Getting Started with Your New Resin and FDM 3D Printer: A Beginner’s Guide
Congratulations on your new resin 3D printer! If you’ve just unboxed it and are wondering what to do next, this guide will help you start.
We’ve got you covered from setting up your printer to your first successful print using the array of freebies we’ve prepared for your entry to the hobby.
Plus, we’ll show you how subscribing to The Printing Goes Ever On can make your journey smoother with pre-supported files designed specifically for tabletop enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
- FREE STARTER SET
- RESIN PRINTER
- FDM PRINTER
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Resin 3D Printing Guide:
Step 1: Setting Up Your Printer
Where to Place Your Printer
- Ventilation: Resin printers emit fumes that can be harmful. Place your printer in a well-ventilated area like a garage or workshop.
- Stable Surface: Ensure your printer sits on a level, sturdy surface to avoid vibrations that could impact print quality.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV light can prematurely cure resin. Keep your printer away from windows or bright sunlight.
Safety Gear You Need
- Nitrile Gloves: Resin is toxic; always wear gloves when handling it.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from accidental splashes.
Mask: A respirator mask rated for organic vapors is recommended for extended use.
Step 2: Calibration and Printer Preparation
Most resin printers are pre-calibrated by the manufacturer, but it’s a good idea to check the leveling of the build plate. Follow these steps:
- Level the Build Plate: Use the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the plate is perfectly aligned.
- Test Print Calibration: Download a calibration print like the AmeraLabs Town model to check exposure settings and ensure optimal detail.
Pro Tip: Check community forums or the manufacturer’s website for resin-specific exposure time recommendations.
Step 3: Preparing Your First Print
What is a Slicer?
A slicer converts 3D models into instructions your printer can understand. For most resin printers, Chitubox is the go-to software.
- Download Chitubox: Install it on your computer.
- Import Your Model: Load an STL file from a trusted source like The Printing Goes Ever On. Our files are pre-supported, meaning you can skip the time-consuming task of adding the supports yourself.
- Set Printer Settings: Choose the correct printer profile and resin settings.
- Layer Height: Start with 0.05 mm for miniatures.
- Exposure Time: Use recommended settings from the manufacturer or community guides.
Export to USB: Save the sliced file onto a USB drive.
Step 4: Printing and Post-Processing
Starting the Print
- Insert the USB into your printer.
- Select the file on the printer’s screen and start the print.
- Monitor the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion to the build plate.
After the Print
Once your model is done, it’s time to clean and cure it:
Removing the Model from the Build Plate:
- Use a plastic scraper or a similar tool to carefully pry the model off the build plate.
- A metal scraper can also be used if necessary, especially for stubborn prints, but take care not to leave deep scratches that could damage the build surface or create sharp metal edges that might pierce the FEP film.
- Scraping the build plate is sometimes recommended by manufacturers to increase adhesion, so just ensure that any marks are shallow and smooth.
- Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask while handling uncured models or resin to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from toxic substances.
Cleaning:
Begin by placing the model in a jar of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and shaking it gently to remove excess resin.
If you have an ultrasonic cleaner, use it for thorough cleaning, but do not put IPA directly into the cleaner. According to NASA studies, IPA can catch fire when agitated by ultrasonic vibrations. Instead, place your model in a sealed bag with IPA, then submerge the bag in the ultrasonic cleaner.
If you don’t have an ultrasonic cleaner, a clean IPA bath, and an old toothbrush can work well to scrub off any uncured resin.
For those with a Wash-and-Cure station, simply follow the device instructions for the washing cycle.
Support Removal:
Always handle uncured models with gloves to protect your skin from toxic resin.
Use a heat gun or hot steam to soften the supports and make them easier to remove.
For fragile areas, like thin parts of models, use a hobby knife to carefully trim supports without damaging the details.
Remove all supports before curing the model to prevent breakage or difficulty later on.
Curing:
Place your model in a UV curing station or under a UV lamp. If you don’t have a UV source yet, natural sunlight is a temporary solution. Leave the model in the sun for an extended period to ensure thorough curing, but make sure it’s in a location inaccessible to children or pets.
To avoid uneven curing, don’t rotate the model manually while the UV source is on. Instead, consider using a cheap solar-powered turntable, which can be powered by the UV source itself, to ensure even exposure.
If using a Wash-and-Cure station, switch to the curing mode after washing and follow the recommended curing time.
Final Touches:
Sand rough spots for a polished look.
Why Choose The Printing Goes Ever On?
Starting with your resin printer can feel overwhelming, but subscribing to The Printing Goes Ever On simplifies the process:
- Explore Over 1,000 Designs: Find a wide range of high-quality STL files for your tabletop gaming needs in our store: The Printing Goes Ever On Shop. Subscribers receive an exclusive 45% discount.
- Pre-Supported Files: Skip the hassle of adding supports. Our files are ready to print out of the box.
- High-Quality Designs: Professionally designed models for tabletop gaming, including miniatures and terrain.
