3D printing has revolutionized the way we manufacture and create things, and resin 3D printing has taken the experience to the next level. However, as with any technology, there are bound to be problems that arise during the process. What are the most common issues that may occur during resin 3D printing and how to troubleshoot them? Keep reading to learn more!
How to troubleshoot 3D prints? 4 common issues
3D print troubleshooting doesn’t have to be so complex. What are the most common issues and how to solve problems?
Issue #1 - Failed prints
One of the most frustrating issues that can arise with resin 3D printers is a failed print. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including incorrect resin settings, a malfunctioning printer, or issues with the model design.
To troubleshoot failed prints, start by checking the resin settings and ensuring they’re set correctly for the specific type of resin being used. If the settings appear to be correct, try reprinting the model with a fresh batch of resin. And if the issue still persists, it may be necessary to inspect the printer and ensure all components are functioning properly.
Issue #2 - Poor surface quality and uneven color
Another common issue with resin 3D printing is poor surface quality. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including rough textures, pitting, or warping. Try reprinting the model with a different resin or slow down the printing speed. If it doesn’t help, inspect the printer to ensure the build plate is level and the resin vat is clean and free of debris as it may affect the quality.
What to do if you notice that the color is uneven? Shake the resin bottle for approximately 30 seconds to distribute the sediments evenly. If your resin is already in the vat, you can mix it with a scraper that should be included in a toolbox.
Issue #3 - Layer lines
Layer lines are a common issue with all types of 3D printing. These lines can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect layer thickness settings or incorrect lifting speed and exposure times.
What’s the key to 3D printing troubleshooting? Start by adjusting the layer thickness settings in the printing software. Additionally, try reducing the lifting speed and adjusting the exposure time for each layer to ensure proper adhesion between layers.
Issue #4 - Support failure
Support structures are a crucial component of resin 3D printing, as they help ensure the stability and accuracy of the final product.
Unfortunately, they can sometimes fail during the printing process, resulting in a failed print or poor surface quality. To troubleshoot support failure, start by adjusting the support settings in the slicer software. Additionally, try using a different type of support structure, such as tree supports or lattice supports.
The takeaway
Resin 3D printing can be a complex process, and there are bound to be issues that arise from time to time. However, with the right 3D print troubleshooting techniques and a little bit of patience, it’s possible to overcome these challenges and produce high-quality prints.
Whether you’re dealing with failed prints, poor surface quality, layer lines, or support failure, remember to start by checking the resin settings and adjusting the printer settings as needed. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to contact our support team.
2 comments
Jose Miguel
Hi. I own a Mighty 4K since 1 year ago and I use Model Grey resin. I print only dental models and from 2 months until now some models are printed with failures (specially support failures). The thing is that I have’nt change any parameter and all settings are the same. I usually print about 14 models at the same time and the last 2 months each time I print 2 or 3 of them fail. Last week I changed the fep, recalibrated the plattform and sometimes printer prints ok and sometimes ir fails.
I have printed 500 models until today.
What can be happening ? (I have pictures but can’t send them thru this form). Can you help me ?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Jose,
Thank you for commenting! Unfortunately, we will need more information to help you with this situation, that will include the resin setting you are using, the photo of your failed models etc. Please contact us by submitting a customer support ticket. You can fill the form here: https://reurl.cc/651z8d
Or please join our Facebook group, where you can ask questions and see what’s going on with the community: https://reurl.cc/7kgxGy
Hope this helps!
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Hi. I own a Mighty 4K since 1 year ago and I use Model Grey resin. I print only dental models and from 2 months until now some models are printed with failures (specially support failures). The thing is that I have’nt change any parameter and all settings are the same. I usually print about 14 models at the same time and the last 2 months each time I print 2 or 3 of them fail. Last week I changed the fep, recalibrated the plattform and sometimes printer prints ok and sometimes ir fails.
I have printed 500 models until today.
