SLA Resin Handling Guide for 3D Printing - 11 Tips for Containing the Mess and Keeping Things Safe

[@Eric-xj4qj]

Ugh... I’ll stick with FDM printing thank you.

[@Zeriel00]

5:00 If you make the Stuff too difficult you'll start skipping it....DAMN this is a life changing tip right here! :O

[@Nerdtronic]

Haha. One person defines something as laziness. Another person defines it as optimization or efficiency.

[@tsriftsal3581]

They are usually old or willfully ignorant.

[@sienihemmo]

Ive found that the same applies to a lot of things in life. Like if you buy a fancy new panini toaster and stick it in the back of a cupboard as well as choose a hard to clean model, you'll end up never using it because even taking it out is a hassle, nevermind cleaning it.

[@chrisuzelac2105]

Early in my career I worked with a guy whose motto was "Make the right thing the easiest thing and you'll never have to correct anybody".

[@weeecando7532]

This be freakin' legit. 💯🤣

[@saltyscorpion2151]

As a newbie to resin printing, I found the warnings about how toxic the resin is overwhelming. You helped make sense of all the noise and save me a few dollars in the process. I can now print as much as I want, without worrying about my family's health or the impact that I'm having on the environment. Thanks for the great video.

[@the_real]

This is really good information for anyone starting their adventures in resin printing! My own homegrown "chemical lab" printing area and approach to printing is very similar to this (and even then there were a few good pointers that I hadn't thought of, like recycling IPA for FEP cleaning), but BOY, would I have saved so much time, money and grief had I watched this first! xD

[@rastan49]

For Aussies, I am using the Silcon Pet Feeding mats from Kmart. The large is 60cm x 40cm, so covers a large area. I have a few of them across my work bench and they work great. They are 10 bucks at the time of writing this. They also sell a smaller version for 5 bucks. IPA is expensive and hard to come by especially with Covid. Alternative is Mythelated Spirits, it's way cheaper. However can make clear resin milky colour and can leave white blotches on cured items if not washed off correctly. Resinaway from Monocure is great as well and locally sourced.

[@stephendouglas819]

You really should start making molds for your waste blobs. You could very easily cure them into usable shapes.

[@euroriderdk]

This is one of the more informative channel out here regarding resin printing, you need a tons more of subscribers. People need to get this info.

[@Nerdtronic]

Wow thanks. It’ll happen. Just takes time.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

You've got a really nice system here, lots of great ideas! All my toys are sticky...

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks! The system has some flaws. The longer I print the stickier things get also :)

[@mr702s]

I LOVE your video on this man. So rare to find a Ph.D. chemist talking about safety concerns with printer resins.

[@Nerdtronic]

@@mr702s Well Goobertown Hobbies is the PhD not me. So go check out his channel.

[@RamblesWorkshop]

Goooooobs!

[@con_boy]

It's true, I did genetics (and I never had a cross contamination), and pretty much everything you do is lab grade, except not having a fume hood, which tbh is overkill at home.. I haven't bought a 3d printer yet but I estimate it would take me perhaps 12 to 15 print goes before I wasn't really conscious of the steps..

[@DesktopMakes]

Hey Michael, great job on these videos. I can tell your channel is going to blow up. Great delivery, production, and full of valuable content. I'm looking forward to seeing more!

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks for subscribing. I'll be trying to get a new video out by the end of this week.

[@Nerdtronic]

Hey DeskTop Makes - I just subscribed. Looks like some good stuff.

[@DesktopMakes]

Awesome! I do a lot of Fusion 360 videos for 3D printing.

[@zulfikrichemahmud9132]

Got my printer.. i am gonna hold on to print before all the safety stuff ready. Your video helps clarify all the stuff needed.

[@KaitoKaze]

you need more view, this is super helpful!

[@38josue91]

I was thinking about going into resin 3D printing... But I wasn't aware of all the post processing and precautions that it implied. Thank you for this video. Guess I'll go the FDM route.

