Printing parameters are important for resin printing. Understanding printing parameters is a way for 3D printing enthusiasts to optimize printing quality, efficiency and troubleshooting capabilities. Printing parameters not only help users achieve ideal printing effects, but also make 3D printing more flexible and can adapt to specific needs, providing more possibilities for customization and realization.
In the 3D printing forum, some problems and failures in the printing process are often mentioned, and some people ask for help: the model I printed with a resin printer is deformed, what caused it? More experienced people will ask him what printing parameters he used, and then help him locate and solve the problem. In most cases, printing parameters play a crucial role in solving resin printing problems. Today, we will share some common printing parameters to help 3D printing beginners understand the meaning of these parameters. In the process of printing, we can consider some key parameters of resin printer as follows.
Key Parameters of Resin Printer
- Resin Printer Common Parameters Description (the Basics)
- Z Lift Distance
- Z Lift Speed
- Anti-aliasinge
- Image Blur
- Gray Level
Z Lift Distance
The resin 3D printer runs, with each layer being cured by UV light before the next layer is added. Z lift distance refers to the vertical distance that the resin printer's build platform moves when it transitions from one layer to the next layer during the printing process. The Z lift distance must be precise to ensure proper separation of the cured layers and to avoid damage to the print or build platform.
After the printing is completed, the Z-axis automatically lifts to a sufficient height for the model to completely separate from the FEP film. Reducing the lifting distance can reduce the printing time. However, due to the elasticity of the FEP film, if the lifting distance is too small, it may cause the just-formed model to be unable to separate from the FEP film. In this case, the screw of the FEP film can be tightened to reduce its elasticity. However, with an increase in the number of prints, the screw may still loosen slightly. In general, it is recommended to use default parameters without modification.
Z Lift Speed
The build platform of a resin printer has a vertical movement rate when it transitions from one layer to the next. The Z lift speed refers to the speed at which the printing platform rises from the resin vat when printing a layer. If the Z lift speed is too fast, there will be a momentary high tensile force between layers, between the prints and the FEP film, which may cause the 3D prints to crack or even break, resulting in printing failure. Conversely, if the Z lift speed is too low, it will prolong the printing time.
The z lift speed determines how fast the platform moves as it transitions from one layer to the next, allowing the printed cured layer to separate from the vat and make room for the next layer to print. The optimal lift speed depends on the resin printer model used, the specific resin and the print quality. Typically, resin printers have lifting speeds in the range of 100 to 300 mm/min.
Anti-aliasing
Anti-aliasing is a technique for smoothing jagged edges of an image by controlling the continuity of edge exposure. Anti-aliasing settings can be applied to improve the surface finish of printed objects and to reduce the appearance of a stepped appearance of printed layers. The higher the anti-aliasing setting, the better the effect of anti-aliased edges, but correspondingly, the longer the slice time, the larger the slice file.
Each layer of resin printing is composed of individual pixels or voxels, and the compensation of the pixel pattern can be achieved through the combined use of anti-aliasing, gray level and image blur techniques.
Image Blur
By changing the transparency of the LCD screen (without altering the UV light intensity) to adjust the degree of solidification, the edges of the image are blurred, resulting in a more even transition. The image blur level indicates the number of layers on the XY axis that are blurred, with a higher level resulting in greater blurring. This feature can be configured when the anti-aliasing level exceeds 1.
The compensation of pixel patterns can be achieved through the combined usage of anti-aliasing, gray level, and image blur techniques.
Gray Level
By increasing the brightness of each pixel according to the gray level, the degree of solidification at the edges can be controlled. This is an operation that is carried out after an alias and image blur have been set. The higher the brightness, the higher the transparency, and the less complete the solidification.
This feature can be configured when the anti-aliasing level exceeds 1. The compensation of pixel patterns can be achieved through the combined usage of anti-aliasing, gray level, and image blur techniques.
Importance of Optimizing 3D Printing Parameters of Resin Printer
Understanding 3D printing parameter settings, in addition to personalizing printing to meet different needs, can also help resolve potential print quality issues, such as poor surface finish or loss of detail; provide troubleshooting techniques, such as optimizing layer thickness or adjusting curing settings. We share these 3D printing parameters with resin printer enthusiasts, and with users who want to explore and experiment with different printing settings, it will be helpful to unleash the greater potential of 3D printing.
Please note that printing parameters may vary depending on the 3D printer model, and the specific resin. Referencing the manufacturer's documentation and guidelines prior to printing can help in setting the correct printing parameters.
Recommended printing parameters for Anycubic Photon Series:
- Suggested Parameters Profiles for Anycubic Photon Series Resin Printer
- Suggested Parameters Profiles for Anycubic Resin
