First print
1. Slicing an STL
Step 1
Start by downloading the Formlabs slicing software: Preform
Open Preform
In the Job Setup window select Form 3/3+ under Choose Printer
Step 2
Under Choose Material we will use Grey for this tutorial
Grey is our most commonly used material
You can read more about the different materials for this printer on the Form 3 page
Step 3
Under Choose Layer Thickness we will use 0.100mm which is our most standard layer thickness
Please consult a staff member before printing with a higher resolution (smaller layer height) because it create very long print times
For the Print Settings we will always leave it at Default
Step 4
To begin, drag and drop an STL file into the software or click File > Open from the upper menu. Note:
If the file has issues, let the software repair it.
Here is the file that was used for this tutorial.
Red shading indicates overhangs, typically in need of supports.
Step 5
Prepare the print by using the left-hand options.
One-Click Print - allows the software to choose the orientation and supports.
Step 6
Size - Scales the model.
Make sure to select your model
This tutorial model was scaled down to 50% to reduce print time and material usage.
Scaling can also be accomplished by clicking and dragging the arrow on the bounding box.
Step 7
Orientation - Supports are almost always necessary with resin printing, but those sides with supports will need more finishing. So, orient your model so that you minimize the number of supports. This also helps save time and materials!
For a model with a flat surface, orient that surface at an angle from the bottom of the build plate to prevent warpage.
The tutorial model is angled along the y axis at approximately -30°.
Click and drag the middle circle or type the desired value into the Orient Y box on the pop up tab.
Use the "Orient to Bounding Box" and "Orient Axes" options to consistently orient the model.
Step 8
Supports - Reminder: printing without supports can cause your print to fail!
Clicking the "Auto-Generate Selected" button will apply the default settings.
To manually edit the supports to save material and print time, click on "Edit" under the "Edit Supports" section.
Tip: We recommend reducing the Density to 0.8 before selecting Auto-Generate Selected because the software tends to add too many supports. Then you can add extra supports in locations that need it.
Step 9
For a cleaner detachment after printing, the touchpoint size can be adjusted down to as little as .40 mm.
The dots show the touchpoint locations of the supports.
Click a white dot to remove that support.
Red shaded areas also need support. Just click on those areas to add a support one at a time until that area is no longer red.
Click "Apply" to save changes!
Step 10
Layout - Helps you arrange multiple models in a print from a top down view, which is not needed for this example.
Step 11
Once your print is finished there are a couple pieces of information we should check:
Make sure your model passes "Printability" on the right-hand side. If it does not, you may need to add additional supports in the previous step. Zoom in closely to find any red areas/spots!
Check the Time Estimate to see how long your print will take. Double check the policies on pick up times and maximum print times on the Form 3 page.
Also check the Volume to see if your print is under the free limit or how much it may cost based on our pricing policies.
2. Starting a Print
Step 1
Save the .form file.
Transfer the file to a flashdrive and open it on any makerspace computer.
Check with a staff member before sending the file to the printer.
If the print requires payment, please pay before starting the print!
Step 2
On the computer in the DCI Lab, select the orange Start a print button.
Under the Printer dropdown, select the printer that has the material loaded that you want to use.
If no printer is loaded with that material, ask a staff member to change it for you.
Step 3
Under Job Name you must add your name to the print
Then you can select Add to Queue or Print Now if the option is available.
Step 4
Upon approval from a staff member, you must start the print in person.
Go to the printer to where you sent your print, and your uploaded print should be loaded on the screen.
Note: Your print may not show up if the machine is currently printing or the previous print has not been removed yet.
Touch "Print". The screen will take you through a series of checks.
Check that the vent cap on the back cartridge is open.
Ensure the handle is locked down to secure the build platform.
Make sure there is no print in the machine and the build plate is clean before you start. If there is a print in the machine, please ask a staff member to remove it for you. Please do not touch a print that is not your own!
It may take some time for the printer to warm up and start printing. You are welcome to wait and make sure it starts before leaving, except when it is closing time.
3. Post Processing a Print
Step 1
Once the printer has finished, put on the provided disposable gloves, before handling any part of the printer.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT handle uncured resin without gloves!