[@xxxnamkhaxxx]

Part 11... instead of throwing out the blob after purifying the IPA, place the blob into a mold to create a shape or model you wish to recreate. I create hexagons for my war game with the blob which solidifies in the sun. This way I recycle the IPA and upcycle the blob into a desirable items essentially saving money and creating less rubbish.

[@UOUOssas]

awesome idea

[@IaidokaNC]

how do you put the hardened resin blob in a mold? isn't it too late by then?

[@tommywright]

@@IaidokaNC He's talking about the wet blob.. before it cures.

[@ModelCarHobbyist]

This is a great idea. I'm going to be building a diaroma soon. Maybe I can print a mold of trees, lumber, or blocks for the diaroma and press it in.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Same, the blob is almost like epoxy putty.

[@dcj2]

Excellent advice delivered in a friendly, straightforward way. Finally found someone who knows how to do a proper "tips" video. Great work.

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks again.

[@Drewbakka]

This is one if not the best video out there on how to handle the post processing of resin prints. It really helped me get started after years of FDM printing and moving onto to SLA. Great work!

[@hahahano2796]

I use most of these in one form or other. I appreciate the delineation between reasonable/practical and the practice of "Safety". The primary difference between our setups is that I have a ultrasonic cleaner large enough for the biggest print volume my printer can fill plus a little extra. This means it can fit my vat and build plate too. I don't have to brush anything. Ever. This requires a LOT of IPA (~2.5 gallons) to fill but due to its large volume there is no reason to delineate between "clean" and "dirty" IPA. For storage I used a 5 gallon bucket with sealed lid available from any hardware store. The Ultrasonic cleaner has an integrated drain valve which I have plumbed to pour directly into the bucket after use. A filter can be used to catch any supports, blobs, etc. A bonus to this setup is that I can simply put my hands in the cleaner should I get any resin on them. I don't know if I have more fumes than other setups given the surface area of my IPA is consistent and unchanging (vs. multiple large & small storage containers) but it is being agitated for the duration it is on. I do not use paper towels to wipe clean or even set the FEP on. Too much lint and abrasive properties. Lint free alcohol wipes if needed and only after an ultrasonic dip and air dry. Another difference is that I exclusively use large metal razor blades to clean my build plate (~4 inch blade with handle found in any paint aisle). I'm not sure why but to date I've had more issues with excellent adhesion than I have with poor adhesion. I've had poor experience with putty knives. For me they don't cut it and catching a corner or edge will scratch/gouge the plate. Just some of my thoughts/experience. Thank you for BulgeBuster; I'm testing it out currently.

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks for the comments!!

[@SCUBAguypnw]

Thank you for this. Three years later this video is still helping newbies like me. I just purchased what will likely be the first of a few Resin printers. Currently buying lots of other things to go along with it and you have made me realize some things I was not considering.

[@ItsOnLikeJon13]

Hi! I just wanted to say thanks. This is probably the most well-made video on the topic of resin handling on KZbin.

[@Nerdtronic]

Wow, thank you!

[@leinadreign3510]

Cleaning the FEP with IPA? Would be too dangerous for me. That stuff could degenerate the FEP. Im using dishwashing soapy water for it. But I will use a paper towel with IPA on it for the metal frame.

[@rmatveev]

What a useful tips you are giving with your videos! Just stuck with your channel. Thank you for sharing with a community!

[@Nerdtronic]

Welcome! Thanks for the kind words.

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Things I’d add to this: 1- Don’t use disposable gloves. Buy oversized, thick, lined nitrile gloves. You can slide them on and off easily, and resize them “forever”. MASSIVE environmental win, and user savings. 2- Get one of those full sized plastic face masks (popularized during Covid). You don’t want resin bits snapping off and hitting you anywhere in the face. 3- Get rid of the plugs on the resin bottles right away. They’re only necessary for shipping and they cause waste (using a paper towel every time to take them in and off). 4- Think your setup through. I have a wire rack that my printers sit on, but also it’s where I can put hooks and magnets on for gloves, a roll of toilet paper or paper towels, the funnel, scrapers, etc.

