What to Do After 3D Printing?

This site is supported by its readers, and we may receive commissions if you purchase products through our links, at no additional cost to you. More information..

What you need to do after 3D printing is to wait 5 minutes to let the resin drain, carefully separate the piece from the build plate and clean both the plate and the printed parts. Then, you need to remove the supports and cure the parts with UV light. It is also important to empty the unused resin from the printer tank and clean it properly for your next print.

After completing a successful 3D print, it is important to follow a series of steps to ensure that the printed part is of the best possible quality and to avoid future problems.

Procedures vary depending on the type of 3D printer used.: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or resin printers.

Below I'll show you what to do after 3D printing for both cases, so that your printed models have a professional and long-lasting finish.

What to do after 3D printing with FDM printers

1. Separate the piece from the print bed

Once the printing is finished, it's crucial to let the piece cool for about 5-10 minutes before removing it from the print bed. This will ensure that the part is below the softening temperature and prevent warping.

Use a spatula or suitable tool to carefully lift the edges of the part and gently peel it off the print bed.

2. Cleaning the Nozzle:

It is advisable to clean the printer nozzle after each print.

Use a dry cloth to wipe away any residue or filament that may have stuck to it.

This will keep the nozzle in good condition and prevent clogs in future prints.

Here you can see a complete post on how How to clean the 3D printer nozzle.

3. Clean the print bed

Before starting a new print, it is essential to clean the print bed of any residue or adhesive that may be left behind.

Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth to clean the surface of the bed, making sure it is free of dust and grease.

4. Removing and Storing the Filament:

After printing, carefully remove the used filament from the printer to prevent moisture and dust from accumulating on the roll.

If you won't be printing again soon, it's advisable to store the filament in an airtight bag with a desiccant packet to keep it dry and in optimal condition. store the filament in an airtight bag with a desiccant packet to keep it dry and in optimal condition.

If you didn't know, Moisture buildup in the filaments can cause big problems, here is a post that may interest you: Humidity in 3D printing filaments: Main consequences

5. Visual Check and Dimension Verification:

Before considering the print as finished, visually inspect the printed model to verify that there are no imperfections, layer problems or printing failures.

Besides, verify the model's dimensions of the model with the original specifications to ensure that the print is accurate and has the correct measurements.

6. Removing Supports and Excess Filament:

If your printed model requires supports for printing, carefully remove them using pliers or suitable tools. Then, trim off any excess filament or small imperfections with scissors or a box cutter, ensuring you get a clean, professional finish.

7. Performing Post-Processing:

Post-processing is the set of techniques applied to the printed model to improve its aesthetic and functional finish.

Depending on the material used, this may include sanding, painting, varnishing, or applying resins, among others.

What to do after 3D printing with resin printers

1. Allowing Resin to Drain:

Once printing is complete on a resin printer, the printed piece will be submerged in liquid resin.

It is important to let it drain for a few minutes so that the excess resin is removed, thus reducing the curing time and avoiding unnecessary accumulation of material on the piece.

Youtube channel: Your 3D Key

2. Separate the piece from the printing plate

After the resin has properly drained, carefully separate the piece from the build plate to avoid damaging it.

Use a spatula or suitable tool to lift the edges of the piece and separate it from the build plate.

3. Clean the printing plate

Once the part has been removed, it is important to clean the build plate with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining resin and ensure good adhesion for future prints.

4. Cleaning the Printed Pieces:

After separating the part from the plate, it is necessary to clean it properly to remove any remains of uncured resin.

This can be done by dipping it in isopropyl alcohol and using a soft brush to remove any excess material.

5. Removing Supports:

As with FDM prints, resin prints also use supports to hold the model during printing. Carefully remove these supports using pliers or suitable tools.

6. Curing the Pieces with UV Light:

After removing the supports and properly cleaning the parts, it is necessary to cure them with UV light.

This will ensure that the resin is fully cured and that the piece has maximum strength and durability.

7. Emptying Unused Resin from the Printer's Tank:

Once the print is complete, it is important to empty any unused resin from the printer tank.

Disassemble the tray and empty the resin into a bottle that does not allow light to pass through.

Use a funnel and bottle to store unused resin, making sure not to spill or contaminate it.

Do not mix used resin with new resin, used resin can be reused.

Youtube channel: CLV Mexico

8. Cleaning the Printer's Tank:

After emptying the resin, clean the printer tank with isopropyl alcohol to remove any resin residue and keep it clean and in good condition.

9. Performing Post-Processing:

If necessary, you can start the post-processing process. You can apply techniques such as sanding and painting to obtain a high-quality final result.

Conclusions:

After 3D printing, whether with FDM or resin printers, it is important to follow a series of steps to ensure you get a quality and durable printed model.

With the FDM 3D printersAfter finishing the print, you should carefully separate the piece from the print bed, clean the nozzle and bed, remove the filament and perform a visual check to verify the dimensions and possible imperfections.

Additionally, you need to remove supports and perform post-processing to improve the finish of the model.

With the resin 3d printersAfter printing, you should let the resin drain, carefully separate the piece from the build plate, and clean both the plate and the printed pieces.

Next, you need to remove the supports and cure the parts with UV light. It is also important to empty any unused resin from the printer tank and clean it properly for your next print.

These steps ensure that your 3D printed models have a good finish quality and remain in good condition over time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to clean the resin 3D printer?

To clean a resin printer, it is important to follow a series of steps. First, empty any unused resin from the tank and clean it with isopropyl alcohol. Then, carefully separate the printed part from the plate and clean it with isopropyl alcohol. Finally, remove the supports and cure the parts with UV light.

How to clean the nozzle of the FDM 3D printer?

To clean the nozzle of an FDM printer, wait for it to cool and use a soft cloth with a little isopropyl alcohol to clean any residue or filament that may have stuck to it.

What is the curing time for 3D printed parts?

The curing time for 3D printed resin parts can vary depending on the type of resin used and the intensity of the UV light used for the process. In general, curing time can range from a few minutes to an hour or more.

With these tips and steps, you can ensure you get the best results when 3D printing and keep your printer in top condition for future prints. Always remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and use the right materials to get the best results. Enjoy 3D printing and create amazing models!