Build Your Own SLA/SLS

Nothing special is required to handle the platform displacement. You have to start builds manually by lowering the platform into the resin until it covers the platform, then raising until about .5mm above the resin surface. Then I scrape excess resin from the platform, let the remaining settle out a...

In terms of keeping the resin topped off... I start all builds manually, with the platform slightly above the level of the resin (< .5mm) after dipping into the resin to get a thin layer for adhesion during the first layer (I use a scraper to remove excess resin from the platform and then let the re...

Any plans on supporting the moving DLP (xy translation of projector) solution in CW? That is an excellent approach and easy to implement - once the software supports it.

No log, but feel free to ask questions. Frame/structure is 80/20 aluminum (3030 to be exact). Z Axis is stepper driven stage I bought years ago on ebay (has a Kerk screw and anti-backlash nut) Controller is Mega2560 board from Amazon. Vat is a 4.5in square steel tube - 5" tall currently. I have...

Don't forget - the devil is always in the details... Curing with a moving laser spot is an order of magnitude more complicated than with a DLP. Stress issues along with the fact that laser power has to be modulated based on scan velocity make this path a much, much more involved one than it appears ...

Seems that this should be checked=false by default. If you forget to manually uncheck it you get blasted.

You will find a lot better information about failures at the B9Creator and FormLabs sites. Main reasons for failure: 1) failed attachment to the build platform 2) improper or incomplete support structures 3) incompatible geometry - despite what you have heard not every conceivable geometry can be pr...

I think usable resin at $50 or less per liter (as Makerjuice is) makes the resin problem go away. Again with a 5x5x5 build volume needing only $100 worth of resin it seems to be a non-issue. I considered a salt water solution but I think there is a big problem. Even though the resin and saline will ...

Among those who have tried both bottom up and top down systems is there anyone who prefers bottom up? Seems no contest in the end. Here is my reasoning: Top Down Disadvantages and counterpoints Large expensive resin tank Yes, you need more resin with top down systems but with the resins we are curre...