Suomenkielinen artikkeli löytyy täältä.
Read this and additionally, before use, review the printed guides.
The Hacklab has a Formlabs Form 2 stereolithography (SLA) printer. The printer is located in the paint room in a fume hood.
You can print any 3D model with the printer as long as it fits within the printing area. The most common file format is STL. Models can be found online or created using CAD software, Blender, etc. Before printing, the model must be sliced using slicing software. This is done with the PreForm software, which is specifically designed for Formlabs printers.
Creating supports in the PreForm software is done as follows: Upload the STL model to the software and use the tools provided by the program to generate supports. PreForm can optimize the model's rotation to minimize the amount of support needed.
WHEN HANDLING RESIN, ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES. NO EXCEPTIONS. Preferably, choose glasses that also protect the sides of your eyes.
Resin is generally quite toxic (as the warnings on the bottle indicate). Always wear safety glasses when working with the printer, do not touch the resin with bare hands, and especially do not get it in your eyes or mouth.
Over time, resin can be allergenic, and contact may develop into a resin allergy even if you didn't have one before.
Turn on the printer using the power switch at the back. Lift the protective cover.
Check the resin tank at the bottom of the printer. Resin stays good under the cover for several weeks, but it can settle. Gently mix the resin before use. If the resin looks uniform, still mix it; it may just be pretending.
If the resin in the tank has gone bad, it needs to be replaced. Resin that has sat for a long time forms a layer at the bottom of the tank and prevents light from passing through. Before starting the print, empty the filter of old resin and check the condition of the film.
Make sure that the build plate, tank, and wiper are properly set and tightened.
Replace the protective cover on the printer.
Select the file you want to print from the touchscreen. Ensure in the preview that it is the correct file and press start.
Monitor the first few layers of printing to ensure everything is okay.
When the printing is complete, the build plate will rise to the maximum height and remain there.
Check that there is enough isopropanol in the washer.
Unlock the build plate by lifting the lever on top. Move the build plate with the print to the washer.
Once the washing is complete, remove the print from the washer and detach it from the build plate.
Place the print in the curing station. Start the curing process.
Once curing is complete, the print is ready.
Clean the used tools and build plate. Clean up any plastic pieces and splashes that may have scattered around. Keep the workspace tidy and safe.
A ProtoArt Universal Cartridge has been acquired for the printer, allowing the use of third-party resins without losing the printer's functions (wiper, automatic tank filling, and heating), as in Formlabs’ “open mode.”
https://cartridge.protoart.net/install/software
However, this does not completely free us; whenever changing resin types or after printing about 2 liters, this chip needs to be reset using the “cartridge configurator” found at the link above. ProtoArt offers 10 resets, and additional resets can be purchased for €45 for 10 resets.
When using the Universal Cartridge, always check before starting a print that the bottom valve is not leaking. At the end of printing, check if the valve has let too much resin into the print tank, meaning the resin surface is above the upper line. If so, the bite valve needs to be replaced. ProtoArt recommends changing the valve approximately every 3 liters. Normally, the valve should only last for one bottle, as the bottles are not designed to be refilled. According to ProtoArt, some bite valves from the CamelBak outdoor equipment manufacturer are suitable for this use.
More information on compatible resins for available resin profiles can be found on many resin manufacturers' websites, for example: https://www.liqcreate.com/supportarticles/form1-form2-compatible-resin/