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.
10 comments
Craig
I have a sonic mini 8k
It’s not starting any prints.
It lowers the plate and then makes a kind of buzzing sound as if the plate is still trying to lower more
I have leveled the plate a couple of times and still no luck.
Any advice?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Craig, Thank you for commenting.
Based on your description, we’d recommend two things to do:
1) For the grinding noise when the plate is moving up and down, please clean and lubricate the Z rod and see if it solve this problem. Here’s an article about how to maintain the Z rod of your Mini printer: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6325671107737—Sonic-Mini-8K-Cleaning-the-Z-axis
2) For the expected plate moving behaviour, please reflash the firmware of your printer and uninstall and reinstall the slicing software you’re using from your computer, when only reserve 1 instances of your slicing software at a time – which means only the latest version of the slicing software should be installed on your computer and previous one should be replaced by the new one or be uninstalled.
When reflashing your firmware and reinstalling the slicing software, please download the latest version from the website, and follow the instructions carefully when flashing the firmware of your printer.
You can download the latest version of firmware and find the instructions on this page: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6369983852569-Firmware-downloads-and-release-notes
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
I have a sonic mini 8k
It’s not starting any prints.
It lowers the plate and then makes a kind of buzzing sound as if the plate is still trying to lower more
I have leveled the plate a couple of times and still no luck.
Any advice?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Craig, Thank you for commenting.
Based on your description, we’d recommend two things to do:
1) For the grinding noise when the plate is moving up and down, please clean and lubricate the Z rod and see if it solve this problem. Here’s an article about how to maintain the Z rod of your Mini printer: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6325671107737—Sonic-Mini-8K-Cleaning-the-Z-axis
2) For the expected plate moving behaviour, please reflash the firmware of your printer and uninstall and reinstall the slicing software you’re using from your computer, when only reserve 1 instances of your slicing software at a time – which means only the latest version of the slicing software should be installed on your computer and previous one should be replaced by the new one or be uninstalled.
When reflashing your firmware and reinstalling the slicing software, please download the latest version from the website, and follow the instructions carefully when flashing the firmware of your printer.
You can download the latest version of firmware and find the instructions on this page: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6369983852569-Firmware-downloads-and-release-notes
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Bruno Teixeira
I have a Mighty 4K since 2021 and it worked fine till yesterday.
Now, every time I try to print it makes a complete surface for some layers before it starts the model itself. Its like it makes a “VAT Cleaning” before printing the model itself. But those layers always end up detached from the base after a few layers of model printing and compromising the rest of the model printing.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Bruno, Thank you for commenting.
Please first check if your LCD is working properly by using the LCD test function. You can refer to this video about how to perform a LCD test for Mighty 4K.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX1rkdrm7mI
If you need further assistance, please contact our customer support team by submitting a request via this link:
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
I have a Mighty 4K since 2021 and it worked fine till yesterday.
Now, every time I try to print it makes a complete surface for some layers before it starts the model itself. Its like it makes a “VAT Cleaning” before printing the model itself. But those layers always end up detached from the base after a few layers of model printing and compromising the rest of the model printing.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Bruno, Thank you for commenting.
Please first check if your LCD is working properly by using the LCD test function. You can refer to this video about how to perform a LCD test for Mighty 4K.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX1rkdrm7mI
If you need further assistance, please contact our customer support team by submitting a request via this link:
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
NA LI
I updated software and firmware. Now it give me message: Incorrect File Resolution.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello NA LI, Thank you for commenting.
Please check if you have installed the correct firmware and followed the instructions when updating the firmware for your printer, and also check if you have selected the correct printer in your slicing software.
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
I updated software and firmware. Now it give me message: Incorrect File Resolution.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello NA LI, Thank you for commenting.
Please check if you have installed the correct firmware and followed the instructions when updating the firmware for your printer, and also check if you have selected the correct printer in your slicing software.
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Fuad
Hello, we have mighty 8k. When we try print onlay it works normal until print completed. When checked onlay it is like half one attached to resin vat other half attached to plate. Resin settings are same previous successfull printing .
Please help
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Fuad, Thank you for commenting.
