After printing a 3D part, the model remains in a semi-solid (or \u201cgreen\u201d) state. But when you cure it by exposing it to the appropriate UV wavelength and heat, it becomes more solid and takes on a more stable physical form. Read on to find out more about post-curing 3D prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Do You Have To Cure 3D Prints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Do](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/printer-1455166_1280-1024x768.jpg\")
Image by mebner1<\/a> from Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nResin, which is used for 3D printing, is a syrup-like liquid that hardens under UV light exposure. If you don\u2019t expose resin to the appropriate UV light wavelength, it will not be fully formed. More so, resin printers print 3D objects layer by layer. Each layer is practically distinct after printing, but post-curing interlinks them together to form one whole solid image.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nResins will still harden without UV light exposure, although at a very slow pace. But UV light makes each layer of resin bond with the subsequent layer. So as each layer hardens, they do not harden as distinct layers, but as a solid model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What UV curing does is to complete the polymerization of bonds<\/a> in resin materials. This means that when you cure 3D resins<\/a>, the small molecules in them begin to link together. So, they form a chain-like network of larger molecules that are harder to break apart. What\u2019s more, post-curing makes sanding and painting 3D parts easier. This, in turn, allows for a smoother and more detailed finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Do You Cure 3D Prints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can cure 3D prints in three easy steps. First, remove the 3D part from the printing platform, wash it with IPA, and place it under UV light for post-curing. You may choose to use sunlight, a regular UV lamp, or a specialized UV station. After fully curing your 3D print, its mechanical and functional properties improve and it attains its best possible strength.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTo post-cure your 3D print, you need the following items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- UV light<\/li>
- 91% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or 99% Rubbing Alcohol<\/li>
- A squeeze bottle or large container (big enough to fully submerge your 3D print)<\/li>
- Disposable gloves<\/li>
- One pair of pliers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can easily purchase all of these items over the counter. And you can use this simple post-curing setup for diverse 3D print applications. This includes 3D parts for jewelry, cosplay, prototypes, or miniatures. The section below explains three easy steps for curing 3D prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clean the 3D Print with IPA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start by removing the model from the printing platform with a sharp tool. After removing the print, submerge it in an IPA-filled container for about 3 minutes. Spin the model around a bit to make the cleaning process more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In place of using an IPA-filled container, you can also use an IPA-filled squeeze bottle. Squeeze IPA from the squeeze bottle onto your 3D print to remove extra resins. Whether you use a large container or squeeze bottle, the important thing is to remove uncured resins. This reduces residual stickiness from the surface of your 3D model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remove Printing Supports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After cleaning the model, gently remove printing supports from the model using a cutter. The best place to start is the area around the tips since printing supports are usually pointed. Just be careful not to make a dent in the model while removing the supports. To be safe, you can leave a little bit of protruding tip and sand it down afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cure with UV Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can use either direct sunlight or a post-curing UV lamp to cure your 3D printed part. However, it is easier to regulate the setting if you are using a UV lamp or station. You can\u2019t control the settings if you are using direct sunlight. The level of heat and UV light you get from sunlight usually depends on the weather condition per time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Resin, which is used for 3D printing, is a syrup-like liquid that hardens under UV light exposure. If you don\u2019t expose resin to the appropriate UV light wavelength, it will not be fully formed. More so, resin printers print 3D objects layer by layer. Each layer is practically distinct after printing, but post-curing interlinks them together to form one whole solid image.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Resins will still harden without UV light exposure, although at a very slow pace. But UV light makes each layer of resin bond with the subsequent layer. So as each layer hardens, they do not harden as distinct layers, but as a solid model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What UV curing does is to complete the polymerization of bonds<\/a> in resin materials. This means that when you cure 3D resins<\/a>, the small molecules in them begin to link together. So, they form a chain-like network of larger molecules that are harder to break apart. What\u2019s more, post-curing makes sanding and painting 3D parts easier. This, in turn, allows for a smoother and more detailed finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can cure 3D prints in three easy steps. First, remove the 3D part from the printing platform, wash it with IPA, and place it under UV light for post-curing. You may choose to use sunlight, a regular UV lamp, or a specialized UV station. After fully curing your 3D print, its mechanical and functional properties improve and it attains its best possible strength.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To post-cure your 3D print, you need the following items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can easily purchase all of these items over the counter. And you can use this simple post-curing setup for diverse 3D print applications. This includes 3D parts for jewelry, cosplay, prototypes, or miniatures. The section below explains three easy steps for curing 3D prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by removing the model from the printing platform with a sharp tool. After removing the print, submerge it in an IPA-filled container for about 3 minutes. Spin the model around a bit to make the cleaning process more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In place of using an IPA-filled container, you can also use an IPA-filled squeeze bottle. Squeeze IPA from the squeeze bottle onto your 3D print to remove extra resins. Whether you use a large container or squeeze bottle, the important thing is to remove uncured resins. This reduces residual stickiness from the surface of your 3D model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After cleaning the model, gently remove printing supports from the model using a cutter. The best place to start is the area around the tips since printing supports are usually pointed. Just be careful not to make a dent in the model while removing the supports. To be safe, you can leave a little bit of protruding tip and sand it down afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use either direct sunlight or a post-curing UV lamp to cure your 3D printed part. However, it is easier to regulate the setting if you are using a UV lamp or station. You can\u2019t control the settings if you are using direct sunlight. The level of heat and UV light you get from sunlight usually depends on the weather condition per time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Do You Cure 3D Prints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clean the 3D Print with IPA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remove Printing Supports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cure with UV Light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n