The release film is a critical component for a resin 3D printer. For frequent 3D printer users, it needs to be replaced regularly. The release film commonly used by resin printers is FEP film, which is used at the bottom of the resin barrel. However, some high-speed 3D printers, such as Anycubic Photon Mono M5s, are equipped with ACF film to increase the speed of resin printing. This guide will help users of Photon Mono M5s , to understand the use of the release film and how to replace the ACF release film for Anycubic Photon Mono M5s.
Mastering Release Film of Resin 3D Printer
The release film is installed on the resin tank of the resin printer, it serves as the transparent bottom plate of the resin tank. The release film needs to have good light transmittance. During the printing process, the light source is projected onto the LCD screen and will pass through the bottom of the resin tank, which is the release film. The resin is then cured with UV light to build the 3D prints layer by layer.
For resin printing, the release film is a consumable item that needs to be inspected and replaced regularly. When it is worn, damaged, or reaches the end of its service life, we need to replace the release film with a new one. For Anycubic Photon Mono M5s, when it is time to replace the release film, we can choose a new ACF film, or we can replace it with the traditional FEP film as needed. To replace these two different release films, you can refer to the steps in the guide below, and the size of the release film should be suitable for the resin tank. Please note that if you change to traditional FEP film, Photon Mono M5s will not support high-speed printing mode.
How to Replace the ACF Release Film for Photon Mono M5s
- Tools: M2.0 hex key, Tweezers, Utility knife, M2.5 hex key, ACF film
- ACF Film (2 Pcs): Release Film for Photon Mono M5s
- ACF Film (5 Pcs): Release Film for Photon Mono M5s
Step 1: Use an M2.5 hex key to remove the bottom fixing screws from the resin vat. Place them in a suitable location to avoid misplacing them. Remove the film steel ring assembly. Use an M2.0 Allen wrench to remove the remaining fasteners. Place them in a suitable location to avoid misplacing them.
Step 2: Remove the old film and install the new ACF film. Wipe off the remaining resin using alcohol or clean water. Take the new film. Remove the blue protective film, the matte side of the ACF film faces the table, and the metal frame with smaller screw holes is installed on it.
Note: Please place the metal frame with slanted holes facing to the table. Steel rings with threads will be placed under the separate membrane in the replacement link. Flip the steel ring. Since the M5s uses the third-generation film, pay attention to the front and back when replacing it.
Step 3: Start with the diagonally opposite screws. Ensure that the steel ring and film remain stationary during this process. Finally, secure the remaining screws. Install the new film module onto the resin vat. Use an M2.5 Allen wrench to install the fixed screws. First, tighten the four screws diagonally to secure the position of the release film steel ring. Then, tighten the remaining screws.
Step 4: Check to make sure no screws have come loose after the steel ring is attached to the resin vat. Use a utility knife to cut off the excess part of the ACF film. Please pay attention to the safety of using the tool and avoid getting scratched.
Step 5: Trim away the excess film. After installation, the steel ring should be lower than the black resin vat lip, and the film should not be wrinkled. Finally, turn on the printer, click Tools-Monitor-Clear the number of layers on the main interface of the touch screen.