Anycubic Photon 101: Getting Started: The Tools! Tips and Tricks!

[@Olvenskol]

2 years later, and still a really great video. Answered a bunch of my questions.

[@druidobianco9734]

This video is wrong: never use latex gloves! Use only nitrile gloves, because resin can pass throgh latex

[@3DPrintFarm]

You are correct. I have since changed my workflow since the video and use nitrile only. I have updated the description as well so there will be less confusion.

[@eacey]

Wouldn’t say the VIDEO is wrong, just that part.

[@FTWFallout222]

@Wade Adriel Bots (these 2) going around spamming these comments. Beware going to that site.

[@CalibratedCore]

Exceptional video! Thank you very much for breaking down your cleaning process into an easy to follow, step-by-step, guide!

[@coreoption]

I just bought this printer. With a 4 day weekend coming up I'm looking forward to getting it going. I'm glad your next video involves leveling the build plate. Thanks for posting this.

[@Liberty4Ever]

10:30 - Placing the vat on a table can scratch the underneath side of the FEP film.

[@Metroidf4n]

I like windex as well for cleaning the build plate and it even cleans miniatures pretty well, there's also a detergent in it that makes the surface of the miniature fat-free, so your paint will stick better!

[@pete1927]

Just got my photon yesterday and having some great results from my own designs. Easy when people like you provide the tips and tricks.... thanks bud.

[@GreenTea-Pose]

I use a silicone cake spatula-scraper-thingy to get the excess out of the vat, it's perfect for the job

Hi all. I usually put some alcohol in the tray when I'm cleaning it. With this I help all the remaining material is removed and go to a shore, which clean with some toilet paper. The alcohol dries quickly so you do not have to do anything after that to make the bottom clean and transparent.

[@3DPrintFarm]

Awesome idea sir!

[@VanTheMan3000]

Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing. It looks like you've got the 33oz pickle container? I might try getting two of the smaller ones for a two-stage bath. Also, there seems to be a lot of hate for the included spatula, but I've found that pretty sufficient for gently "pushing" the resin out of the vat.

[@3DPrintFarm]

I really like the idea of a 2 stage bath. Using only one bath, gets the alcohol quite cloudy and contaminated several prints!

[@VanTheMan3000]

@@3DPrintFarm A fella on the AnycubicPhoton Reddit posted that filtering the scummy alcohol with a coffee filter can help with that. Haven't tried it myself but seems like it would make your alcohol go a bit further at least. So is it the 33oz one you have? It's hard to get a measure of size on the Amazon page.

[@3DPrintFarm]

This is the one from the video. www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD1F7HD/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_G0DyCbWQEE0TZ I purchased two of them back in May but they were only like $8 back then.. Now they have doubled in price which makes zero sense! Not like we are cornering the pickle strainer market! :)

[@VanTheMan3000]

@@3DPrintFarm Awesome, thanks! I'll have to get a few soon!

[@AlucardWoA]

I just bought a photon this week. How long do you let the piece sit in the bath? And if you do a two stage bath are they both the same type of alcohol and same time periods in each bath? Also can you leave the resin in the printer if your just going to be doing continuous prints or should strain it after every print?

[@lewisforro6385]

I just bought a Anycubic Photon S and there are no instructions for replacing the FEP film in the resin vat. Does the vat already have 1 sheet of FEP already installed? If I need to install a sheet of FEP film in the vat I need help. Anycubic's own video of how to replace the resin is idiotic with silly music and no dialog and the comments say there are steps skipped and you don't need to use the bottle cap to adjust tension as shown in the video. Is there a better video somewhere. Please provide a link. I'm enjoying your resin videos very much and have learned at lot. Thanks - Lewis Forro

[@roberturbanski2797]

Where are all these links you are talking about in this video?

[@NirateGoel]

The description....

[@ayalde]

Cool video!! thanks for all the tips. I am a recent owner of a photon S and I am very excited to start printing!! I do have a question though... My FEP film came scratched (lightly) when I received the printer. It also has minor dents (less than a mm in diameter). Should I replace it or should I still use it? In other words, when should I change a FEP film? Thanks!

[@davesenor3146]

Awesome video!!

[@zolti22]

The first pair of gloves, the paper tissue used for cleaning out the VAT's edges and the filter cone, all contain uncured resin. How are you disposing them safely? Being different materials, in which category they fall for recycling/collecting?

