Understanding the Need for Speed in Resin 3D Printing

Resin 3D printing, prized for its exceptional detail and finish, has revolutionized rapid prototyping, jewelry, dental, and miniature communities. However, even seasoned enthusiasts and professionals often find themselves wishing these prints could run just a little faster. Unlike FDM printers, resin machines are constrained by curing times and mechanical lift speeds. Fortunately, a combination of hardware tweaks, software adjustments, and post-processing tricks can significantly cut down your resin print times.

Optimize Layer Height for Faster Prints

One of the most straightforward ways to speed up a resin print is by increasing the layer height. While a 0.025 mm layer yields jaw-dropping detail, moving to 0.05 mm or even 0.1 mm can cut print times by half or more. The trade-off is slightly reduced vertical resolution, but for many functional prints, prototypes, or larger models, the time savings far outweigh the minimal loss in detail.

Adjust Exposure and Lifting Settings

The exposure time per layer is crucial. Dialing in the minimum required exposure—just enough to solidify each layer—is essential. Overexposing layers wastes time and can even reduce model accuracy. Most modern slicers and resin manufacturers provide recommended exposure values, but don’t hesitate to experiment.

Similarly, review your lift height and lift speed settings. Reducing unnecessary Z-axis movement and increasing the lifting speed (within safe limits to avoid suction failures) can shave off considerable time, especially on tall prints.

Leverage Monochrome Screens and Powerful Light Sources

If you haven’t upgraded your printer in a while, consider a model with a monochrome LCD screen. These screens allow for much faster curing (sometimes as low as 1.5 seconds per layer) compared to older color screens, which often required 6–10 seconds per layer. Powerful UV LED arrays also aid in rapid curing, further reducing exposure times.

Take Advantage of Lower Layer Counts

Strategic orientation of your model can dramatically impact the number of layers and thus the print duration. Orienting a model to minimize its height on the build platform, even if it means increasing the area contacting the platform, will reduce the number of layers and time required.

For example, laying a flat model horizontally instead of standing upright can cut the print time significantly. Just keep in mind to add adequate supports to prevent print failures.

Optimize Supports for Speed

Efficient support placement not only helps avoid print failures but can also impact speed. Over-supporting a model means more time spent printing unnecessary structures. Use your slicer’s auto-support feature as a starting point, but manually review and remove redundant supports. Advanced users can experiment with “light” supports where possible to further minimize printing time and post-processing work.

Batch Printing: Print More in the Same Time

Unlike FDM printers, a resin printer exposes an entire layer at once, regardless of how many separate objects are on the build plate. Packing multiple parts onto the plate can drastically improve overall throughput, as you’re making the most of every layer’s exposure. Just be sure to leave adequate space between objects to avoid fusion and ensure easy removal.

Keep Your Vat and Resin Clean

Cloudy FEP films or contaminated resin can scatter UV light and increase curing times. Regularly inspect and clean your vat and replace cloudy FEP films. Filter your resin between prints to remove cured debris, which can otherwise slow down or ruin an otherwise smooth print job.

Use High-Speed Resins

Some manufacturers produce “fast” or “rapid” resins, formulated for shorter exposure times. These can be a real game-changer if speed is your top priority. Always check compatibility with your printer and be prepared to dial in new exposure settings for optimal results.

Final Thoughts

While resin printing may never match the speed of some filament-based processes, these strategies can help you make the most of your machine’s capabilities and minimize downtime. Whether you’re a hobbyist eager to finish projects faster or a professional aiming to boost productivity, a faster workflow is just a few tweaks away. Happy printing!