Manufacturing Process.
Understanding Our Manufacturing Process:
We believe transparency in our manufacturing process is crucial for you to gauge the quality of our 3D prints and appreciate the effort involved in creating even a seemingly simple print. Here's a concise overview:
- Equipment: We utilize either Saturn 3 Ultra 12K or Mars 4 Ultra 9K mSLA printers, paired with our GeeksLair Ver.2.0 resin blend.
- Layer Height: All prints maintain a consistent layer height of 40 um (0.04 mm per layer).
- Cleaning Process: Each print undergoes a meticulous cleaning process using Isopropyl Alcohol.
- Support Removal: Supports are carefully removed from all prints to ensure a smooth finish.
- UV Curing: All prints are fully cured under UV light for maximum durability.
Considerations:
- Visible Layers: It's normal for print layers to be visible in certain areas of the model.
- Imperfections: Some imperfections, particularly where supports were placed, may be noticeable.
- Post-Processing: Upon receiving your print, minor imperfections can be addressed by lightly sanding layers or filling with hobby putty like greenstuff.
Models:
We exclusively offer models from artists with whom we hold official sales licenses.
Preparation Process:
Before initiating the printing process, it's crucial to ensure the model's suitability for printing. Simply placing a model on the print bed and starting the printer won't yield successful results.
Overhanging and delicate parts of the model require adequate support, which we implement using Lychee Slicer, a 3D printing software. The quantity and thickness of supports depend on various factors, including the model's quality, the presence of overhangs, resin settings, and room temperature.
Additionally, in some cases, it may be necessary to hollow out a model. Hollow prints contain empty spaces reinforced with a grid during printing. While solid prints feel sturdier and higher in quality, hollow prints are lighter and more cost-effective due to reduced resin usage. Larger models are typically printed hollow to maintain affordability and appeal to customers.
Once supports are in place, the printing process can commence.
Printing Equipment and Resin:
Printers:
Our printing process involves the use of various resin printers, including the Saturn 3 Ultra 12K and Mars 4 Ultra 9K mSLA printers. While not the largest in size, these printers boast high-resolution screens, allowing us to produce exceptionally detailed objects.
Resin:
We use our own resin GeeksLair Ver.2.0. More information will be added soon.
Printing Process:
Initiating a print is straightforward; however, patience is required as the print progresses.
Throughout the printing process, we monitor progress regularly as various factors can impact the outcome.
Furthermore, maintaining the printer is essential for consistent performance. This includes tasks such as cleaning the resin reservoir, replacing nFEP, lubricating the Y axis, replacing LED or LCD modules, and recalibrating the print bed.
Layer Height:
Layer height significantly influences print quality. Each print is sliced into layers, with the printer building them up one by one.
We print with a layer height of 40 um (0.04 mm per layer), a balance between quality and efficiency based on extensive testing.
If you require a model printed with a smaller layer height, please get in touch with us.
Washing & Post-Processing:
After printing, there's typically a residue of liquid resin on the model, necessitating thorough washing.
Resin is sticky and requires a high-alcohol agent for removal; hence, we use Isopropyl Alcohol (99.9%).
Initially, the model undergoes hand rinsing to remove most of the residual resin.
Subsequently, supports are delicately removed by hand to minimize damage, although some imperfections may remain visible.
The model then undergoes a second washing cycle in our 2nd wash-station for a few minutes.
Once washed, the model is dried rapidly as the alcohol evaporates quickly.
Finally, the model undergoes a meticulous cleaning process, where any remaining supports are removed, and irregularities are addressed where possible.
Curing Process:
The final step in our production process is curing. Even after printing, the model isn't fully cured, making this step crucial.
The model is placed back into the Anycubic Wash & Cure 2.0 machine, where it undergoes UV LED curing for a few minutes.
Once the curing process is complete, the model is ready for shipment.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE ADDED.