[@MiguelRodriguez2010]

Screenshot this! Thanks!

[@ClokworkGremlin]

Don't re-use gloves. That's how you learn what resin tastes like. Source: I know what resin tastes like.

[@6233791]

DO NOT re-use gloves man

[@Sin_Alder]

I seriously hope no one takes #1 seriously. Using a few extra gloves isn't going to destroy your precious environment, it's just going to be more effective at protecting you from burns, allergic reactions, cancer, and probably a host of other problems.

[@morningeml8176]

Seriously the best video I saw on getting started with Resin Printing. Great tips, very helpful.

[@Nerdtronic]

Wow thanks. I'll be doing another video next month for complete noobs wanting to get started.

[@TheKingfisher745]

Fantastic video! Can you tell me where you found the container that you soak your build plate in?

[@Nerdtronic]

I got it at Joanne’s craft store. But when I went back they were sold out. Just find a tub with a square flat bottom

[@c.harris7823]

This process and prepping guide is amazing! Very well organized and laid out. I'm new to resin printing so thank you!!!

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Green__Man]

This is one of those videos that you don't think you need to watch until you've watched it, great tips! Nice Grand Theft Auto font too

[@LazizbekYusupov92]

I haven't found any more accurate and structurized instrucions on using resin filament. It is good if you add something like 'for beginners' in the title of your video.

[@jmpattillo]

Your suggestion to use silicone pet mats just saved my bacon. Thanks! I lost about 250g of resin, but the mess was contained.

[@chandlermiller3944]

Just got a 3d resin printer for Christmas. This channel is a godsend for beginner guidance. Thanks for producing these!

[@whatyoudo9773]

nice stuff, gave you a thumb and I rarely do that cause I suck, but i will say that I'm nowhere near as clean as you, I do at least 10 prints before cleaning or emptying the vat...it all gets used up by prints and has new resin coming in all the time...whats the point? I do check for stickers on the Fep and stir the resin in-between prints but I do not ultra-clean the build plate, just wipe the mating surface and go again and I probably dont use as much IPA. I wipe most of the resin off the part on a towel before it gets IPA, two vats of IPA and brush, then blow off with air, then water wash, done.

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks for the thumb up. I sometimes do a lot of prints and leave the resin in there a while also. And a terrycloth rag is now my go to for cleaning. Scrub the part with an alcohol soaked cloth.

[@whatyoudo9773]

@@Nerdtronic yeah, have you played with threading screws into the resin prints? I am tapping and threading but the holes always seem weak and loose when done, not like tapping a regular block of plastic.

[@anthonyj.4808]

Hi Michael! Great job! Thanks for the really useful tips, especially about recycling dirty IPA! I didn't know what do with my big plastic jar of a dirty IPA before I watched your video, you really helped me! The only issue is that the sun is a rare guest here where I live, but probably I could cure it with my UV curing station.

[@Nerdtronic]

Sun is in great supply here in the desert.

[@sapphirefireorice]

Thanks! This is well organized, helpful information which I really appreciate as a beginner. A lot of this is common sense stuff, but it was great to see how you actually do each of these steps on camera rather than just hearing someone say, "clean this with isopropyl alcohol". I can appreciate that a lot of these steps don't need to be shown in every video or once you get to a higher level; but thank you for taking the time to detail all of this for those who are just starting out!

[@KrisKnight]

Jesus the amount of care that it takes to own a resin printer is insane, I got a headache just watching this :S

[@Ree1981]

My best tip is to have a jug of soapy warm water for when you need to clean your gloves (which is aaaaalways). Simply dip the gloves into IPA/Mean Green, denatured alcohol (me) or whatever, rub your fingers around slightly, and then dip your gloves into the water. Now they're clean!

