Excited to get started with printing on your new 3D Resin printer? Here's what you are looking for! Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to getting your first 3D prints with all the dos and don'ts that will help you get the first perfect prints. Here's how to go about printing your first 3D resin prints:
Step 1: Get the Right Tools
When working with 3D resin printers, the right tools are critical. While these tools are essential for getting the prints right, they also ensure your safety during the printing process. On coming in contact with your skin, 3D printing resins can cause irritations and health issues. For your safety, get nitrile gloves. You can find them easily in any hardware store. Next, get safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental splashes of 3D printing resins.
For your printing process using 3D resin printers, get silicon spatulas, metal spatulas, sealable food containers and filters for the resin. You will need the silicone spatula to stir the resin in the VAT or wipe off excess material from the build plate. The metal spatula will help you remove the prints from the build plate.
Sealable plastic food containers can be used to store the IPA. You can pour the dirty IPA into one and use the other one to store the clean IPA. Filters help in the removal of cured resins that remain after a failed printing attempt.
Along with these tools, keep IPA and paper towels handing. When working with IPA, remember not to pour the dirty IPA down the drain. Understand the rules specified by your local authorities and dispose or reuse the IPA, accordingly.
Step 2: Level Your Build Plate on Your 3D Resin Printer
To ensure that your 3D print comes out accurately, you must ensure that your build plate on your 3D resin printer is at a level. Run the initial leveling procedure to ensure that your build plate is ready for printing. Failing to do this will result in a failed 3D print because the model will not stick to the build plate.
Step 3: Trial Run
As much excited as you are about undertaking your first printing project on your 3D resin printer, you must be patient. Do not pour in the resin right at the start. First, go for a trial run by running a few initial layers of the print without resin. This will help you get a better hang of the process and avoid too many messy prints. Also, while doing this, avoid staring directly into the light as the harsh UV light could be dangerous for your eyes.
Step 4: Work with the Materials that Come with the 3D Resin Printer
You would be excited to try out the different 3D printing materials that are available in stores. But as a beginner on a 3D resin printer, you should start by using the materials that come with the printer.
Step 5: Understand the Correct, Prescribed Settings
Your 3D resin printer will come with certain specifications and prescribed materials. The best way to start is by sticking to a standard layer thickness of 0.05mm. Understand the exposure settings on your 3D resin printer for this layer. While running your first resin 3D print, ensure that the room temperature is at 22-25°C.
Step 6: Start with Small Prints on the 3D Resin Printer
Starting small can be more beneficial than you think. It is easier to print small objects on a 3D Resin Printer. Also, you can spot the defects and calibrate your printing process accordingly.
Step 7: Move on to Ready to Print Objects
Pick up ready to print objects that already have a support and attached layer added. This way you can rest assured that you will get a correct print on your 3D resin printer.
Step 8: For Initial Bottom Layers Allow Long Exposures on your 3D Resin Printer
It is important to provide the correct exposure to the bottom layers. This will ensure that your product adheres to the build plate on your 3D resin printer and does not fall off. The recommended exposure for initial bottom layers is 15-20x and if that doesn't work try 25-30x.
Step 9: Start Cleaning with IPA
Fill the two plastic containers with IPA. Use the first container for initial cleaning of the product. Then move on to the second container. Never leave the product submerged in the IPA for a long time as it can result in damages to the product. Also do not clean the product with water after treating with IPA.
Step 10: Post Processing
After printing, you will need to undertake post-curing to finalize the product. You do not need to invest in a UV oven at this stage. You can dry the product by keeping it under sunlight for a few hours.
Need professional advice? Reach out to Filaments - the leading name in 3D printing filaments and best resin 3D printers!
Reach Out for All Your Printing Needs!
Filaments specialises in 3D printing filaments, printers and other products related to 3D printing in Toronto. You can reach out to us for consultation on best resin 3d printers by calling us 1-888-536-5551 or 905-677-1337 or writing to us at info@filaments.ca.
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