10 Mistakes when 3D Printing

David Author

There are common mistakes users face when beginning their journey in 3D Printing, do not beat yourself up about it...

10 Mistakes that will help you avoid frustration in 3D Printing with the Anycubic Photon S.

Welcome to the blog, today we will be looking at the 10 most common mistakes new users to 3D printing with resin make. My name is David to read more about me and my expertise click here.

There are common mistakes users face when beginning their journey in 3D Printing, do not beat yourself up about it we have all gone through the valley of suck to a more or lesser degree, this article aims to address the common mistakes and rectify them allowing you a more pleasurable journey through the process and setting you up for success.

In no particular order, I will go through common mistakes in 3D Printing and give a simple remedy, also check out my top tips for 3D Printing these are priceless and will help you with the foundations of success.

MISTAKE 1 - Cannot remove the print from the build plate
Do not use a sharp instrument or a blunt tool and try to prise off the print, instead soak the model with IPA and then using a Pallete Knife gently rotate under the model perpendicular to the build plate this avoids scratches to the build plate!
Also please note it is important that a large surface area contact on the build plate is NOT A GOOD IDEA try elevating it and use supports or angling the model to reduce the contact area of the print.

MISTAKE 2 - Prints Sticking to the FEP
Do not try to force the print from the feet this will lead to scratching or creasing the FEP instead fill the VAT very slightly and leave for a couple of minutes, it should come off easier use a plastic pallet and make sure the FEP is on a very flat surface to stop any stretching!

MISTAKE 3 - Not Cleaning your Print enough
You might get a white colour appearing on your print this commonly happens because your model has been UV cured before it has been washed thoroughly, use a brush or soft toothbrush and clean for at least a minute or two, the model should not be tacky!

MISTAKE 4 - Getting Lines in your Print
Make sure your build plate is tight and leveled to the VAT, check once, and check again.
If it persists make sure the z-Axis rod is straight and well oiled.

MISTAKE 5 - Not wearing gloves
Always where PVA gloves when handling and working with resin, its nasty stuff

MISTAKE 6 - Using the guide exposure times
For exposure times there is a  google sheet the community has created with actual user data use this as a starting point many factors can affect times such as resin type and room temperature - Resin Sheet Guide Click Here

MISTAKE 7 - Don't just use the default slicer
With my Photon S I never use the Anycubic Slicer I find Chitubox a lot better, try different ones and find the one you like - Here it is

MISTAKE 8 - Tighten everything
Make sure you tighten the VAT screws one at a time first gently tighten the first one and repeat the other side then go back to the first and repeat this ensures even tightness, do this same procedure everytime.

MISTAKE 9 - Make sure your models are watertight
Having holes or intersecting parts on a file your printing will make the print fail

MISTAKE 10 - Some parts not printing
Make sure you have no unsupported overhangs this will lead to a failed print!
Try angling your model in the slicer to get a better print.

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Categories: : ZBrush 3D Prinitng