You might want to dial in your resin using testing files for optimal results. Here’s a reference for how to dial in a resin: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6324821843993-How-to-Dial-in-Resin-for-Optimal-Results
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Hello, we have mighty 8k. When we try print onlay it works normal until print completed. When checked onlay it is like half one attached to resin vat other half attached to plate. Resin settings are same previous successfull printing .
Please help
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Fuad, Thank you for commenting.
You might want to dial in your resin using testing files for optimal results. Here’s a reference for how to dial in a resin: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/6324821843993-How-to-Dial-in-Resin-for-Optimal-Results
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Nick
I am using the Sonic Mini. I am noticing that the bottom layers are adding that many layers to my print, instead of simply applying the bottom layer exposure time to the existing layers. Unless I float every object I print and use skates/rafts and supports for models that don’t need any, it just makes it needlessly thicker. Please advise.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi, Nick, Thank you for commenting. The increase in bottom layer thickness may be related to the exposure time. Recommend referring to our resin parameters for printing. If you encounter this issue when printing models close to the build plate, suggest performing Z-axis calibration again using 3-5 sheets of paper for calibration. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our customer service team for additional assistance.
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
<Sunny@comment.sunnysideapps.com> 於 2023年10月31日 週二 下午6:19寫道：
>
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Nick, Thank you for commenting.
You can solve this problem by setting the ‘Bottom Layer Count’ to 0 in Chitubox. If you’ve already done that, then the situation you are having is called ‘elephant foot’. In resin 3D printing, the first few layers of the print have to have longer exposure time, to adhere to the build plate. The longer exposure time will often cause the resin to form a protrusion in the shape of a circle larger than what it is intended to be. The solution is to float the model and using supports to hold them, and add the raft if needed.
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
I am using the Sonic Mini. I am noticing that the bottom layers are adding that many layers to my print, instead of simply applying the bottom layer exposure time to the existing layers. Unless I float every object I print and use skates/rafts and supports for models that don’t need any, it just makes it needlessly thicker. Please advise.
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi, Nick, Thank you for commenting. The increase in bottom layer thickness may be related to the exposure time. Recommend referring to our resin parameters for printing. If you encounter this issue when printing models close to the build plate, suggest performing Z-axis calibration again using 3-5 sheets of paper for calibration. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our customer service team for additional assistance.
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
<Sunny@comment.sunnysideapps.com> 於 2023年10月31日 週二 下午6:19寫道：
>
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Nick, Thank you for commenting.
You can solve this problem by setting the ‘Bottom Layer Count’ to 0 in Chitubox. If you’ve already done that, then the situation you are having is called ‘elephant foot’. In resin 3D printing, the first few layers of the print have to have longer exposure time, to adhere to the build plate. The longer exposure time will often cause the resin to form a protrusion in the shape of a circle larger than what it is intended to be. The solution is to float the model and using supports to hold them, and add the raft if needed.
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
Marcos Bertoni
Buenos dias….tengo un Prozhen Migthy 4K y he estado imprimiendo sin ningun problema, pero ayer la impresora me ha dejado de imprimir por completo. El programa lo hace y cuando termina en el display me figura un cartel que dice “PRINTING DONE ELAPSED 03h57m” . Agradeceria cualquier tipo de ayuda. Muchas gracias
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Marcos,
Thank you for commenting. There are several possibilities that lead to this result. We would suggest you to do an LCD test to see if both your LCD and LED array are working properly, then run a dry print to see the file you are trying to print is also working, by observing the pattern showing on the LCD is the same as the one shown on the touch screen when dry printing. Last, would you have to recalibrate your build plate to make sure that cured resin are able to adhesive to the plate properly.
Please submit us a request via this link if you need further assistance: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team.
>
Buenos dias….tengo un Prozhen Migthy 4K y he estado imprimiendo sin ningun problema, pero ayer la impresora me ha dejado de imprimir por completo. El programa lo hace y cuando termina en el display me figura un cartel que dice “PRINTING DONE ELAPSED 03h57m” . Agradeceria cualquier tipo de ayuda. Muchas gracias
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello Marcos,
Thank you for commenting. There are several possibilities that lead to this result. We would suggest you to do an LCD test to see if both your LCD and LED array are working properly, then run a dry print to see the file you are trying to print is also working, by observing the pattern showing on the LCD is the same as the one shown on the touch screen when dry printing. Last, would you have to recalibrate your build plate to make sure that cured resin are able to adhesive to the plate properly.
