A resin TDS, or Technical Data Sheet, is one of the best tools for comparing 3D printing resins—but only if you know what the numbers actually mean. Tensile strength, elongation, impact strength, modulus, hardness, HDT and viscosity describe different parts of material behavior, and no single value tells you which resin is “best.”
Names such as Standard, ABS-like, Tough, Rigid, 8K or Pro are useful product labels, but they are not universal material classes. Two products carrying the same label can have very different mechanical properties.
The practical way to choose a resin is to start with the application, identify the properties that matter for that application, and then compare those properties in the TDS.
Resin TDS Guide: The Quick Answer
For miniatures: prioritize dimensional stability, appropriate viscosity, low shrinkage, and enough toughness to protect fine features.
For functional parts: compare tensile properties, flexural properties, elongation, impact resistance, and HDT.
For parts that may be dropped or shipped: impact strength and elongation matter more than tensile strength alone.
For high-temperature use: look at HDT under the stated load, not vague claims such as “heat resistant.”
Most importantly: compare values only when the test method and conditions are reasonably comparable.
What Is a Resin TDS (Technical Data Sheet)?
A resin TDS is a technical data sheet that reports measurable properties of the liquid resin and/or the cured material. Depending on the manufacturer, it may include tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, hardness, heat deflection temperature, viscosity, density, shrinkage, and recommended curing conditions.
A TDS is more useful than a marketing label because it gives you values that can be connected to actual design requirements. But it is still not a universal scoreboard. ASTM notes that tensile data depend on defined specimen preparation and test conditions, and impact-test results can also change with specimen preparation, notching, conditioning, and processing history. ASTM D638 covers tensile properties of plastics, while ASTM D256 covers Izod impact resistance.
Resin TDS vs. SDS: What Is the Difference?
| Document | Main purpose | Typical information |
|---|---|---|
| TDS — Technical Data Sheet | Material performance and processing information | Strength, modulus, elongation, hardness, HDT, viscosity, density, cure conditions, dimensional data |
| SDS — Safety Data Sheet | Chemical safety and hazard communication | Hazards, PPE, first aid, storage, spills, disposal, composition and regulatory information |
Use the TDS to ask “Will this resin perform the way I need?” Use the SDS to ask “How should I handle this resin safely?”
Chitu Systems publishes both documents for its Conjure materials in the Conjure Resin TDS & MSDS documentation.
Before Comparing Resin TDS Data, Check the Test Conditions
This is the step most comparison charts skip.
A value only has meaning in the context of how it was measured. Before deciding that one resin is stronger, tougher, or more heat-resistant than another, check:
Test method: ASTM D638, ISO 527, ASTM D790, ASTM D256 and other methods do not measure the same thing.
Post-curing: UV cure time, cure temperature and wavelength can change final properties.
Print orientation: additively manufactured specimens may behave differently depending on orientation.
Temperature and conditioning: mechanical properties can vary with test temperature, humidity and conditioning.
Load condition: HDT at 0.45 MPa is not directly equivalent to HDT at 1.8 MPa.
For that reason, numbers from two TDS documents are most useful when the test standard and conditioning are the same or at least clearly stated.
This is not just a theoretical warning. Formlabs explicitly notes for Tough 2000 Resin V2 that reported material properties can vary with part geometry, print orientation, print settings, and temperature, and it states the printer, layer height, and post-cure protocol used for the published values.
Academic studies report the same effect. A 2025 Scientific Reports study found that print orientation, post-cure time, and post-cure temperature significantly changed tensile strength and other physical properties in vat-photopolymerized parts. A 2024 Wiley study on SLA photopolymer orientation likewise found that tensile strength and fracture behavior changed with printing orientation. Both papers can be found by title in Google Scholar.
Post-curing alone can also change the final material response. A peer-reviewed Polymer Testing study on Formlabs Clear02 reported that mechanical properties depended on curing degree and the post-curing process used.
