How to use FEP film the best way?
Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 1:47 pm
Hi guys,
it's getting serious about my printer. Linear guides for the z axis are on their way, the spindle (ball screw) is already here. Also the drawing for the case out of aluminum extrusion is nearly finished. The next thing "todo" is a nice VAT.
I try to keep it as simple as possible for the beginning so i would want to go without tilting. I have some FEP film samples from a german supplier laying around (30x30cm pieces) but i wonder what's the best way to mount this film on the bottom of the VAT.
What's suitable as a bottom plate? Do i have to use glass or can i go with acrylic glass, too? I'd rather go with acrylic glass as i'm able to drill it, cut it and put it on the cnc mill for more detailled crafting.
For the release from the bottom i think it would be the best if the FEP film expands a bit and lifts from the bottom so the release could happen from the side to the center, right? Therefor we should need to get air between the bottom plate and the fep film on z-lift. Anyone yet played around with the information that we found in the solidator patents? Any more information about that yet?
My basic plan would be to have a bottom plate, lay the FEP film on it flat and press everyting down with a frame that acts as the VAT frame to hold the resin. Would this be a good idea? This way the FEP film couldn't move but still isn't tensioned that much so it still can lift a bit. Also it should be rather easy to replace the film if it's used up.
How did you mount your FEP film or similar stuff so far?
Thanks,
Frank
it's getting serious about my printer. Linear guides for the z axis are on their way, the spindle (ball screw) is already here. Also the drawing for the case out of aluminum extrusion is nearly finished. The next thing "todo" is a nice VAT.
I try to keep it as simple as possible for the beginning so i would want to go without tilting. I have some FEP film samples from a german supplier laying around (30x30cm pieces) but i wonder what's the best way to mount this film on the bottom of the VAT.
What's suitable as a bottom plate? Do i have to use glass or can i go with acrylic glass, too? I'd rather go with acrylic glass as i'm able to drill it, cut it and put it on the cnc mill for more detailled crafting.
For the release from the bottom i think it would be the best if the FEP film expands a bit and lifts from the bottom so the release could happen from the side to the center, right? Therefor we should need to get air between the bottom plate and the fep film on z-lift. Anyone yet played around with the information that we found in the solidator patents? Any more information about that yet?
My basic plan would be to have a bottom plate, lay the FEP film on it flat and press everyting down with a frame that acts as the VAT frame to hold the resin. Would this be a good idea? This way the FEP film couldn't move but still isn't tensioned that much so it still can lift a bit. Also it should be rather easy to replace the film if it's used up.
How did you mount your FEP film or similar stuff so far?
Thanks,
Frank