3D Resin Printers

I have no experience with 3D printers, but appreciate their useful properties for manufacturing intricate components for model aircraft, such as dummy engines, pilots, corrugated wing skin moulds and also fishing lure prototypes amongst other things.

I came across this interesting machine here in Australia Jaycar 3D resin printer

It reminded me of the early stereolithography machines that I observed in the early 1990"s and then they cost big $$$ (used to prototype Holden bumper bars)

I know that similar machines are available from overseas at a cheaper price but I prefer the local consumer protection laws and warranty conditions.

So my question is: Has anybody used one of these machines and what are the advantages/disadvantages compared to a filament 3D printer?

* danny *

My son bought one. I'm not sure of the brand but he really likes his for making small models. The resin printer can make much finer detail and for the small models he makes it is ideal. He also has an Ender 3 so he could show the difference in the print quality. I think he still uses his Ender 3 for bigger prints where fine detail isn't so critical.

From another forum it does appear you get the detail you need tor 0-gauge models provided the item is small enough for the tank but the downside is the process. Messy liquid not ideal for living room but needs cleanliness etc not compatible with (my) workshop. Also post processing required. Altogether a faf but there will be things that need the detail so I'd just like occasional access to one, like in a club or maker zone.

HI,

I've an early version of the Anycubic Photon and it has worked well for me. The detail is very good for 3D printing ,[I've had a couple of filament 3D printers and the layers are always distinctive ] with the SLA the rivets on an 0 gauge loco window surround were well reproduced. My other half has had me make accessories for her small scale model figures and she is pleased with the results requiring minimal cleanup.

Some of things I have found out the hard way are:-

Keep things clean and the resin tank warm.

Wear gloves when handling and cleaning the prints, the resin is a bu***r to clean off skin

Different resins give different results. For example a Grey resin gave good strength and smoothed out the layer effect but lost fine details, a clear Green resin reproduced the finer details but resulted in a brittle model. ......ect. You need to do some research for what you want to achieve.

Changing the orientation of the model changes the supports generated, the detail produced and the success of completing the model without falling from the supports or incomplete surfaces. The slicing software is pretty good at indicating where problems could occur.

The layer height can be varied to achieve quicker prints or finer detail. 50 -10 micron .... a lot finer than the filament 3D printers.

Another advantage of SLA printing vs Filament is that when printing multiple items together on the build plate it takes the same time as single item, since the printing time is dependant on the height of the object not the volume.

Finishing requires IPA washing off the remaining uncured resin from the vat and UV light exposure to completely cure the resin model. I've used an ultrasonic bath and a UV nail curing lamp. This process can be made easier with the Anycubic Wash system that has a IPA container with stirrer and UV curing lamp in one unit.

Best of luck

Steve

Edited By The Novice Engineer on 16/01/2021 20:58:51

Edited By The Novice Engineer on 16/01/2021 21:00:52

Thanks for the replies people.

The ability to print small details is important for my requirement to make multiple small cylinders for a dummy radial engine and also a contact at a local university has offered to 3D laser scan me (student training exercise) so I can make my pilots as minute replicas of myself (just need to find appropiate flying helmets).

Looks like I shall go ahead with the purchase as I use uv cure resin for some fishing flies and so already have a uv bench torch. Loon uv resins and torches

* danny *