces should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. To do this it is advisable to immerse the pieces in a container with isopropyl alcohol and place this container in an ultrasonic cleaner for 4 minutes. It is recommended not to immerse the piece for long periods of time to avoid deformation and softening.
After cleaning, the pieces should be dried for 30 minutes at 40 ºC. Once dry, parts printed with BASF Ultracur3D resins should be cured at room temperature to obtain optimum properties. Curing conditions will depend on the characteristics of the printer used and the curing equipment.
On top of regular UV post-curing an additional thermal post-cure of 3 h at 150 °C can be done to improve the HDT and make the parts more white. More information in the Manual in the Downloads section.
All customers who have purchased any resin from the BASF Ultracur3D range can request the appropriate user guide. This can be done using the contact form by selecting "Technical Support" in the subject line and the order number of the resin.