There are still two more steps to process the print before it is finished, as outlined below.
Step 2
Open the orange cover and lift the lever that holds the build plate.
Step 3
Slide the build plate towards you to pull it off the printer.
Once released, tilt slightly to help drain any excess resin back into the printer.
Next, lower the build plate lever and close the orange cover.
Step 4
Your print may still have some liquid resin surrounding it, as shown in this photo of the tutorial model. Take extra care when handling so as to not spill the excess resin on yourself or your surroundings.
Optional: You may detach the print from the build plate and/or supports at this stage. If you choose to do so, handle it gently as the print's surface will still be slightly soft and prone to marking.
Step 5
Now open up the Form Wash machine to the right of the printers by turning the bottom knob to "Open". Push the knob to open the washer. A motor will lift a basket from the machine. Slide the build plate onto the two arms above the basket. Note: there is no top latch on these arms as there is with the printers.
If you optionally removed your model from the build plate before this step, just place the model into the basket.
Fun Fact: This machine submerges and agitates the model in 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the excess resin from the model.
Step 6
Verify the alcohol level is between the max and min marks otherwise your print will not be submerged.
If the alcohol level is not high enough, please ask a staff member to fill more alcohol or you will have to put your print in the basket to ensure it is submerged.
Step 7
Check for your printed resin material on the nearby chart or at this link: click here. Turn the knob to the shown time and push the knob to select it. Turn the knob to adjust the time, then push it to set it.
For the grey resin in this tutorial, it required 10 minutes of wash time as shown.
Turn the knob to select "Start". Push the knob to start the washing process. Note: the machine will automatically shut off and raise the print after the allotted time.
Step 8
The print will be wet from the alcohol, so it is a good idea to let it dry and drain for a little bit or use some compressed air to blow the alcohol and leftover resin out of the cracks.
Step 9
After removing the build plate and model from the Form Wash, please turn the knob to "Sleep" and press the knob to automatically lower the basket and lid.
IMPORTANT: The resin is still not cured, so you must wear gloves when handling!
Step 10
If you have not already removed the print from the build plate, scrape it off of the build plate with the provided tools. Please remove the print over the black tray in front of the Form Wash!
To remove the print, firmly hold the build plate with one hand and use a spatula to pry off the part with the other hand.
IMPORTANT: Always point the spatula away from you and your other hand for safety!
You are welcome to use any of the spatulas available near the black tray. And, if you need help or an additional hand, please just ask a staff member to help you.
Step 11
Please work with the print over the black tray in front of the Form Wash to avoid making a larger mess.
Step 12
Your removed print should look similar to this tutorial print.
Note: It may have a small amount of resin in the cracks but you can wash it out a bit more with the squeeze bottle of alcohol and dry it with compressed air.
Optional: You may remove the supports before putting into the Form Cure. Supports are much less brittle at this stage.
Step 13
Lift the cover on the Form Cure machine, to the right of the Form Wash.
Place your print on the platform as shown, and close the cover.
Check for your printed resin material on the nearby chart or by clicking this link: time and temperature settings.
This tutorial print is being cured for 30 minutes at 60° C.
Select "Start" to begin the curing process for your print.
Fun Fact: The Form Cure finishes/cures the print by exposing it to heat and ultraviolet light.
Step 14
Use the curing time to clean up the build plate, tools, and black tray, as well as any extra resin that may have landed on the table.
IMPORTANT: you must wear gloves to clean up the uncured resin!
Add some alcohol to a paper towel with the squeeze bottle.
Scrape any remaining resin off the build plate and wipe thoroughly, including the sides and bottom.
Return the build plate to the printer by opening the cover, lifting the lever, sliding it in, lowering the lever, and closing the cover.
Scrape and wipe up any remaining resin on the black tray, tools, and table. Please leave the tools on or next to the black tray.
Step 15
Once your print is finished "baking", lift the cover on the Form Cure, remove it, and close the lid.
Trim the supports using the nippers. Sometimes, the supports will also easily break off by hand. Use the method with which you are most comfortable.
Use sandpaper and/or a Xacto knife to remove any remaining support points.
Clean up any supports from the table and floor and discard in the waste bin.
Your print is finished and ready to take! Enjoy!