Carolina’s Take on Resin 3D Printing Woes
Resin 3D printing is nothing short of thrilling, but there’s that pesky issue many of us face – those resin prints that cling desperately to our build plate, refusing to let go. And sometimes, the resin even cures right there! Now, fret not because I’ve delved deep into this topic to bring forth solutions to ease your resin-removal woes!
Freeing Resin from Your Build Plate: A Guide
Dealing with Sticky Resin Prints on the Build Plate
1. Metal Scraper – Your trusty metal scraper is usually enough. With a gentle jiggle and push at the edges of your print, you should be able to slip it underneath and leverage the print off.
2. Tilt & Drip Technique – I like to tilt the build plate after a print, allowing most of the uncured resin to drop back into the vat. Adjusting the angle ensures resin drips down rather than off the edges.
3. Bottom Layer Adjustments – If you find your prints difficult to dislodge, check your bottom layer settings. Reducing your exposure to around 50-70% of your current setting might just make the magic happen!
Eliminating Cured Resin Off Build Plate: Multiple Techniques
1. Scraping Tools –
Standard Metal Scraper – Sometimes, the stock scraper does the trick. But it’s good to check both its smoother side and its sharper edge.
Warner 4” ProGrip Stiff BroKnife – For those needing a bit more oomph, this tool offers an ideal chiseled edge for scraping.
REPTOR Premium 3D Print Removal Kit – This combo kit has earned accolades for its efficacy, but ensure you clean them well after use to prevent resin damage.
2. Flush Cutters – With these, you can target corners or edges of the cured resin, push underneath, and lift off the stubborn resin. The Hakko CHP Micro Cutters are particularly effective for this.
3. Razor Blade Scrapers – A useful tool, be it plastic or metal-bladed, for prying off cured resin. I’m fond of the Titan 2-Piece Multipurpose & Mini Razor Scraper Set for its ergonomic design and utility.
4. Heat Gun Technique – Warming up the cured resin on the build plate can make it malleable, making scraping easier. The Asnish 1800W Heavy Duty Hot Air Gun is a quick and efficient choice. And if you’re missing a heat gun, a hair dryer can suffice, albeit it might take a tad longer.
5. UV Light Over-Curing – Over-curing the resin with a UV light or direct sunlight can cause it to warp, making removal smoother. I’ve had success with the Comgrow 3D Printer UV Resin Curing Light for this purpose.
6. IPA or Acetone Soaking – Immersing the build plate in isopropyl alcohol for several hours can cause the cured resin to shrink, thus simplifying its removal. Acetone can also be used similarly. Solimo 91% Isopropyl Alcohol is a suitable choice for this process.
7. Freezing Technique – Subjecting the build plate to cold can cause the resin to contract, aiding removal. While you can use your kitchen freezer, ensure no cross-contamination with food. If opting for this, maybe double-bag the build plate for extra safety. Alternatively, compressed air, like the Falcon Dust-Off Compressed Gas Duster, when sprayed, can produce a cold substance that might just do the trick!
Happy Printing, tech lovers! And always remember, the right technique can turn a printing problem into a joyous success!