[@kejaris949]

I just got a Photon S yesterday. I was just about to set the printer up and just go for it before I saw this video. Thanks, I needed to cool my jets and prep more!

[@anotherguycalledsmith]

Are you German or Swiss? ;-) Thank you so much for these best practice procedures this helps a lot. I am still about to organize and prepare everything for my very first print on a Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K. It seems that one needs quite some equipment to avoid a nasty spilled workplace and frustration ;-) You are really very well organized and working with a lot of precision! If all Americans were like you, the world would be a better place… ;-)

[@Nerdtronic]

Ha. Not German or Swiss. Probably Irish in heritage. Thanks for the compliment.

[@PortalFPV]

Well, I guess I'll be the one harping on masks. All the typical masks you can wear for resin printing may work for the odor from resin, but DO NOT protect you from the VOC's from IPA. IPA requires extremely well ventilated area and/or a respirator with specific filters designed for IPA. If you start feeling dizzy, STOP what you are doing and go get fresh air. This advice come from many years working with and at Intel. Intel doesn't mess around when it comes to safety

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks for the advice. IPA does bother me. Denatured Alcohol doesn't seem to be as smelly and that's what I use now. Are the RZ Masks not good for IPA?

[@3DJapan]

Guide: wear gloves.

[@Nerdtronic]

Basically 😃

[@davesenor3146]

Really nice and educational video. Thanks for posting. Started my first print this morning....

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful! Have Fun!

[@JerrodHansen]

Great video. I put dirty 99% IPA into jars and exposed to my UV light and it just turned white, like milk, and isn’t settling after DAYS. I should perhaps have let it settle more before exposing to the UV.

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks! Funny I just released a new video on trying to recycle IPA.

[@squishcognito6780]

Jesus Christ the whole thing seems like a pain in the ass. I might as well grow marijuana in my basement seems easier than this shit.

[@plasticpippo201]

leaving isopropanol in the sun is NOT a good idea! it may explode

[@BEdmonson85]

91+% IPA is still a bit difficult to find in my area. Is it acceptable to use Denatured Alcohol to clean off the uncured resin? I just bought my 1st resin printer yesterday, it arrives tomorrow. I have a small supply of 99%, but I know it won't last long.

[@Nerdtronic]

Denatured works great. It's less smelly. And I think it cleans better.

[@shiddygamer2474]

You deserver more viewers! As I'm new to 3d printing this was immensely helpful.

[@Nerdtronic]

Wow, thanks! It'll get there.

[@SilverScreamX]

i just got a 3d printer and by far this is the best video ever (regarding SLA printers)

[@hjyandun]

I've heard a lot about being careful not to get resin on your skin, but I still don't know why. What happens when it does? How bad is it? I you get some and clean it, is it harmful? if you get a lot and clean it? how about being exposed frequently? I've never really heard about these questions.

[@Nerdtronic]

Some people have very bad reactions to it. It's listed as a skin irritant. But you can develop a sensitivity to it that can be quite severe. So to avoid that just wear the gloves. I knew a guy back 20 years ago who was working with developing chemicals. After prolonged exposure he became quite allergic and had to quit that job. I think this is similar. Maybe at first it's no big deal. But over time you can become more sensitive to it. So avoid exposure from the start so you don't have to quit the hobby later on.

[@reyesvictor_6989]

This guides are great for new people wanting to enter this world, you have help me a lot, come back😢

[@JSCB-365]

I find that paper towels are too abrasive for the FEP film I prefer microfiber towels. I consider them contaminated after use but will allow the alcohol to evaporate off and use them to wipe down the tools and such after they are too dirty to effectively clean the FEP. I also have a step to open trashcan so it stays closed until I need to drop something inside.