[@LaurettaBeaver]

Love it, let me know when you come out with the next one :)

[@dakel20]

Got a link to that funnel?~ Thank you so much for this video.

[@3DPrintFarm]

I actually 3d printed it using my FDM printer. File was on Thingiverse.

[@TheHelicapt]

Can I get a link to the funnel model ?

[@hpkluch]

Very good tips. Thank you.

[@kyman85]

Great video, thank you! Do you have the .stl for that funnel?

[@bdanuw]

Hi and thanks for this... Agree with another comment hard to get these items at the moment but was wondering if your funnel could be printed in resin to start with please? (Or not good for resin to be in contact with cured resin please?) Thanks

[@binaryatlas]

some questions. Have you ever used other cleaning solutions? Watched a video where mean green was used with great results. isopropyl alcohol is very hard to come by right now. Also how often do you dump your cleaning solution? whats the proper disposal on that? Have you ever tried curing the resin out of the cleaning solution to prolong its life?

[@3DPrintFarm]

Great questions! I have used Mean Green as well as Resinaway both with great results. My results are better when the solution is heated. I use a heated ultrasonic, but you could 'warm' the solution in a microwave up to around 40c or so and then either use an old toothbrush or swirl around in your solution container. Also, Mean Green solution works similarly to alcohol in that when placed outside in the sun, the uncured resin in solution will precipitate out and settle to the bottom forming a slime layer. I will then pour off the top of the liquid and reuse. Over time you will need to dispose of the liquid as it looses a bit of its cleaning ability. As far as the slime layer goes, plop it out on a paper towel outside to cure, and then I will dispose in the trash.

[@binaryatlas]

@@3DPrintFarm thank you for the reply i appreciate the info. I ordered the anycubic zero and its wash and cure station and trying to get ready for when they arrive.

[@josephduvivier3322]

I just found these videos. Unfortunately I already used paper towel on my FEP to wipe out the resin before cleaning it out with isopropyl and more paper towels. The next print stuck to the FEP and failed. Do I need to replace the FEP? And Where do you get the RocketBus spatulas now? The ones on AMazon are not the same.

[@benjaminadiwidjaja889]

+3dPrintFarm what about micrifiber cloth after fiinish using it? Throw it away? Sunbathe it first? Just wash it and reuse?

[@Cwill1016]

Awesome video! Those rubber squeegees definitely looked like they could come in handy. I'll have to pick up a couple when I order the pickle container. Way more convenient than my current process.

[@lego1168]

do you have a link for the rocket bus cleaning tool thing?

[@cityhunterinak]

I'm having a really rough time trying to get anything to stick to the plate I've leveled and releveled I've used the book way the flint way I've changed the resin and still its not sticking do you have a video about getting things to stick to the bed?

[@3DPrintFarm]

Have you tried my video on Leveling the Build Plate with the Photon?

[@septixskeptix1107]

I'm having this problem currently. I've leveled, relevevled, re-zeroed multiple times and my prints are very inconsistent. When something prints great, I keep the same settings and then my next print straight up doesn't stick to the build plate. It's printing and lighting correctly because I do occasionally get great prints. There are just so many variables that it's hard to pin point exactly what's going wrong at any given point in time. Just wondering, have you had any luck fixing your issues?

[@cityhunterinak]

@@septixskeptix1107 not sure youd be able to do my fix but i returned my photon and got an elegoo mars the mars is super easy to use if your not in the return window you might be able to buy a mars build plate and add it to the photon you may need to print an adapter but the mars plates are amazing

[@septixskeptix1107]

@@cityhunterinak I may end up buying a different brand just to see if I can get different/better results. Thanks.

[@cityhunterinak]

@@septixskeptix1107 no prob but i cant recommend the mars enough and honestly youd probably get a better one now then what i got they took some advice from the community they ditched the set screws and use normal ones they moved the usb to the front (fyi if i got a new mars id get one of those super tiny usbs to avoid accidental damage) and those new mono whatever lcds

[@jordanbrige8848]

I know this is an old video but I hope you reply. I’m having trouble with levelling the build plat. The prints are pretty much a blob of blue plastic in the end. I’m currently using anycubic aqua blue because that’s what came with the printer. It isn’t hardening properly and it is really flexible especially the thin parts. What kind of resin do you like the best and do you know of how to make the resin more ridged?

[@epicgamernik76]

During my test print the print bed stopped moving. I went to try to take it out but it won't move unless I manually turn the screw at the back. When I try to move it with the control panel it makes a weird noise but doesn't move. Did I do something wrong?

