Leveling the build platform is an important step in the setup process when using a resin 3D printer. However, users can also run into issues, and print failures due to leveling can be particularly frustrating. Such as print distortion, an uneven build plate may be tilted during the printing process, and cause the print to be deformed. In this case, we need to re-level the resin printer. Having some tips and tricks for leveling resin printers will be very helpful to achieve high-quality printing. In this guide, we will introduce in detail how to level the resin printer, as well as the most practical leveling knowledge: when to level, verifying proper leveling, and common leveling problems.
How to Level Resin Printer: Understanding the Leveling Process
Manual Leveling Solution: The purpose of resin 3D printer leveling is to ensure that the print platform is parallel to the light source, to ensure that the printed layer is properly adhered to the build plate, and that the layer thickness is consistent during the printing process. It is different from the application of auto-leveling on FDM printers. At present, manual leveling is still the most commonly used method for resin 3D printers. Different brands of printers may use different leveling methods, but they all require us to adjust the leveling screws or knobs of the build plate.
Leveling Free Solution: The release of Anycubic Photon Mono M5s allows us to see the first consumer-grade resin printer equipped with a leveling-free solution. There is no longer a need to manually adjust the screws or knobs on the resin printer, it can achieve the level that meets the printing requirements. The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s detects the cooperation between the printing platform and the floating leveling module through the mechanical sensor on the cantilever, and automatically adjusts according to the detection results. With the help of the leveling-free solution of resin printer, it can help users save valuable time and energy, and it is also more friendly to new users of resin printers.
How to Level Resin Printer: Best Practices for Maintaining Leveling
When is leveling required for resin printer?
- Leveling is typically required once during the initial assembly of a new printer and will remain level for continuous printing.
- Leveling is also necessary when printing failures occur, such as when the printed model does not adhere to the platform (or warping of the model edges) or when attempting to print multiple models simultaneously and some of them fail to print.
What is the function of leveling paper for resin printer?
The function of the leveling paper is to simulate the FEP film. Leveling paper needs to be placed on the screen when leveling the build platform. Use the leveling paper as a reference to adjust the height or level of the build plate during calibration, so the user can set the correct distance between the build platform and the resin vat.
- If the distance between the platform and the release film is too large, the model will not stick to the printing platform and will fall off.
- If the distance between the platform and the release film is too small, the model will stick tightly to the platform and be difficult to remove.
How to determine if the leveling distance is appropriate?
Take a piece of leveling paper or A4 paper, which usually comes with your resin printer, and place it in the center of the build plate. Then lower the build platform until it touches the leveling paper. Pull the leveling paper by hand, the leveling paper should provide slight resistance when pulled from between the build platform and screen. If the paper requires some force to pull out, the horizontal distance is appropriate. The following three solutions indicate that the leveling distance is not appropriate, and the leveling steps need to be repeated:
Note: When tightening the screws of the build plate, try to make the tightness of the four screws as consistent as possible.
- The leveling paper can be easily pulled out (distance too large).
- The leveling paper cannot be pulled out even with great effort (distance too small).
- The tightness on both sides of the leveling paper is inconsistent, for example, the leveling paper can be pulled out on the left but not on the right (the looser side may cause the model to fall off).
How to Level Resin Printer: Step-by-Step Techniques for Precision
Anycubic Photon Series: steps for manually leveling a resin printer
Step 1: Remove the vat and loosen the four screws on the platform
Step 3: Click the “HOME” button to zero the z-axis
Step 4: Press down on the top of the platform with one hand and tighten any two screws diagonally with the other hand. Note: Apply some pressure when pressing down, but be careful not to damage the screen.
Step 5: Use both hands to pull the leveling paper. If the paper requires some force to pull out, it means the leveling distance is appropriate. Then tighten the other two screws. Move Z. Click “z=0”
Step 6: Setting it as zero position. The platform will be raised later. Click “Enter”
Common issues for leveling failure
- Prompt “Home first, then move Z to the bottom!”
Cause: Zeroing was not done by clicking the “HOME” bottom first, but directly clicking “Z=0”. Solution: Please follow the leveling steps mentioned above and perform the leveling operation again.
- Prompt “Out of zero area, setting invalid”
Cause: After clicking the “HOME” bottom to zero, the Z-axis was lifted more than 3.6mm, and then clicking “Z=0” would result in an invalid setting. Solution: Please follow the leveling steps mentioned above and perform the leveling operation again.