[@Nerdtronic]

Yeah I toss them right after using them. Although I have been known to dig a damp one out of the trash to wipe something else off

[@spacep0d]

You're as meticulous as I am, so I love this video. What is a FEB? I'm new. Looks like I gotta do some Googling. :)

[@freshfishbowl]

This guy reminds me so much of that talentless hack Rich Evans, but this guy is talented and competent.

[@Nerdtronic]

Wow thanks. The only "you look like Rich Evans" comment that wasn't meant as an insult.

[@Brendan_Myers]

I've probably watched this 4 times now and finally did my first print last night. The system works great, I just need a little more practice and I think I'll get it more streamlined but overall it went well. Thanks for the pointers!

[@FlorianAzar]

Thank you for sharing. Great Video for me a beginner its super helpfull.

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Movie_Games]

Oh my god. I hope it's not too late to cancel my printer order.

[@Nerdtronic]

Haha. You can do it!

[@fakiirification]

its not THAT bad. Some people treat it like handling nuclear waste or something. Its a minor skin irritant and of course you don't want it in your eyes and you should avoid being in a sealed shower stall with the printer running or you might get a little headache from the smell.... and yeah, don't drink it or let your pets drink it because it IS a poison when ingested. Besides that, its just messy. Just take common sense steps to prevent mess that you would do for any other messy activity.

[@Mazer2721]

This is uber-overkill. I feel nothing when handling resin gloveless for about a year now. I don’t use a mask or eye pro either. Just don’t pick your nose or eyes after handling. I picked my nose once and it stung slightly for about 10 seconds. I got a small drop in my eye and it hurt for maybe a minute. Don’t guzzle it or pour it all over your face. Clean everything with paper towels and wash your hands after. I can’t speak to ventilation because it’s not really relevant to my set up.

[@alwaystiredkid]

@@Mazer2721 it's not about feeling something, uncured resin is toxic and seeps into your body through the skin. it's not healthy to handle it without gloves.

[@fakiirification]

@@alwaystiredkid you obviously dont want to bathe in it. but occasional minor skin contact with quick washing will be less harmful than a lifetime of living with internal combustion engines spewing the exhaust of benzene combustion through every city and neighborhood on the planet.

[@bacaw2856]

I tend to refrain from using alcohol to clean resin from my skin and instead use just water and soap. Since alcohol is readily absorbed by the skin, in theory it would make it easier for the resin to seep in as well, which would be kinda bad.

[@Nerdtronic]

Might be smart.

[@StefanoCossu]

This is a great video. I print fdm and i want to step up with resin, but it seems a pain. A little print result in lot of time cleaning, and "waste" of resin and IPA. Btw you're super organized and i like it.

[@Nerdtronic]

And yet still stuff end up sticky with resin.

[@ketri9055]

Liked and saved

[@lesliehackbarth6435]

Thank you for the tips. I've just started printing with resin, though I've been using FDM printers for years. The cleanup of the resin prints has been intimidating and actually prevented me from even setting the printer up. I feel a lot more comfortable now in maintaining a clean work area. :)

[@Nerdtronic]

Great to hear. My next video is on getting started in resin printing. So I'll be doing a 101 on all that stuff.

[@gaboaaa23]

hi, some guy showed in his video he uses a micro cloth to cleean his vat. Dosnt do the paper scratch the vat? Also how smelly or dangerous is the resin when you are cleaning? Are there fumes if you are cleaning or do they only accure if you are printing? Do you where a mask when cleaning?

[@vaughanza]

Thanks for another great video, great tips and will help. I can give you guys a awesome tip Don't use those plastic scrapers, they damage your FEP., run your finger over the edge of th scrapper and you see. Get yourself a silicon spatular ( egg spatula/flipper) it works great, is easy to clean and will not damage your fep. Also don't use paper towels to dry the vat , it scratches . Ger some microfiber wipes (fibre optic wipes ) . These will not scratch your FEP and are cheap.