What can be happening ? (I have pictures but can’t send them thru this form). Can you help me ?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Jose,
Thank you for commenting! Unfortunately, we will need more information to help you with this situation, that will include the resin setting you are using, the photo of your failed models etc. Please contact us by submitting a customer support ticket. You can fill the form here: https://reurl.cc/651z8d
Or please join our Facebook group, where you can ask questions and see what’s going on with the community: https://reurl.cc/7kgxGy
Hope this helps!
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Dahlkemper
good day,
my phrozen sonic mini i purchased 6 months ago is not printing .
it has worked in the past however the files are not printing now.
i upload the STL file and it uploads into the printer and the machine runs for the 2 hour printing time and there is nothing on the plate.
i am using the aqua red clay. i have printed multiple files a month agp however not it not working.
the plate is balanced
the led light works
the resin is mixed
there is no film on the bottom of the dish.
i know its not the model design because my wholesaler is able to print on their end im just trying to save time by printing my own with the mini.
i am assuming its the setting for the printer.
what setting do i need to set the splice for
do i need a diffrent resin?
Please help
Thank you for your time
Shawn
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Shawn,
Thank you for commenting. The file format for the printer to print is .ctb for Sonic MIni, Mini 4K and Mini 8K. Please make sure you are exporting and choosing the right format when printing an object.
If you have exported and chosen the right format, and the printer also accepted it and started the printing process, please try to perform a dry print (start a print without vat in the place) and see if the LCD is lighting up correctly, corresponding to the pattern that is shown on the touchscreen.
If your LCD is working properly, and the dry print shows the LCD is showing the pattern corresponding to the touchscreen, then please try re-calibrate your z-axis. Further information can be found here: https://reurl.cc/11Vo38
If your LCD is not showing the pattern corresponding to the touchscreen during the dry print process, or your printer simply doesn’t accept the file, please reflash your firmware and format your USB drive, or try with another USB drive to see if it works. The latest firmware can be download here, along with instructions: https://reurl.cc/RzVbLr
If none of the suggestions above work, please submit our customer support ticket. Please let them know what you have already tried, with pictures like the results of LCD test, the dry print, the file you are trying to print etc., so that our team can better understand the situation you have been facing quickly by ruling out some of the possibilities. Here is the page that you can submit us a ticket: https://reurl.cc/QXq6Db
I hope this helps, thank you again for your comment!
Best, Phrozen Team
>
good day,
my phrozen sonic mini i purchased 6 months ago is not printing .
it has worked in the past however the files are not printing now.
i upload the STL file and it uploads into the printer and the machine runs for the 2 hour printing time and there is nothing on the plate.
i am using the aqua red clay. i have printed multiple files a month agp however not it not working.
the plate is balanced
the led light works
the resin is mixed
there is no film on the bottom of the dish.
i know its not the model design because my wholesaler is able to print on their end im just trying to save time by printing my own with the mini.
i am assuming its the setting for the printer.
what setting do i need to set the splice for
do i need a diffrent resin?
Please help
Thank you for your time
Shawn
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Shawn,
Thank you for commenting. The file format for the printer to print is .ctb for Sonic MIni, Mini 4K and Mini 8K. Please make sure you are exporting and choosing the right format when printing an object.
If you have exported and chosen the right format, and the printer also accepted it and started the printing process, please try to perform a dry print (start a print without vat in the place) and see if the LCD is lighting up correctly, corresponding to the pattern that is shown on the touchscreen.
If your LCD is working properly, and the dry print shows the LCD is showing the pattern corresponding to the touchscreen, then please try re-calibrate your z-axis. Further information can be found here: https://reurl.cc/11Vo38
If your LCD is not showing the pattern corresponding to the touchscreen during the dry print process, or your printer simply doesn’t accept the file, please reflash your firmware and format your USB drive, or try with another USB drive to see if it works. The latest firmware can be download here, along with instructions: https://reurl.cc/RzVbLr
If none of the suggestions above work, please submit our customer support ticket. Please let them know what you have already tried, with pictures like the results of LCD test, the dry print, the file you are trying to print etc., so that our team can better understand the situation you have been facing quickly by ruling out some of the possibilities. Here is the page that you can submit us a ticket: https://reurl.cc/QXq6Db
I hope this helps, thank you again for your comment!
Best, Phrozen Team
>