Printing, curing, finishing
Created: April 17, 2017
All instructions are on the Formlab Website
SLA machines print a solid, dense model but if the print is not intended to be a functional part hollowing the model significantly reduces the amount of material needed as well as print time. If you hollow a part a drain or releif hole is required, otherwise your part may explode.
Here is a list of build constraints to be conscious of while designing your part.
| constraint | min | max |
|---|---|---|
| build dimension | 5.7×5.7×6.9 | |
| supported wall | 0.4 mm | - |
| unsupported wall | 0.6 mm | - |
| unsupported overhang | - | 1mm |
| unsupported overhang angle | 19° from level | - |
| vertical-wire diameter | 0.3 mm (7 mm tall) to 1.5 mm (30 mm tall) | - |
| embossed detail | 0.1mm | - |
| engraved detail | 0.4 mm | - |
| clearance | 0.5 mm | - |
| hole diameter | 0.5 mm | - |
| drain hole | 3.5 mm | - |
Most of the setup for printing is done in PreForm (available on OSX), Form Labs build software. You can download the application for free, setup the print, and check it from your desk before plugging in to the printer and uploading the print. Diagonally or vertical prints will print cleaner, pooling tends to happens on areas with overhangs. Be conscientious of the amount of support needed on the print, it will add time and extra post-processing.
Make sure you have a releif hole in your part if there are areas resin can pool.
Uploading/confirming the print (archive)
Tips:
- Vertical height takes far more time than horizontal, take it in to consideration during design and placement
- Leave the support structure on until after curing, it is useful to hold the model, especially if it is still a little tacky.
- Avoid touching the model (hold by support structure) while it has IPA on it, it may mar the model, either leave the model out for 10+ minutes or dry with compressed air before handling
- It helps to use the angled cutter to clip under the edge of the tabs to remove the model from the build platform