When we bought back the light-curing 3D printer, we found that the printed model was different from what we imagined. Many people may think that the machine is the problem. In fact, in addition to the machine problem, the operation will also affect the model. Let’s talk about some influencing factors outside the machine.
1. Modeling, leading to stl data
In the case of using 3D modeling software, it can be saved or exported to stl format. If you don't understand how to export to stl format, you can search for the way to import stl format from Baidu, usually online. tutorial.
2. Check whether there is any problem with the model
Usually we propose to use pionext software to test our model
pionext is a professional processing STL file, which has the advantages of powerful, practical and efficient. It is an indispensable software in the field of 3D printing. It is often used in parts placement, model repair, adding support, and checking dimensions.
Parts Repair Information → Update → Repair → Parts As stl
Check the data of the reverse normal, bad edge and noise shell inside, click on the back repair, all except shell and advanced are displayed as 0, indicating that the model is normal.
3. Model Slicing
Considerations for Model Slicing
(1) It is best to choose the smooth surface of the bottom edge or not have any holes.
(2) Do not choose the largest contact surface to be close to the bottom plate
(3) The bottom end is raised by 5mm, select all supports
(4) Check some supports that are not stabilized
Some positions close to the bottom plate need to be supported with more points to ensure that they can be fully supported. If the support is too sparse, the model will fall during the printing process.
The model can then be exported to a pngzip format print model according to the previous slicing tutorial.
4. Preparations for machine printing before printing
1. Application consumables: Shake the photosensitive resin slightly from side to side before applying it. Do not shake vigorously to cause a lot of air bubbles.
2. Contact with consumables: Do not contact the photosensitive resin directly with the skin or contact with the eyes. If it causes skin irritation or discomfort, please rinse it with water immediately. If the situation is serious, please seek medical attention.
3. Selection of consumables: It is recommended to use the consumables suggested by the manufacturer to prevent damage to the printer.
4. Storage of consumables: When the photosensitive resin is not used, it can be filtered and then recycled into the bottle, or cover the trough with something to avoid direct sunlight and strong light, and avoid dust from entering.
If some industrial models need to be printed, it is recommended to use special high-precision industrial consumables.
If some dental models need to be printed, it is recommended to use special castable dental consumables.
If some models of jewelry need to be printed, it is recommended to use special casting jewelry consumables.
In fact, there are many kinds of light-curing consumables, some of which can be cast and those that cannot be manufactured.
5. Printing the model
1. Machine placement: Do not place this machine around inflammable and explosive objects or high heat sources, please place this machine in a ventilated, cool, and dust-free environment.
2. Power socket: The power plug needs to be plugged into a three-hole socket with a ground wire, please use the power cord attached to the machine, and do not use other product power cords instead during the installation process.
3. Machine placement environment: Do not place the printer in a vibration or other unstable environment, the shaking of the machine will interfere with the printing quality of the printer.
4. Check the fixed position: Before printing, it is necessary to check whether the knob on the platform and the fixed position on the trough are locked to avoid instability during printing.
5. Check the screen irradiation: Check whether the screen irradiation is normal before using the machine, please wear anti-ultraviolet glasses to check. Never look directly at the screen to prevent eye damage.
6. Inspection before printing
1. Check the trough: Make sure that there is no debris in the trough before printing. If you are not sure whether there is any residue in the trough, please use the machine's feeding tray to remove it, and then remove the solidified surface in the trough. Remember not to use The metal spatula touches the release film in the trough.
2. Check the exposure time: When printing, check whether the exposure time meets the specified range of the consumables, so as to avoid the expansion of the model when the printing time is too exposed, or the failure to form due to too little time.
For different machines, the size of the model and the amount of support are all parameters that interfere with the exposure time. Therefore, customers who have just started photo-curing 3D printing can first ask professional technicians to understand the range of parameters, and then try to test them. The effect of printing, correspondingly change the parameters of the appropriate model printing.
3. Printing environment: Do not use in direct sunlight or spaces with strong light. The machine should be in clean air and no obvious floating objects. Temperature: 26±5 degrees Celsius. For high-quality printing quality, please print in an indoor constant temperature environment.
7. parts post-processing process
Many friends who have been in touch with 3D printing will say that the works printed by others are bright and beautiful, and they look tall, while the models printed by themselves are rough and not very beautiful. In fact, these are all problems that need to be solved in the post-processing process of parts to ensure high-precision and high-quality qualified parts.
1. Removal: After the production of ordinary parts, please wear protective gloves as much as possible when taking the model. When removing the metal blade, you can clean it with alcohol first. After the model is printed, please clean the platform before removing it. trough to avoid resin dripping on the molding platform onto the screen.
2. Cleaning: After the parts are removed, it is best to use TPM (tripropylene glycol methyl ether) for cleaning, or anhydrous industrial alcohol, do not use medical alcohol and edible alcohol with a large water content. For slender and thin-walled parts, the soaking time in organic lotion such as alcohol should not exceed 1 minute, otherwise the sample will be easily softened and deformed; for thicker parts, the soaking time should not exceed 3 minutes as much as possible; the support is not easy to remove. To soften the supported parts, the soaking time should not exceed 3 minutes, and be careful to soak only the supporting parts of the parts.
3. Grinding: The parts before grinding should be kept as dry as possible. The cleaned parts should be dried with compressed air. The places that are not easy to be dried can be wiped with a paper cloth. When grinding with water as fast as possible, avoid too much immersion in water, because water will soften and deform the newly released sample (green embryo) to a certain extent. If the sample is soft before grinding, it must be left for dehydration and then polished, and then left for dehydration again. That is to say, the softer parts need to be dehydrated twice.
4. Standing dehydration: The newly formed parts (raw embryos) are easy to absorb water and alcohol due to the continued internal reaction, causing the parts to expand, soften and deform. Standing dehydration can further volatilize alcohol and water. Therefore, the polished parts should be dried with compressed air again, and placed in a room with constant temperature and humidity. At the same time, it is strongly recommended to use a fan to blow the front and back sides for 30 minutes.
5. UV post-curing: The parts after standing and dehydration need to be subjected to UV post-curing treatment for at least 30 minutes. It is strongly recommended that the UV post-curing box be placed in a room with constant temperature and humidity. The distribution of the light source in the UV curing box has a great influence on the curing effect. As far as possible, ensure that the sample is evenly irradiated by light in all directions.