How to Read a Resin TDS: 9 Properties That Matter
| Property | What it tells you | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Maximum tensile stress the specimen withstands before failure. | Higher tensile strength does not automatically mean tougher or less brittle. |
| Tensile Modulus | Resistance to elastic stretching. Higher modulus generally means a stiffer material. | High modulus does not mean high impact resistance. |
| Elongation at Break | How much the specimen stretches before fracture. Useful for understanding ductility. | High elongation alone does not guarantee high impact strength. |
| Impact Strength | Resistance to sudden impact. Notched Izod is a common plastic impact test. | Do not infer impact resistance from tensile strength alone. |
| Flexural Strength | Stress the specimen withstands in bending before failure. | It is not the same as flexural modulus. |
| Flexural Modulus | Stiffness during bending. Higher values generally mean less bending under load. | A very stiff resin may still be brittle. |
| Shore Hardness | Resistance to indentation at the surface. | Hardness is not a direct measure of toughness or overall strength. |
| HDT | Temperature at which a specimen reaches a defined deformation under a specified flexural load. | High HDT does not automatically mean UV/weather resistance or safe continuous-use temperature. |
| Viscosity | How easily the liquid resin flows at the stated measurement condition. | Low viscosity does not by itself guarantee better resolution or finer detail. |
Tensile Strength
Tensile strength is useful when a part will experience pulling or axial loads. It tells you the maximum tensile stress reached in the test specimen, but it should be read together with elongation and impact data. A resin can be strong in tension and still fail suddenly under impact.
Tensile Modulus
Tensile modulus is a stiffness metric. Higher modulus generally means the part resists elastic stretching more strongly. This matters for fixtures, dimensionally stable structures and parts that must not flex much under load.
Elongation at Break
Elongation at break is a useful indicator of ductility. A resin with higher elongation can generally deform farther before fracture, but it does not tell you how much energy the part can absorb during a sudden impact.
Impact Strength / Notched Izod
If a printed part may be dropped, shipped, clipped into place or subjected to sudden shocks, impact strength deserves its own line in the comparison. ASTM D256 measures the energy required to break a standardized notched specimen under pendulum impact. The standard itself cautions that fabrication, notching, specimen dimensions and conditioning can materially affect the result.
Flexural Strength and Flexural Modulus
Flexural strength describes failure under bending, while flexural modulus describes stiffness during bending. Read them together. A high flexural modulus can be useful for rigid fixtures, but stiffness alone does not tell you whether a part will survive a drop.
Shore D Hardness
Shore D measures indentation hardness for relatively hard plastics. It is useful for understanding surface hardness, but a harder material is not automatically stronger or tougher.
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
HDT measures the temperature at which a standard specimen reaches a defined deflection while carrying a specified load. ASTM D648 and ISO 75-1 describe this type of deflection-under-load testing. ISO explicitly warns that HDT data are intended for relative comparison under defined conditions and are not meant to predict actual end-use temperature or long-term service performance.
Always check the load condition next to the HDT value. A useful real-world example is Formlabs Rigid 10K Resin: Formlabs reports an HDT of 92°C at 1.8 MPa and 238°C at 0.45 MPa. It is the same material, but the reported HDT changes dramatically because the test load is different.
HDT also does not by itself prove UV resistance, weather resistance, chemical resistance or suitability for long-term outdoor exposure.
Shrinkage
Shrinkage can affect dimensional accuracy, fit, warping and stress. The challenge is that different manufacturers may report shrinkage using different procedures, so compare shrinkage data carefully unless the measurement method is clearly stated.
Viscosity
Viscosity affects resin flow and how quickly liquid resin can refill the print gap between layers. Lower-viscosity materials generally flow more easily, while higher-viscosity resins may be more sensitive to temperature and lift/retract conditions.
Do not use viscosity as a direct proxy for resolution. Detail also depends on pigment and optical behavior, exposure, layer height, printer optics, pixel size, calibration and the model itself.
Why Post-Cure Conditions Belong in the Comparison
Liqcreate Strong-X is a useful public TDS example because it reports mechanical properties under two different UV post-cure schedules. Its tensile strength, modulus, flexural strength, impact result, hardness, and HDT change between the stated cure conditions. Liqcreate also notes that values can vary with machine processing and post-curing.
This is exactly why copying one strength number from a TDS without the cure protocol can be misleading.