- Community and Resources: Access tips, tricks, and a vibrant community to help you succeed.
Subscribe Now: Join us on Patreon starting at $9.99/month and get exclusive, pre-supported STL files delivered every month: The Printing Goes Ever On Patreon.
Final Thoughts
Your resin 3D printer is a powerful tool for creating stunning tabletop models. By following this guide, you’ll be on your way to mastering the basics. And with The Printing Goes Ever On, you’ll always have amazing designs to bring your gaming adventures to life.
Joining the 3D Printing Community on Discord
While you can certainly learn a lot on your own, one of the best ways to grow as a 3D printing enthusiast is by engaging with a supportive community. If you run into any printer problems – like getting an error message, dealing with a failed print, or tackling a tricky post-processing issue – just reach out for help! You can also show off your latest prints and grab some inspiration for your next project.
So, fire up your printer, jump into the Discord server, and watch your creative ideas come to life like never before!
Happy printing!
FDM 3D Printing Guide
Congratulations on your new filament (FDM) 3D printer! Whether you’re unboxing it for the first time or already admiring it on your desk, you’ve joined an amazing community of makers, creators, and enthusiasts.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide packed with tips to ensure your first prints are a success – and to highlight how our expertly designed models at The Printing Goes Ever On are perfect for your new machine.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Printer
Before you start printing, it’s essential to set up your printer properly:
Level Your Bed: Proper bed leveling ensures your filament adheres well to the build surface. Most printers offer manual or automatic leveling options. Follow your printer’s manual closely.
Load Your Filament: Insert your filament into the extruder and feed it through to the hotend. Make sure to use good-quality PLA filament for the best results.
Calibrate Your Printer: Test to ensure accurate dimensions and extrusion settings.
Step 2: Slicing Software Basics
You’ll need slicer software to prepare your 3D models for printing. Popular choices include Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Simplify3D. Here’s what to focus on:
- Layer Height: For detailed prints, use a layer height of 0.15-0.2mm.
- Bed Adhesion: Enable a brim or raft for tricky prints to ensure proper adhesion.
- Temperature Settings: Hotend and bed temperatures are usually suggested by the filament manufacturer. However, it’s always a good idea to test on a small calibration print first. Adjust as needed for your specific setup and take note of the settings that work best
No Supports Needed! All of the terrain and building models at The Printing Goes Ever On are designed to print without supports, saving you time and material.
Step 3: Why Choose Models from The Printing Goes Ever On
We understand the challenges new FDM printer owners face, especially when dealing with complex models that require supports or advanced slicer knowledge. That’s why we design our models with you in mind:
- Support-Free Designs: Our terrain models are optimized to print without the need for generated supports. This means:
- Less time spent tweaking slicer settings.
- No fiddly support material to remove post-print.
- Cleaner, more professional-looking results.
- Printer-Friendly Orientation: Each model is pre-oriented in a way that minimizes overhangs and maximizes stability during printing.
- Wide Compatibility: Whether you’re using a budget printer or a high-end machine, our models are tailored to work seamlessly.
Step 4: Mastering the Art of Printing
Here are some tips to help you go from beginner to pro:
- Start Small: Begin with simple models to get a feel for your printer.
- Dial In Your Settings: Experiment with speed, temperature, and cooling settings for optimal results.
- Troubleshoot Common Issues: Learn to recognize and fix common problems like stringing, warping, or under-extrusion. There are plenty of guides online, and your printer’s manual is a great resource.
Step 5: Expanding Your Skills
As you gain confidence, you’ll be ready to tackle larger, more complex prints. Our collection includes:
- Terrain Pieces: Perfect for wargaming and tabletop RPGs, designed with modularity and easy printing in mind.
- Miniatures: For miniatures, it is recommended to scale them up to better showcase details. Adventurous printers might also want to explore using nozzles with smaller diameters for even finer detail.
Props: We also create real-size 3D printable props and puzzles! Check out Props&Beyond!
Step 6: Join the Community
But there’s more to 3D printing than just getting the settings right and hitting print. If you’re new to printing or just looking to improve, connecting with others can really help. Online forums, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities are full of experienced printers who can offer advice and share tips.
One of the best places to connect with fellow 3D printing enthusiasts is via our Discord. Having trouble with your printer? We can help! Looking for inspiration? We’ve got you covered! Want to share your prints or ask about painting techniques? Absolutely! You can also share your hobbies, memes, or ideas for amazing models. We can’t wait to welcome you on board.
Join our Discord now and become a part of one of the best active 3D printing communities out there!
Your Journey Begins
Getting started with a new FDM printer is an exciting adventure. By choosing models from The Printing Goes Ever On, you’re setting yourself up for success with designs that are not only stunning but also beginner-friendly. Happy printing, and may your filament rolls always be full!
Don’t forget to subscribe below to receive the free starter set of thirty 3d printable files delivered directly to your inbox!