Please submit us a request via this link if you need further assistance: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team.
>
David Guenter
Hello Phrozen Team
I own a Sonic mini 8K S. I have run into an issue with the exposure finder.
When i print the .prz file that is included on the momory stick everithing prints fine. But when i try to print the exposure finder sliced by myself on Chitubox and Lychee, the details that are above the borders of the exposure finder designe, like the slopes in the middle and the textures in the corners, they come out very flattened.
It looks almost like the z-axis does not raise enough from layer to layer.
I have no idea what could be the issue. If it is a Hardware, Firmware, Slicer or Print settings problem.
Can you please help me?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello David,
Thank you for commenting. For this issue, we would suggest you to relevel your plate with 3~4 sheets of papers to see if this solves the problem. And since you’ve mentioned, reflash the firmware and remove all the installations of Chitubox from your PC, reinstalling only the latest version could also be worth trying. If you are still having this problem, please contact us by submitting a request via this link, in which you can attach a photo of your test print result so that our support team can better know your situation.
To download the firmware and learn about the updating process, please check this link: https://reurl.cc/r65QeO
To submit a request, please check this link: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
Hello Phrozen Team
I own a Sonic mini 8K S. I have run into an issue with the exposure finder.
When i print the .prz file that is included on the momory stick everithing prints fine. But when i try to print the exposure finder sliced by myself on Chitubox and Lychee, the details that are above the borders of the exposure finder designe, like the slopes in the middle and the textures in the corners, they come out very flattened.
It looks almost like the z-axis does not raise enough from layer to layer.
I have no idea what could be the issue. If it is a Hardware, Firmware, Slicer or Print settings problem.
Can you please help me?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hello David,
Thank you for commenting. For this issue, we would suggest you to relevel your plate with 3~4 sheets of papers to see if this solves the problem. And since you’ve mentioned, reflash the firmware and remove all the installations of Chitubox from your PC, reinstalling only the latest version could also be worth trying. If you are still having this problem, please contact us by submitting a request via this link, in which you can attach a photo of your test print result so that our support team can better know your situation.
To download the firmware and learn about the updating process, please check this link: https://reurl.cc/r65QeO
To submit a request, please check this link: https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
pim mauve
After a few weeks of perfect print, the printer, a mighty 8K, now prints absolutely nothing; nothing on the bed, and noting in the resevoir. het does go through the whole print as if it was printing, but when it is done, nothing. I did a bed level calibration, lcd test and stir the resin wel each morning. any thoughts what can be wrong?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Pim,
Thank you for commenting. If your printer has passed the LCD test, please perform a day print ie. start a print without vat installed and/or resin loaded, to see if the LCD shows the pattern same as what shows up on the screen. If there is nothing shows up on the LCD, or the pattern is not what it should be, please check the cable that connects LCD to the motherboard to see if they are connected properly. You can reference to this tutorial about the LCD cable:
https://reurl.cc/Ny0pDm
If it does not shows up anything or the pattern is still wrong after you check the connection, please submit us a request by fill up this form via this link, our support team will provide further assistance.
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
After a few weeks of perfect print, the printer, a mighty 8K, now prints absolutely nothing; nothing on the bed, and noting in the resevoir. het does go through the whole print as if it was printing, but when it is done, nothing. I did a bed level calibration, lcd test and stir the resin wel each morning. any thoughts what can be wrong?
———
Phrozen Technology replied:
Hi Pim,
Thank you for commenting. If your printer has passed the LCD test, please perform a day print ie. start a print without vat installed and/or resin loaded, to see if the LCD shows the pattern same as what shows up on the screen. If there is nothing shows up on the LCD, or the pattern is not what it should be, please check the cable that connects LCD to the motherboard to see if they are connected properly. You can reference to this tutorial about the LCD cable:
https://reurl.cc/Ny0pDm
If it does not shows up anything or the pattern is still wrong after you check the connection, please submit us a request by fill up this form via this link, our support team will provide further assistance.
https://helpcenter.phrozen3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Hope this helps.
Best, Phrozen Team
>
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
>