Resin printer setup

I get asked from time to time what I use for 3D resin printing. While I am still getting to grips with all the ins and outs, I have had some good results.

The essentials

A resin printer - I use an Anycubic Mono X2

Some way to wash the prints - I use a Wash and Cure Plus

Something to print - For this post, that something is mostly this: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5354686

Trays - To catch the drops of resin. I also use Ikea drip trays under my printer and wash and cure station. Better in the tray than on the floor.

Mats - Easy to clean up after printing.

The consumables

Resin - The models have to be made of something. I'm still looking at different resins. The linked one and the ABS-like resin have produced good results for me.

Gloves - To keep your hands resin and IPA free. I actually use these, as the disposable ones can be difficult to get hold of in a pandemic.

IPA - Something to wash the models in. Consider how much you will need. I use 5 litres just for the wash and cure station. You may need extra (and possibly in squirty bottles) for cleaning other bits and bobs.

The really nice to haves

Enclosure with an air extraction system - Not required if you have a space with adequate ventilation.

A remote camera - I use the beagle v2

Air purifiers - These reduce the smell from the resin in the printer bath.

Flex build plate - Easy way to get models off the build plate without having to scrape them off. I bought mine from Aliexpress, and I don't appear to be able to find the right size on Amazon.

Heater - Warm resin is better for printing.

A UV torch - helps when cleaning up spills.

Software

To turn your 3d models in to files for your printer, you will need a slicer. Currently, I use Lychee slicer for carving up my prints. I am also looking at using PrusaSlicer in future, so I have one slicer for all my printers.

If you want to create your own models, take a look at Blender.

Finishing touches

Make sure you remember to screw down the vat really tight before starting printing.

The uv adapter for the beagle 2 is easily fitted. This may require you to buy the camera from the actual store, rather than amazon. Shipping was quite fast.

The timelapse does require the number of layers to get the quality right. See below for an example of a timelapse produced.

The process

The process is straight forward. Find or create your model (usually saved as an STL file), which you then convert to the printers format (in the case of the mono X2, .pm2) using the slicer software.

Check over the model to make sure you aren't printing in thin air. If you are, add more supports / review your settings. Once complete and sliced, transfer over the printer via usb and print.

Wait (the timelapse may seem long at a few minutes, but the actual print was 11 hours).

Once printed, allow the resin to drip back in to the vat, if necessary. Transfer the build plate over to the wash and cure station using the tray and mats.

Wash the model for a few minutes to get the last of the resin off. Once done, remove from the build plate and remove the supports. Once complete, place on the wash and cure station (now set up for curing) and cure the print. I typically start with 2 minutes and see how the print has done.

NB. NEVER throw uncured resin down the sink, even if it is water washable and you've washed it in water. The water from water washable resin should NOT be put down the sink or drain. Leave it outside to evaporate.

When my wash gets too dirty, I transfer it to another container where I let it settle for a few days. I then siphon off the top layers of IPA and shine the UV light on the resin particles. Place the container outside (assuming that there is only minimal IPA left) to evaporate. Dispose of the Resin in the bin. The general not recyclable bin is best for these.

Results

I think the results I am getting speak for themselves. I am constantly improving in my usage of the slicer and settings, but the Mono X2 does appear to have made things easy to start off.

Example timelapse of a print for the Khonshu statue.

If you would like to ask more about this 3d printer, or any of my other posts, I can be contacted via the details on my contact page.