If you are new to resin 3D printing, you will surely encounter various problems that can lead to failed results, such as your resin print not sticking to the build plate, support separation, incomplete resin prints, warping and so on. However, It's nothing serious and they can be resolved with appropriate solutions. This blog is about how to easily remove resin prints stuck on a 3D printer build plate and will provide you with four methods to solve it.
Since uncured liquid resin is toxic, it is necessary to take safety precautions when handling them. Wear gloves and a respirator, and ensure proper ventilation. Wear gloves and a respirator, and ensure proper ventilation. Do not pour uncured resin waste into the drain, as it can cause environmental damage. Dispose of it only after it is fully cured.
Why Can't Your Cured Prints be Removed from the Buildplate?
- Use the wrong tool if you used a plastic scraper.
- The way you scrape is incorrect.
- Large-sized prints have a large contact area with the printing platform.
- The bottom exposure time is set too long.
How to Remove Resin Print Stuck on 3D Printer Buildplate
Method 1: Use a metal scraper to remove properly.
You need a flat and metal scraper, instead of a plastic or silicone scraper that is used for cleaning the resin vat. After printing, take off the build plate from your printer, and place it on a silicone mat to keep your workspace clean. Position the plate on the mat at a 45°angle. Next, it's time to scrape off the printed object, but make sure the way you scrape is correct. You need to use the scraper with a sharp edge and slowly insert it into the bottom of the object, giving it a little wiggle until it detaches from the printing platform.
If you still can't remove the cured resin from the build platform, you will need some isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 95%. Spray the IPA on the printed part's bottom and scrape off it.
Method 2: Heat the build plate.
The principle of thermal expansion helps you easily remove resin prints stuck on the build platform. When an object is heated, it expands for easy removal. You can heat the build plate to make a slight expansion of the bottom of the printed object, allowing it to separate from the printing platform. However, do not simply and directly heat the print and platform surfaces, as it can damage the fresh print.
When dealing with large resin objects stuck to the build plate, a heat gun or hair dryer can be used to soften the resin on the print bottom. Alternatively, warm water can also work. But do not just pour it on the platform. Instead, pour it out of the plate, allowing the platform to absorb the heat and transfer it to the printed object for easier removal.
Warnings & Cautions: Do not directly use heat guns or hair dryers to dry resin prints containing alcohol, as it may cause a fire.
Method 3: Scale down the model or print in multi parts.
If the size of the print is too large and exceeds the build volume of your printer, causing the bottom of the object to cover the entire plate and making it difficult to scrape off, one option is to scale down the model in the slicing software before printing. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a large-format printer if you want to easily print a large object without the need for resizing.
Printing a multi-part 3D print is another method recommended, where the model is produced in separate parts and later assembled. But this requires experience in controlling programs to split the digital model. What's more, the subsequent post-processing can be more complex, as you will need to do additional work such as sanding, gluing, and using various tools and hardware fixtures to assemble your print. To be honest, this is a steep learning curve and requires patience and practice.
Method 4: Reduce the bottom exposure time.
The bottom exposure time is a basic parameter in the slicer software that refers to the duration of UV exposure for each layer of the print bottom, thus it is essential to set this parameter correctly. If the value is too high, it can lead to over-exposure. And the print will expand and deform, making it difficult to scrape the print off the platform. Typically, it is set between 12-36 seconds per layer. Different resins require different printing settings. It is recommended to refer to the instructions provided by the resin manufacturer for proper adjustment.