Resin Print Post-Processing

This is a step-by-step document on preparing resin prints (once they have been printed)

Resin 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique which creates very detailed prints by curing liquid resin. However, this resin is very dangerous and can be haradous to touch. This means the resin prints require proper post-processing and safety tools to ensure a safe and clean final product.

1. Initial Safety Precautions When Handling Resin

Before handling the finalized wet resin print, grab the necessary PPE and put them on/set up:

• Nitrile gloves

• Safety glasses

• Respiratory mask (hanging on the rack)

• Paper towels to put the resin print on

Once you have put on the necessary PPE, avoid touching your face (particuarly eyes, nose, and mouth). In addition, secure a working space near the resin waste to operate. If wet resin ever spills or gets anywhere that isn't protected by your PPE or paper towels, clean off with IPA immediately.

1. Post-Processing Workflow

Step 1: Print Removal

1. Open the printer bay - AnyCubic: the entire top cover must be removed; FormLabs: the cover lifts open on a hinge

2. Remove the print build plate - AnyCubic: unscrew the tighetened knob and slide out the build plate; FormLabs: pull up the level on the top of the build plate assembly, and slide out the build plate

3. Remove the wet resin print from the build plate - use a plastic scraper to get under the first layer of the build; if the first layer isn't coming up very easily, soak the bottom layer in IPA and keep digging into the bottom layer; use a gentle levering motion so as to not damage the build

4. PPE and Waste - if necessary, replace nitrile gloves, and put all waste/soiled materials into the "RESIN WASTE ONLY" bin. Do not touch clean surfaces with soiled materials that could have wet resin on it.

Step 2: Initial Rinse

Put the entire wet print in the wash basket - do not remove any of the support materials and place the wet print into the wash basket of the appropriate color (whites/clears, darks); use the knobs to "start now" NOTE: the print is still WET RESIN and you still need to be wearing PPE

Step 3: Post-Curing and Support Removal

1. Place washed print into UV curing machine - after print is washed, place it in the UV curing machine and use the knobs to set the timer and temperature (60º C for 10 min)

2. Remove print supports - once the print is cured completely (it is now dry and safe to touch without PPE), carefully remove support structures from the print with clippers

Step 4: Clean Up (USE PPE!)

1. Wash all build-plate structure down with IPA (particularly if wet resin soiled the areas)

2. Use paper-towels to wipe IPA washed surfaces down and all other surfaces used during print removal

3. Wipe down post-processing tools (including screens, knobs, and covers of the AnyCubic/FormLab printers) to ensure little cross-contamination

MARK DOWN THE PRINT AS COMPLETE NOW!