How Does Resin Printing Work

At first glance, the resin printing process can seem very complex. This can be intimidating if you are new to the world of 3D printing. But there’s no need to worry, once you delve beneath the surface, it’s not as confusing as it appears. Here’s a rundown of the resin printing process. 

Prepare The Design

Everything begins with the 3D printing design. There are a few ways this might be created. Sometimes, you will make the design yourself. However, you can always download one from an online marketplace. 

Once you have a design you like, it’s time to prepare it to be printed. The software will need to slice it. This is like creating a blueprint for the printer, telling it how to structure each layer. 

Next, you need to send the file to your printer. There are a few ways you can do this. First, you can save the designs to a USB stick and place this into the printer. Another option is to put it onto an SD card. 

The Printing Process

Before you can start printing, you’ll need to get the right 3D resin printer. This can be intimidating, especially if you are new to 3D printing and aren’t sure what you should be looking for. The good news is that we’ve put together a simple guide to help you shop for the best 3d printers.

First, you’ll need to load the resin into the printer. Take care when you are doing this. If you spill it, your skin can become irritated. You’ll also need to prepare the printer. For example, you’ll need to level the plate. 

Now you can start creating your model. There are a few types of resin printers you can use, each with a slightly different printing method. The two most commonly used for 3D printing at home are DLP and LCD. To understand the differences, we need to know a little more about how resin printing works. 

The resin is a liquid substance. The process begins when it is laid out in a thin layer in the tank. When the resin is touched by UV light, it will harden. Because the resin layer is so thin, this happens instantaneously. The excess resin will be drained away and the model will be lowered a little. The process will then repeat until the model has been completed.  The size and complexity of the print determine how long this process will take. Basic prints can take a few minutes. Larger, more intricate projects might require several hours. Thankfully, it will be worth the wait. Resin printers are known for their ability to create intricate models. Filament printers might struggle to replicate this level of detail. 

The differences between the resin printer varieties lie in the way the UV light is shone onto the resin. DLP printers will use a series of mirrors to direct a beam of light. With a flash, all the resin is hardened at once. On the other hand, LCD printers will use a digital screen to project the light. 

Finishing The Model

At the end of the print, your model is almost complete. You just need to add the finishing touches. You’ll need to use a spatula to remove the print from the plate. Use gloves, as there might still be some excess resin attached to it. Next, it’s time to remove and structural supports you used. Thirdly, start curing the print by dipping it in isopropyl alcohol. This will remove the excess resin. Finish by exposing the print to UV light to cure it. How you do this is up to you. Some people use a curing machine. Others just leave it outside on a sunny day. 

After the print is cured, you can start personalizing your model. For example, some people like to add some paint, using color to bring their characters to life. 

Conclusion

Resin printing isn’t as popular as filament printing, because it’s a little more complicated. But it can still deliver amazing results, particularly if you are creating intricate models. The best way to learn this process is through experience. After a few prints, it will become second nature.