Formlabs SLA 3D Printing DIY Guide

If at any point you need help, find a Volunteer! They can help you set up your print, change materials, and provide recommendations to achieve the best results! 

Important Information on Using the Form 3B+

  1. The Form 3B+ may only be used under the supervision of a trained volunteer or the Maker Hub Manager

  2. Only trained Maker Hub Volunteers are allowed to change resins and conduct machine maintenance.

  3. Due to the high material cost for the Form 3B+, the Maker Hub charges visitors based on the material consumption. Payment can be made to the Maker Hub Venmo. The price is as follows:

    1. Free - all academic projects within reason. These projects must be directly related to a course.

    2. $0.10 per mL - all other projects. 

  4. SLA resins are light sensitive and must be covered at all times. Do not leave the printer open or open it more than necessary. 

  5. SLA resins in their liquid form are mildly toxic. Avoid skin contact by wearing gloves at all times when handling liquid resin.

 

Formlabs 3D Printing Guide

Job Setup

  1. Email your model to gtownmakerhub@gmail.com for downloading. Then open it in PreForm.

  2. Click on the Job Setup panel.

  3. Choose the OmniscientMoa Form 3B+ printer. 

  4. Choose the resin Material you wish to use. PreForm defaults to selecting the material already installed in the printer. 

  5. Choose the Layer Thickness.

    1. Thinner layers will result in higher detail, but a longer print time.

    2. Thicker layers will result in a stronger and faster print, but less detailed.

  6. Input a Job Name in the window on the right and click “Apply”.

Arrange your Model and Add Supports

  1. If you are new to SLA 3D printing, a good option is to use the “One Click Print” button which looks like a magic wand. This feature will arrange, rotate, and automatically add supports as needed.

  2. If you would prefer to orient your model manually, review the best practices found on the Formlabs website on the following topics:

    1. Model Orientation - generally, parts want to be on a slight incline, never flat against the build plate

    2. Using Supports in SLA Printing - supports are almost always used

Start your print!

  1. Click the orange “Start a Print” button. Name your print job if you haven’t already.

  2. Make sure the OmniscientMoa printer is selected and is using the correct resin.

  3. Start the print by clicking “Print Now”.

Prime the Form 3B+

  1. The printer must be primed before it will print a job. Follow the instructions on the touchscreen to prime the printer.

  2. If you need to swap out a resin tray, please find a Volunteer to do it for you.

After the print

Unlike FDM prints, SLA prints must be washed and cured before they are ready to be handled or used. The following instructions outline the general washing and curing process, but more detailed information can be found in the Formlabs Guide to Post-Processing and Finishing SLA Resin 3D Prints.

Washing

  1. Remove the build plate from the printer.

  2. Remove the printed model from the build plate using a scraper if needed. Often the model will be well adhered to the build plate so be patient and gently work the model off. 

  3. Rinse the model in each alcohol bath for 5 minutes. The first bath will remove the majority of the excess resin, and the second bath will ensure all excess resin has been removed.

Curing

  1. Let the model completely dry before curing. Curing a wet model can result in warping of the model.

  2. Place the model in the Form Cure machine. 

  3. Use the knob to navigate to the appropriate resin and select it.

  4. Use the knob to start the curing process. For many resins this may take 30-60 minutes.

  5. Once the part has been cured it is ready for use!