How to Choose 3D Printing Resin by Application
| Application | Prioritize in the TDS | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Miniatures & display models | Dimensional stability, shrinkage, suitable viscosity, enough toughness | Fine features need to reproduce accurately and survive handling. |
| Functional parts & fixtures | Tensile strength, tensile/flexural modulus, elongation, impact strength | Functional parts need a balance of strength, stiffness and damage tolerance. |
| Parts for shipping / frequent handling | Impact strength, elongation, toughness, then stiffness/strength | Drop and shock resistance matter more than tensile strength alone. |
| Cosplay armor / large shells | Impact resistance, elongation, low shrinkage, moderate stiffness | Large thin parts need crack resistance without losing shape. |
| Articulated or snap-fit parts | Elongation, impact resistance, appropriate modulus | Joints need some compliance and resistance to repeated local stress. |
| High-temperature parts | HDT at a stated load, modulus at temperature if available | Heat resistance should be tied to a defined load and test condition. |
Choosing Resin for Miniatures: Do Not Judge by “8K” or “12K” Alone
Miniatures need fine detail, but the number printed on the bottle is not a standardized material property. “8K resin” and “12K resin” are product-positioning terms, not ASTM or ISO resin classifications.
For detailed models, look for low shrinkage, stable curing behavior, appropriate viscosity, and enough toughness that thin swords, fingers, horns and other fine features do not break during support removal or shipping.
Visible detail also depends on the printer. Pixel size, optics, exposure, anti-aliasing, layer height, model orientation and calibration can matter as much as the resin label.
If high-detail surface reproduction is the priority, see the Conjure high-detail resin, then compare its actual TDS values rather than relying on the “8K” name alone.
Choosing Resin for Functional Parts
For jigs, fixtures, housings and mechanical parts, avoid choosing from tensile strength alone.
A useful functional-part comparison usually combines:
Strength: tensile and flexural strength.
Stiffness: tensile and flexural modulus.
Ductility: elongation at break.
Shock resistance: impact strength / Notched Izod.
Heat: HDT under the specified load when temperature matters.
The best balance depends on the failure you are trying to avoid. A rigid alignment fixture may favor modulus. A clip or latch needs more ductility. A shipped component may need higher impact resistance.
Example: Choosing Resin for a Miniature That Must Survive Shipping
This is where impact data become more useful than simply asking which resin has the highest tensile strength.
For an internationally shipped miniature, the priorities are usually:
1. Impact resistance — to survive knocks and drops.
2. Elongation — to reduce brittle fracture in thin details.
3. Dimensional stability / shrinkage — to preserve fit and appearance.
4. Adequate stiffness and strength — so the model still holds its geometry.
This is why “highest tensile strength” does not automatically mean “best for shipping.” A material with much higher impact resistance and elongation may survive handling better even if its tensile strength number is lower.
Real Example: Comparing Conjure Resin TDS Data
Chitu Systems publishes ASTM-based mechanical data for several Conjure resins. The table below uses selected values from the current Conjure Resin TDS documentation.
| Property | Standard 8K | Tough | Rigid | ABS-like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 42.77 MPa | 25.88 MPa | 39.13 MPa | 34.7 MPa |
| Tensile Modulus | 518 MPa | 310 MPa | 497 MPa | 474.26 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 15.20% | 50.29% | 35.66% | 19.54% |
| Notched Izod | 101 J/m | 491 J/m | 364.2 J/m | 56.37 J/m |
| Shore Hardness | 80–86D | 75–85D | 80–90D | 80–85D |
| Viscosity | 200–400 mPa·s | 300–600 mPa·s | 250–550 mPa·s | 130–230 mPa·s |
The point is not that one of these resins wins every category. For example, Standard 8K has the highest tensile strength in this subset, while Tough has much higher elongation and Notched Izod impact resistance. Those are different engineering trade-offs.
That is exactly why a TDS is more useful than a single product label.
Using Resin Comparison Charts
Comparison charts are useful for screening candidates quickly, especially when you have many resin types. Just make sure the visual comparison does not hide differences in test standards or test conditions.
Resin material-property comparison chart from the original article.
Application-oriented resin comparison chart from the original article.
Example: Choosing Resin for a Soft or Flexible Part
If your target is a flexible ball, gasket-like component or soft feature, high tensile strength is usually not the first number to maximize.
You would instead look for:
High elongation — the material can stretch farther before fracture.
Low or moderate modulus — the material is less stiff.
Suitable hardness — especially when comparing genuinely flexible materials.
For very soft elastomeric resins, Shore A may be more meaningful than Shore D. Always check which hardness scale the manufacturer uses.
What a Resin TDS Cannot Tell You
A TDS is extremely useful, but it does not describe every part of the printing experience.
