Latest revision as of 16:57, 20 June 2022

RESIN 3D PRINTER

Anycubic Photon Mono X

The SLA 3D Printers use a UV laser that applies the shape of an object to the surface of a photopolymer container. The resin then hardens to form the individual layers of the 3D printed model. This process is repeated until a complete 3D printed object is created.

Please note that students using this printer should purchase their own resin and should take in consideration the 3 to 8 days needed for shipping. The resins for Anycubic can be found here.

Technology

Resin 3D printing is the technology in which liquid resin is stored in a container instead of being injected through a nozzle. The major terms or types of resin 3D printing include Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing, and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or Masked Stereolithography (MSLA).

Technical specifications

• System : ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X
• Operation : 3.5 inch Touch Screen
• Build Volume: 192mm(L）*120mm(W）*245mm（H）
• Light-source: high-quality filament（wavelength 405nm）
• XY Res.: 0.050mm 3840*2400（4K）
• Z Axis Res.: 0.01mm
• Layer Res.: 0.01-0.15mm
• Printing Speed: MAX 60mm/h
• Rated Power: 120W
• Material: 405nm UV Resin
• Software : ANYCUBIC Photon workshop
• Connectivity : USB
• Technology: LCD-based SLA
• Printer Size : 270mm(L)*290mm(W)*475mm(H)
• Net Weight: ~10.75kg

Health & Safety

Although liquid 3D printing resins are toxic, potentially irritating skin and giving off harmful fumes, they are safe to use if the appropriate safety precautions are taken. Such precautions include the use of personal protective equipment like safety glasses and nitrile gloves, as well as proper disposal containers.

Anycubic materials

MATERIALS

Anycubic Materials

Several types of resin and color are available on the official website to order. The most common resin used is UV resin, however some water washable resins are also available that do not need alcohol to be cleaned after the print is done. Water washable resin is better in regard to cleaning your models since they are easier to clean and doesn’t require isopropyl alcohol or another cleaning solution. They are known to smell less than other resins and can still produce similar great details and durability in models. Some settings have been tested through different types of resin and are available here.

WORKFLOW

PREPARE FILE

Use the Chitubox software to slice the model and make sure to import the correct printer in the settings (Anycubic Photon Mono X).

• Make sure your model is sitting on the build plate
• Under Settings, Add the printer and under the Print tab check the Layer Height (0.03-0.05 mm for best resolution), Bottom Layers (4 to 6 with 28s-35s exposure for good grip) and Exposure Time (2s-2.8s to cure the layers)
• Save the gcode as .pmwx and put it on the printer’s red USB (only one that works)
• Tips on how to orient the model and add supports are through this link. Keep in mind that a piped shape (hollow with thickness) would create suction with the FEP film and might cause some damage.

SETUP MACHINE

If needed (if printer has been moved / reset to factory settings / firmware update), before sending the print, level the bed and set the zero once again.

• The steps to do that are here p.13 of 54
• To send a file, go to Print, and a thumbnail should appear. Click Print.

SEND PRINT

Watch the print for at least 30mns to 1h to make sure everything is okay.

• Check that the first 4 or 6 layers (depending on settings) are in fact taking a longer time to cure
• 30mns in, press the pause button and the build plate will lift up after it is done curing its current layer. You can then check if the print is okay. If it seems like it is attached to the base and is printing fine, press play and carry on until.

WASH PRINT

This step is very important and needs extra care as the uncured resin is very toxic. A mask and gloves are required for this step, along with paper towels and a clean and spacious work station.

• Prepare the washbox. Add the 5L of alcohol if using UV resin (depending on the size of the print, more specifically the height) and make sure there is enough alcohol to submerge the model
• Lightly unscrew the build plate (big black screw)
• Place the basket inside the sealed container with the alcohol and let the build plate with the model rest on the basket
• Set the mode to “Wash”
• Set the time to wash (5-15mns depending on the scale of the model) and press Play
• Use the scraper (not sharp) to detach the model off the build plate and let it dry

Wash & Cure

WASH RESIN BED

It is important to clean up the bed just as much as the print.

• Unscrew the bed from the printer
• Pour the uncured resin back into the bottle using the disposable resin filter. Make sure to lift it from the gorge in order not to spill resin everywhere
• It is easier to cure any remaining resin in the bed using the Tools > Detection > 30 s (full screen) and peel it off
• Place the bed inside the container with the alcohol and wash it for a minimum of 5 mns

CURE PRINT

If the model is not cured after being washed then it will be weaker and more prone to deform or break.

• Prep the same box for curing this time. Remove the container with the alcohol and place the UV film mirror side up (rose gold side down)
• Place the curing plate on top, followed by the dry model. If the model is still wet as it is being cured it could crack or end up with a bad surface finish
• Switch the mode of the box to “Cure” and set it for 5-15 mns depending on the size of the print

USEFUL LINKS

• Anycubic Photon Mono X Manual
• How to use the machine - Video Tutorial
• My resin print failed!
• UV Resin VS Water Washable Resin