Need help printing large, bulky models

[Robert]

Cheers mate. I almost sent you this to print on 3d hubs out of desperation.

I'll try once more.

[Archerm]

Might want to make the supports larger where they meet the object. Also add supports to the underneath of the blade and tips of the blade.

[Robert]

Thanks for the tips, folks! Much appreciated.

Here's what I'll try tomorrow morning. Let me know if there's anything you can see that would set alarm bells ringing!

I'm also going to:

- Filter the resin
- Pour resin back into container
- Shake container, with agitating marbles
- Make sure the Z-Screw is fully lubricated
- Replace the film
- Make sure both the printer and the projector are totally level. I'm really bothered by the 'bending' effect I keep getting. I know the client won't accept them with any warping.

[reify]

Can't you hollow it but just use a thicker shell? I think it should still be fine for moulding.

[Robert]

Not really sure how!

But even then, I've seen some really gnarly stuff happen under pressure and vacuum to hollow prints.

[reify]

I strongly suggest learning how to hollow and add drain holes with meshmixer. You'll save yourself a lot of resin.

I found this video on hollowing (starts at 0:32):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx3jv6dzZIs

In the hollow menu, you'll also see a button that allows you to generate drain holes. Above the button, you can adjust the number of the number of holes, hole radius and the hole taper. Before you generate the holes, their locations are displayed as red spheres and you can drag these to where you want them to be.

[Robert]

That's really handy!

Thank you for the advice, it's really appreciated. I absolutely love the feedback that you (and Jordi, who's been an absolute godsend) are willing to give.

Cheers!

[Archerm]

how did the print come out?

[Robert]

I've decided to wait a bit on this one. I'm running tests on some smaller things first.

I've just ordered a brand new batch of resin and I want to give it a good treatment once it arrives and print this straight away out of that mix. I think the amount you need to shake, stir and agitate this resin is more than I have been doing. So I'll make sure to agitate it properly and use fresh films.

[Robert]

I finally plucked up the courage to reprint and it appears to have paid off!

I used a brand new, fresh batch of resin with agitating glass beads in it; I shook it for around 5 minutes straight, then poured into a print bed with a brand new film on it.

I decided to try and print it solid. Less faff that way, but I used the supports I shared with you a few days ago.

It's come out beautifully! I think it's just a lot of care that this machine requires and one shouldn't get too lackadaisical when the first few prints come out brilliantly. Remember, kids, always shake your resin!!!

One happy wee camper here.