[@chadwickfoster7353]

awesome video i just got my photon here setting up today

[@3DPrintFarm]

Awesome! Welcome to club!

[@WarrenKLiu]

Thank you very much

[@MrTjmk]

When ordering resin from online vendors, do they tack on a hazardous material charge in addition to the actual cost of the resin? I ask because with all the safety precautions you and others have laid out it would seem that the resins are hazardous materials.

[@nicolasflesler4467]

what kind of problems could having the FEP scratched cause? i'm just starting and i thought i was beeing carefull but it got some scratches on it

[@3DPrintFarm]

Don't be too concerned about a few scratches. I have several tanks with light scratches and they all print fine. Just keep on printing! :)

[@hericperez]

Thank you so much.

[@carlmayne3519]

Great helpful video for noobs like me :D ... Few questions though, Do you need to do anything with the paint strainer if it's covered in wet resin before throwing it, I'm not exactly sure what is meant by "properly" disposing of. - Also does IPA 'cure' or fix resin making it inert - So if I used an IPA covered paper towel on the build plate would the paper towel be toxic from the resin, and could i just throw that in the bin? - Thanks :D

[@KyleKatarn145]

I cant for the life of me find any of those vinyl applicator things that are just rubber. All the ones I've seen are just felt tipped. Will a silicone spatula do the same job? I just got my printer for my birthday and really dont want to risk damaging the fep after only one print lol

[@3DPrintFarm]

Yep! Silicone spatula will be fine. Do a search on Amazon for Rocketbus brand squeegee. Those are the rubber ones

[@KyleKatarn145]

@@3DPrintFarm Unfortunately Amazon Australia is garbage compared to the US one, so they don't have it, and because of our government taxing online purchases, Amazon US no longer ships down here lol. Oh well, thanks for the tip!

[@danirose9276]

@3dprintfarm Are those wipes the Zeiss ones? I was looking at them today!

[@3DPrintFarm]

Yep! That's the one! I think I picked mine up at Walmart in the optical lab, but you can get them on Amazon as well.

[@danirose9276]

Awesome :) really great Channel, Sir! Very informative videos

[@malachiel87]

Hi, where you purchased that pickle container?

[@TasosKatsaros275]

very informative, thank you

[@benjaminadiwidjaja889]

+3dPrintFarm what is the ingredient of sprayway glass? And what the ingredients of mean green? Can i substitute it?

[@8bitmercy892]

Me: Buys Photon to deal with being inside during COVID Also me: Can't/won't buy gloves

[@TheGberts]

Where the list at of all the items?!

[@uriahredden9987]

This is awesome.

[@zitizen]

Funnel STL please?

[@itailu]

wonderful tut :)

[@bleughidontknow]

So I did my first print last week and I think I've already broken my 3D printer. I've done pretty much everything your videos tell me not to do :(

[@3DPrintFarm]

Oh no!! What seems to be the issue with you printer?

[@bleughidontknow]

@@3DPrintFarm Thank you for replying! My first print didn't work (I forgot to shake the resin, I didn't level the plate correctly, I used too much resin) so I cleaned it up and put the 3D printer to the side for a week. When I opened it up today I saw that there was still resin in the vat but also it was in between the vat and the LCD screen. I very hurriedly cleaned the FEP with paper towel (and now I think I scratched it) and I don't know how to properly clean the LCD screen, I'm worried the resin got into other parts of the printer and I don't know how to check. Also watching this video I realize I don't have any of the supplies I need, so I need to do a big shop as well.

[@3DPrintFarm]

@@bleughidontknow Is the resin on the LCD cured? (dried). If so, use a tiny bit of alcohol and a plastic scraper or if you are brave you can use a single edge razor blade at an angle. Work it in small areas and take care not to get it around the edge of the LCD as the alcohol can affect the sticky tape that holds the LCD in place. Hopefully, the resin was just localized and didn't leak down into the machine. As far as your FEP is concerned, I would not worry too much about the scratches if they are not horrible. You'll probably be fine. Let me know how it goes!

[@bleughidontknow]

@@3DPrintFarm Hi sorry it took so long to reply, I followed all of your advice and it's up and running perfectly! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

[@Marco-dm8ph]

How should i clean the fep?

