Rob is back showing you how to clean up and fix your 3D printer after a failed resin print, and how to correct your design .STL file as well.
Rob just started 3D printing a while ago, so you may have seen him testing it out before. Recently he had a miniature print fail and is now walking us through it so we can all learn together and try to avoid it in the future or at least fix it when it happens!
Titan-Forge provided models for promotion in this video. Get their models for just $10 here
My 3D Print Failed, Now What?
First things first, make sure you have on gloves and protective eyewear. Then, you should remove the Vat base and clean off the printing plate. Next, check the vat for any bits or uncured resin that may have fallen. If you notice some sticking to the bottom film, you will have to do a full reset.
If you need to reset, go ahead and pull the vat out. Use a funnel and strainer to filter the resin back into its original container. If you know there are no bits in it, you can just pour it back in without the strainer. At this point, wash off and clean the vat, wiping down the print film with a microfiber cloth. You can also get some alcohol wipes and clean the inside of the printer if you notice any uncured resin in there.
Be sure to make sure your plate is clean using the plastic scraper. If you use a metal one you may end up gouging it, so be careful these plates are aluminum and a metal scraper will leave gouges in the plate (see pic above).
Then you can fill the vat back up with resin, and install both that and the plate back into the printer, to attempt another print. Good news is that you may not have to level the print head unless the bracket holding the plate becomes loose from cleaning.
3D Print Failed, Fixing The Files
Now let’s take a look at the failed print and try to figure out why it failed.
Looking at the model there might be a few problems. The left-most bit seemingly stopped forming halfway through for some reason. Many of the supports also stopped about halfway up. This may have been caused by some sort of blockage on the film between the LCD and the uncured resin in the vat in the first place.
Generally, partially, or fully cured resin may be at fault here, so Hopefully cleaning the vat itself will help resolve that.
After checking out the model for clues, it’s a good idea to go back to the software, and double-check your supports from the first layer up. You may find that a lower layer was missed because it wasn’t supported correctly and created an island in space that doomed the print to failure.
If that’s true, be sure to add the appropriate supports. It’s better to have too many and do more cleanup than to have another print fail!
We’ll be doing more content on how to properly support your models for printing in the near future, so be looking for that soon!
Check out the video below for Rob’s full breakdown and thoughts on 3D printing best practices!
Special thanks to Titan-Forge for the Walker model we featured in this video! Get their access to dozens of their models for just $10 here.
Titan-Forge provided models for promotion in this video.
About the Author: Andrew Schrank
Andrew Schrank
Job Title: Miniatures & Warhammer Hobby Staff Writer
Socials: Facebook
About Andrew Schrank: Over the past 15 years, Andrew has played all the games, including tabletop and video games, and immersed himself in the associated lore. Andrew joined the Spikey Bits team in 2018 and covers the Warhammer hobby and tournament scene, along with the latest in tabletop miniatures, each week.
Aspiring diplomat, Lord of Fluff, and Master of Ice Hammer, He loves Star Wars, Chaos Undivided, and Gundam. During his free time, he hunts Platinum trophies on PS5 and reads international news. On weekends, Andrew plays commander and cEDH games, often with unique strategies that push the limits.
He believes each day presents a new opportunity to grow and be challenged.