Unless the manufacturer explicitly tests and reports them, the TDS may not tell you:
How strong the resin smells or how users perceive the odor.
How easy supports are to remove from your specific geometry.
How forgiving the resin is across different exposure settings.
Long-term UV yellowing or outdoor weathering.
Water absorption or long-term chemical resistance.
How well the resin reproduces detail on your specific printer.
Long-term fatigue behavior under repeated loading.
Whether the color or surface finish matches your aesthetic goal.
Think of the TDS as a material's technical résumé: it gives you a strong screening tool, but it does not replace application testing.
Some manufacturers publish extra application-specific data beyond the basic TDS. BASF Forward AM's Ultracur3D RG 35, for example, highlights low water uptake in addition to strength, stiffness, temperature resistance, and shrinkage. 3D Systems' Figure 4 Tough 65C Black goes further by reporting separate indoor/outdoor durability testing using weathering standards. That is a good example of why you should not infer outdoor durability from HDT alone.
A peer-reviewed Polymer Engineering & Science study also investigated print orientation, layer thickness, UV weathering, and humidity aging in SLA photocured resin parts, showing why long-term environmental performance needs its own testing rather than being inferred from room-temperature strength data. The paper can be found by title in Google Scholar.
Resin TDS FAQ
What does TDS mean for resin?
TDS stands for Technical Data Sheet. For 3D printing resin, it typically reports mechanical, thermal and processing properties such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness, HDT and viscosity.
What is the difference between a resin TDS and SDS?
A TDS describes material performance and processing information. An SDS focuses on chemical hazards, handling, PPE, storage, first aid and disposal.
Which TDS value tells me whether resin is tough?
No single number completely defines toughness. Elongation and impact strength are especially useful, but they should be interpreted together with strength, modulus, specimen geometry and the test method.
Does higher tensile strength mean a better resin?
No. High tensile strength can be useful for certain loads, but the resin may still be stiff or brittle. The right balance depends on the application.
Does low-viscosity resin print more detail?
Not necessarily. Lower viscosity generally improves flow, but visible detail also depends on optical properties, exposure, layer height, printer resolution, calibration and model geometry.
Does high HDT mean a resin is suitable outdoors?
No. HDT describes deformation under a specified thermal load. Outdoor suitability also depends on UV stability, weathering, moisture and long-term aging, which require separate data.
Can I compare TDS values from different resin brands directly?
Only with caution. Check the test standard, specimen preparation, post-curing, orientation, conditioning and load before treating two values as directly comparable.
Bottom Line: Choose the Property, Not the Product Name
The fastest way to choose the right 3D printing resin is to work backward from the failure mode or requirement you care about.
If the part must survive impact, look at impact strength and elongation. If it must stay rigid, look at modulus. If it will see heat under load, look at HDT under the specified load. If it must reproduce fine geometry, consider shrinkage, flow behavior and the printer's optical system rather than relying on an “8K” or “12K” label.
A good TDS does not tell you which resin is universally best. It gives you enough measurable information to decide which trade-off makes sense for your part.
Technical References
Chitu Systems: Conjure Resin TDS & MSDS Documents
ASTM D638: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
ASTM D256: Standard Test Methods for Izod Pendulum Impact Resistance of Plastics
ASTM D648: Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load
ISO 75-1: Plastics — Determination of Temperature of Deflection Under Load
Formlabs: Tough 2000 Resin V2 Material Properties and Test Conditions
Formlabs: Rigid 10K Resin — HDT at Different Loads
BASF Forward AM: Ultracur3D RG 35 Material Data
3D Systems: Figure 4 Tough 65C Black — Mechanical and Weathering Data
Liqcreate: Strong-X Technical Specifications and Post-Cure Conditions
Scientific Reports (Google Scholar indexed): The Impact of Modifying 3D Printing Parameters on Mechanical Strength and Physical Properties in Vat Photopolymerisation
Wiley (Google Scholar indexed): Effect of Printing Orientation on Mechanical Properties of SLA 3D-Printed Photopolymer
Polymer Testing (Google Scholar indexed): Evaluation of Postcuring Process on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of the Clear02 Resin Used in Stereolithography
Polymer Engineering & Science (Google Scholar indexed): Effect of Print Orientations, Layer Thicknesses, and Weathering on SLA Photocured Resin Parts
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