[@3DPrintFarm]

First, gently strain your resin back into the bottle using a paint strainer filter. Using a plastic or rubber spatula, gently wipe the resin to the filter. To clean, use a microfiber cloth and IPA or a lens cleaning wipe like you use for eyeglasses. Do not user paper towels, as it can scratch the FEP. Good luck!

[@Marco-dm8ph]

@@3DPrintFarm thanks!

[@gratnak8618]

What is the plastic scaper called to clean the VAT and can you please provide the link. Thanks!

[@randyleslie5993]

Hi paps it’s me Parker nice vid

[@3DPrintFarm]

Thanks buddy!

[@Centurion3D]

I have a question if somebody can help me. I'm going to buy my first 3D printer on Amazon.ca, there is 2 ANYCUBIC PHOTON? One is the TRIGORILLA ANYCUBIC PHOTON and the ANYCUBIC PHOTON! Are they the same? there is a $90 difference between the two. I'm a novice I do not know. Thx in advance.

[@V394]

does any one know a sprayway alternative for people in australia? besides isop

[@noviceartisan]

Pretty sure you advise against using paper towels to clean the vat with on another vid hahaha

[@3DPrintFarm]

Yep.. Ask me how I know! :).. Paper towels are so abrasive unless you like 'frosted FEP"! :)

[@quail333]

Why not cut the micro fiber cloth into say 3"X3" squares, use once and throw out.

[@3DPrintFarm]

That's a great idea! Microfiber is cheap! I'll add that tip on my next Tips and Tricks vid! Thanks very much!

[@listerdave1240]

A question and a suggestion : The question: I clean the FEP with alcohol (ethanol) and cotton wool because just with wipes and microfibre cloth I can never get it really clean, especially when there is a fail print that got stuck to it leaving a ghost imprint. I fill it about one third with the alcohol and rub it with the cotton wool then rinse it out with more alcohol. Is that OK or will the ethanol damage the FEP or cause some other problem? The suggestion: Before discarding the gloves, paper towels and other resin contaminated items leave them a few hours in the sun so that the resin cures. Uncured resin is highly toxic whereas once it is cured it is just inert plastic.

[@3DPrintFarm]

Nope.. The FEP is super resistant the alcohol. So you should be good there. Thanks for the input too. Since this video, I have changed my workflow up a bit and have incorporated curing all my contaminated equipment(Gloves etc). I need to do an update one of these days! :)

[@consuelogonzalez1715]

I'm having issues with my prints adhering to the build plate. Do you have any recommendations on fixing this? I've balanced the plate and tested for resistance but nothing is happening :(

[@JaredRietdyk]

I had the same, watched this and haven't had an issue since: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGWYoGurmb2Bqa8

[@Inventorsquare]

The respirator is no joke. The smell of the resin isn't comforting. So far the best thing has been to simply GTFO of the room. It would be nice to have a clean room with exhaust.

[@3DPrintFarm]

You got that right! Hit Print and leave the room!

[@dynath1]

I set up exhaust fans with active carbon filters so I can stay in the room. Though Honestly the resin smell doesn't bother me. could be the resin i buy because it varies. I've noticed that clear resins seem to small more to me.

[@WHJeffB]

Ditch the AnyCubic resin for the Elegoo... MUCH less smelly! The AC resin stinks to high heaven. I tried to do other stuff in the workshop while I was using the AC resin and had to leave as I just couldn't take it any more. The "smell" hung out in my sinuses and the back of my throat for hours afterward. The Elegoo resin is much better, I can stay in the workshop while I'm printing parts.

[@rrutroe]

Question: Should I clean and filter out resin from vat if I print another model right after another?

[@S.A.S.H.]

That sort of depends if you have failures, or missing parts of the models. If parts of the model print, but are not attached to anything at all, including the build plate, the parts will likely fall into the vat of resin since there.s nothing to hold them onto the model. These bits can then be floating around and can cause problems later if they are big enough. When I have catastrophic failures I filter the resin back into the bottle before my next print. If little sections don't print right I usually don't bother. On Thingiverse there's a great stand for holding the vat, with a funnel for the filter, and a platform for the bottle. This makes draining and straining hugely more convenient. I use this one, but there are many others: www.thingiverse.com/thing:3784926

[@sergiopaps]

Cannot get true info anywhere about toxicity of resin and indoor printing. In apartment for example.

[@theultimateninja]

An old tooth brush from Dollar Tree? Ha wouldnt that make it a new toothbrush... Unless they are selling used brushes!