🖨️ Welcome to the Resin Printing Lab at Arch Reactor
The Resin Printing Lab is open to all members interested in high-detail 3D printing using photopolymer resin. Whether you’re new to resin printing or just need a refresher, this guide walks you through the three key phases of successful resin printing on our two supported printers: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and the HeyGears Reflex RS.
⚠️ Safety First! Resin printing involves hazardous chemicals. Always follow safety and cleanup guidelines to protect yourself and the lab.
🖨️ Supported Printers in the Resin Lab
| Printer | Slicer Software | File Format | Notes | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | SatelLite 3D Slicer (Elegoo) | .cbt | High-resolution 12K MSLA printer | Download |
| HeyGears Reflex RS | Blueprint (HeyGears) | .bgcode | Professional-grade system with guided workflow | Download |
🧰 Phase 1: Preparation – Slicing Your Model
📁 Model Files
- Use
.STLor.OBJfiles. - Recommended model sites:
🖨️ Phase 2: Printing – Using the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
Before touching anything:
- Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- A respirator mask is highly recommended.
- Turn on the HVAC fan using the smart thermostat near the sewing area.
- Only use resin-dedicated tools.
✅ Pre-Print Setup
- Power on printer, server fan, and belt heater.
- Heat resin to 20°C+ (use heat gun if needed).
- Tighten screws on build plate and VAT (snug, not tight).
- Pour only what you need. Leave bottle next to printer.
- Insert USB, copy file to printer, then remove USB.
- Confirm plate is level and start print from local storage.
- Cover the printer and close cabinet.
🌡️ Temperature Matters
- Ideal room temp: 30°C (86°F).
- Use internal heater or a space heater if room < 25°C.
- Avoid overnight or off-hours winter prints.
- Use heat gun, but Do not 🔥 heat resin with flame or microwave.
Low temps cause:
- Adhesion issues
- Failed or brittle prints
Resin Storage Rule: Keep resin sealed and return it to the cabinet.
🔍 During the Print
- Watch the first 10–20 layers.
- Keep lid closed.
- Minimize pauses.
❗ Cold resin = higher failure risk.
🧽 Phase 3: Post-Processing – Clean, Cure & Maintain
🧴 Supplies
- 90%+ Isopropyl Alcohol (extra in cabinet)
- 2 small sealable wash tubs
- 2 larger HeyGears wash tubs
- HeyGears UV + heated curing box
- Paper towels, gloves, goggles
- Paintbrush for detailed cleaning
🧼 2-Stage Wash System (Required)
- Dirty Wash (1st Jar) – agitate in dirty IPA 30–60 sec.
- Clean Rinse (2nd Jar) – rinse in clean IPA 30–60 sec.
- Optional: Final spray with IPA spray bottle.
🔄 Rotate jars when dirty; refill clean one as needed.
💨 Run HVAC fan when jars are open. Reseal them after use.
- Let models air dry for 5–15 min (fan helps).
🔆 UV Cure & Cleanup
- Cure in HeyGears box 1–5 minutes.
- Return unused resin through funnel + filter.
- Clean VAT with silicone scraper only.
- Wipe spills as you go.
- Cure and dispose of all resin-soiled items safely.
👷♂️ Resin Safety Basics
- Gloves and goggles required.
- Never pour resin or IPA down the drain.
- Use ventilation/fume hood.
- Dispose of resin and IPA waste properly.