Successful Resin Printing Tips

Resin printing can feel intimidating for beginners, especially since it operates on an entirely different paradigm compared to FDM printing.

On top of that, failed resin prints result in A LOT of cleanup and can be discouraging.

However, with the right approach and understanding, you can achieve incredible results with resin 3D printing. In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to follow to successfully print with resin, making the process straightforward and manageable.

DO THESE THINGS TO MAKE YOUR RESIN PRINTS SUCCESSFUL!

1. CALIBRATE RESIN BEFORE USE:

This is the single most important thing to do. Don’t skip this step.

I have found that there are many calibration tests out there. Some good, some not-so-much.

The best calibration guide I have found can be found here:

https://ameralabs.com/blog/town-calibration-part

Bad resin will never work. If your resin is bad, you are wasting your time changing settings. Calibration will help discover this.

Make sure to accurately record your settings with each trial!

2. Avoid printing large flat surfaces all on one layer. Angle them if possible.

Large flat surfaces lead to extreme forces on the build plate and print. As each layer cures, it adheres tightly to the resin vat’s FEP film, and when the build plate moves upward to expose the next layer, the printer must overcome the suction and tension created between the cured resin and the film.

Employ an angle (5% is usually what I use) so that the build plate is not parallel to your print surface.

3. Make sure your temperature is correct.

Ensure that the temperature remains above 20°C (68°F). Cold resin will not flow well underneath the build plate and will create holes.

Also, try to keep temperature consistent if possible. This will create a better color finish and reduce layer lines.

The below image shows a temperature log maintaining consistent appropriate temperature:

Hint: To print in slightly colder temperatures, add a “Rest” time to allow resin to flow.

4. Ensure resin is well mixed before printing

Stir any stagnant resin in vat before printing. You can do this with a plastic scraper (usually included with a resin printer).

Any bubbles in the resin can be cleared with a torch flame.

5. Ensure the printer is in good working order:

-FEP is intact, tight, and clean

If the FEP has damage, it can cause inconsistent pull on the model, as well as leaking out of the vat. The below photo shows an intact FEP.

-Build plate is LEVEL and clean

The build plate on some resin machines must be manually leveled. Do this by following the instructions in your user manual. You can test with a sheet of paper. It should pull away from the build plate with equal tension on all sides.