Wash and cure: the resin workflow
Resin printing does not end when the build platform rises. Preparation, removal, washing, drying, post-curing and waste handling are one workflow and should be organised before starting.
Prepare a dedicated work area
Read the label, safety data sheet and instructions for the specific resin. Provide ventilation, a protected and easy-to-clean surface, manufacturer-recommended chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection where required.
Keep food, drink, children and animals away. If using isopropyl alcohol or another solvent, keep it closed, labelled and away from flames, sparks and heat sources.
Checks before printing
Confirm that the tank, film and build platform are clean and free of cured fragments. In the slicer, select the exact printer model, resin and layer thickness covered by the profile.
Orient the model, generate supports and inspect islands and cavities. A hollow model may need drain holes to prevent trapped resin or suction forces.
Removal and washing
Wear gloves when touching the platform, unwashed part, tools or contaminated surfaces. Remove the part with the tool and technique specified by the manufacturer, avoiding splashes and pressure on the tank film.
Wash using the solvent and duration specified for that resin. Too little washing leaves residue; too much can affect some formulations. There is no universal time for every resin.
Drying and post-curing
Let the part dry completely after washing. Then post-cure only at the time and temperature specified by the resin manufacturer. These parameters affect final properties and vary between formulations.
Remove supports at the stage recommended for the material and finish the part only after completing the required process.
Waste, solvent and cleaning
Do not pour liquid or partly cured resin, or contaminated solvent, down a drain. Collect contaminated materials and wipes in suitable containers and follow the SDS, manufacturer instructions and local disposal rules.
After a failed print, inspect the tank and remove every fragment with the specified tools. A fragment left on the film can damage the tank or compromise the next print.
Mistakes to avoid
- Touching resin or contaminated parts with bare skin.
- Using wash and cure times from a different resin.
- Starting again without checking the tank after a failure.
- Mixing residues or solvents without checking compatibility.
- Putting contaminated liquids into household drains.
Organise the entire workflow before pouring resin. It reduces contamination, errors and improvisation during the most sensitive steps.