Resin 3D printing is a marvel for precision and detail, though at times, its pace might make one a tad impatient. Ever wondered why? It largely revolves around the Z-axis or the model’s stature. Being a curious tech enthusiast, I dove deep into this topic to unearth methods to expedite resin 3D printing, and here’s my treasure trove of insights for you!
For a swift resin 3D printing experience, opt for either a DLP or an MSLA 3D printer and pick a resin known for its brisk curing periods. Also, tweaking your model’s orientation can shave off some printing time. An interesting approach? Going hollow on your models! However, the real game-changer might just be the Vroom settings in your resin 3D printer. Let’s unravel the magic behind accelerating your resin prints. Dive in, and let’s transform your 3D printing game!
So, Hungry for Speed with Resin Printing?
– Embrace a DLP or an MSLA 3D Printer
– Prioritize Resins Known for Quick Curing
– Strategically Orient Your Model to Trim Down Printing Hours
– Unleash the Power of Vroom Settings
– Experiment with Resin Stacking
Why DLP or MSLA 3D Printers Are Game-Changers
Choosing the right printer tech is half the battle won. DLP & MSLA 3D printers are wizards when it comes to pace because they cure resin collectively instead of tracing designs laser-point by laser-point. What’s more? Some of these printers boast of curing layers in a mere 3 seconds, leaving their traditional counterparts, which sometimes take 8-10 seconds, in the dust.
If you’re a numbers person like me, consider this: A resin model with 2,120 layers using an RGB screen 3D printer with a typical 8-second curing time might consume about 6 hours and 50 minutes. Now, shift to a 4K monochrome 3D printer with a 2-second curing rate, and voila, you’re looking at just 3 hours and 18 minutes! That’s efficiency!
Some stellar MSLA printers to consider:
– Anycubic Photon Mono X (1.5-2.5 seconds per layer)
– Elegoo Saturn (1.5-2.5 seconds per layer)
– Elegoo Mars 2 Pro (2-3 seconds per layer)
While on the pricier side, DLP 3D printers like the Flashforge Hunter or Anycubic Photon Ultra are worthwhile investments. These machines are tailored for everyday users and offer impressive longevity.
Orientation: A Simple Yet Powerful Tweak
Another secret sauce to hasten resin 3D printing? Playing with the model’s orientation. By strategically positioning models, say, at an angle or horizontally, you can drastically reduce the layers, which translates to a significant cut in printing time.
Choosing the Right Resin
All resins aren’t created equal! Their curing times can vary based on factors like type, color, and even room temperature. Light-colored or transparent resins typically cure faster than their darker counterparts. Ensure your workspace isn’t too chilly or excessively warm to prevent prolonged curing or print mishaps.
Some of the rapid-curing resin champions include:
– Siraya Tech Fast Resin – 1.5 seconds
– Siraya Tech Sculpt Resin – 2.5 seconds
– eSUN Standard Resin – 2 seconds
Embrace Vroom Settings
Upping your printing speed might be as simple as tweaking the Bottom Lift Speed, Lifting Speed, and Lifting Retraction in your slicer software. Commonly referred to as Vroom settings, they can elevate your printing speed while preserving model quality.
Resin Stacking: A Bold Approach
For the adventurous souls, resin stacking offers an exciting proposition. The concept is to print multiple models simultaneously, layering one over the other. While it holds immense potential to reduce per model printing time, tread with caution as it’s relatively new and can be tricky.
How Swift Is Resin Printing?
The speed varies across printers. For instance, the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 offers about 25mm/hour, while the Anycubic Photon Mono SE astonishes with 80mm/hour. Remember, the technology, be it SLA, LCD, or DLP, holds significant sway over print speeds.
Resin vs. FDM: The Speed Showdown
Each shines in its domain. Resin printers outpace FDM ones when you’ve got an army of small models as they can cure entire layers simultaneously. But, FDM printers might have the upper hand for taller prints, especially with tweakable settings like nozzle size.
Duration with Resin 3D Printers
On average, resin 3D prints can range from a snappy 15 minutes to a more patient 6-8 hours. Yet, remember, strategies like horizontal orientation can dramatically reduce this!