Resin printing is built layer by layer, and each layer of resin is cured by UV light. During this process, layer lines and irregularities may appear, reducing the overall quality of the model. Knowing how to smooth 3D prints after resin printing can help you achieve high-quality resin prints, along with benefits such as enhanced visual appeal and improved paint adhesion.
There are many factors that affect the surface smoothness of resin prints: layer height, resolution of the resin printer, printing speed, exposure settings, etc. Choose the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s 12K high-resolution printer, which can accurately print fine details and achieve a smoother surface. Setting smaller layer heights, proper printing parameters, calibrating exposure settings, and re-leveling the resin printer are all steps that can be done before printing that can help users improve the surface smoothness of their resin prints. When we finish printing, if we want to process the resin print to make it smoother, we usually need to use post-processing technology, such as grinding, polishing and other steps. Here are the specific methods on how to smooth 3D prints.
Smoothing Techniques for Resin Prints: 3 Methods to Smooth 3D Prints
Before you start smoothing 3D prints, make sure you have the proper protection ready and in a well-ventilated work area. Before attempting to smooth a resin print, it also needs to be sufficiently cured and cleaned by removing the support structure. Often it is best to experiment with test prints or small parts to ensure the smoothing effect and try what works best for you before using these smoothing techniques on the final print.
Methods 1: Sanding resin prints
Using sandpaper to smooth 3D prints is the most common option. Sandpaper is usually available in grit sizes 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, with larger values representing finer grits. First sand the surface of the resin print with coarse-grained sandpaper, and gradually use finer-grained sandpaper to remove layer lines and rough parts to smooth the surface of the 3D print.
Methods 2: Smoothing solvent
Some solvents can be used to smooth resin prints, such as isopropyl alcohol, or specialized resin smoothing solutions. The solvent will dissolve the outer layers of the resin and fill the gaps between the layers. By applying the solvent to the surface of the print, we can get a smoother print. However, note that the right amount of solvent is used to smooth a 3D print, while overuse can potentially ruin it.
Methods 3: Partial coating
Transparent resin, epoxy resin, commonly used as the surface coating of resin prints. Use a brush to evenly coat the surface of the 3D print, which can fill gaps, hide layer patterns, and reveal a smoother surface.
In Conclusion
Again, we recommend starting to go for smooth resin 3D prints with proper safety precautions, if you are not familiar with how to smooth 3D prints, you can practice and test it first. Smooth resin prints can enhance the visual appeal and give you better quality 3D models, if you are trying to smooth resin prints, the above methods are worth a try.
Tutorial Video: Printing, smoothing, and coloring of resin prints-with Anycubic Photon Mono M5s