[@TonyNocerino]

Thanks! Just got my first resin printer and this was greatly helpful

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joffroepcke7393]

Do you have to use IPA? Wouldn't a cheaper lager work?

[@Nerdtronic]

I'm using Denatured Alcohol now that Covid happened. You can get a gallon can for like $16-$20. It works better than IPA in my opinion.

[@mogadeet6857]

I am just starting out. Excellent tips! Thanks.

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@latengocomoburro]

Thank you from deterring me from buying a resin printer. This is a headache.

[@Mazer2721]

Don't let his set up put you off. I just keep a roll of paper towels next to my printer, a putty knife to get the print off the plate, and a Tupperware of alcohol to wash. Nothing else is necessary. Just try not to spill it on anything you really care about.

[@SynergistN7]

11:40 what I still don't understand is when it's needed to take out the resin from the vat and clean the vat completely.

[@Nerdtronic]

I actually leave it in the vat for a long time. But if you wanted to switch out to a different resin, maybe a different color or a resin with different properties.

[@rdyer8764]

I just bought my first resin printer. I haven't even unwrapped it yet. I'm just gathering ideas on operations, and you've just become my go-to-guy. I'll be watching everything I can.

[@actedtester9482]

This mans editing game is on point

[@MemphisMark61]

You have obviously invested deep thought and reasoning to come up with these tips. Well done!

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks!

[@shaunhooper6082]

100% Helpful and thank you for the links!

[@Nerdtronic]

You bet!

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

Your videos have more information and production value than anything even the manufacturers of 3D printers can do and they have millions of dollars to produce this kind of stuff.

[@nunyobidnezz707]

I don't think about videos like this until it's too late! Thanks for this contenta

[@Nerdtronic]

Haha!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Are the tools considered "clean" once you wash them in the IPA?

[@pixxy25]

Super useful guide for me sir, for the next VDO could you please make a VDO Tips for Chitubox exposure setting sir. Many Thanks. :)

[@xjunkxyrdxdog89]

If you're forgetful like me, a poster of a checklist near your printer listing the order you should be doing steps in can help. I have mine broken down into pre glove setup, glove steps, and bare hand steps.

[@Nerdtronic]

Great!

[@timhumbert2673]

Very informative. Thanks for the tips. What printer is that?

[@Nerdtronic]

Phrozen Transform - love it by the way. No printer is without problems. Maybe since it was my first I just know how to deal with the problems.

[@patrickwinterbourne8516]

Love your videos. Highly informative

[@Nerdtronic]

I appreciate that!

[@Figuremakr]

Great videos, thanks! Regarding Tip #10. I have read and watched tip on cleaning FEP, and that IPA tends to make it more cloudy, so using soap and water had been suggested. Any thoughts? Finally I have been using FTFE lubricant on my FEP before printing. Essentially, wipe the surface with it, then wipe again w clean towel to remove and dry it.

[@Nerdtronic]

So far I’m not seeing the clouding. But it could be. I’ve only had my printer for about 2 months at this point. I’m sure after I’ve had it 6-8 months I’ll have new tips. :)

[@TwistedSisterHaratiofales]

Good Channel and advise Michael. I am setting up a larger and more ventilated room for the cleaning process. I use and actual paint respirator mask with charcoal filters that are made for automotive painting. It might be overkill in the slightest, but hey you only have one set of lungs, eyes, fingers etc. As a Youngster in the U.S. Navy and then Army from 1983 to 2000 I painted aircraft, worked on Diesel engines and hydraulic equipment, and worked with large batteries and just in general did a lot of jobs where I was using MEK, Naphtha, and or had my hands around and in Hostile Chemicals and or literally Sh-T. My last military job was plumbing in the Nat Guard. I was both good and bad about using proper protective equipment. at 18 and 19 and those first years we painted F4's and F14's with Polyamide paints, and Polyurethane paints. The old chiefs and petty officers would frequently be painting out on the ramp and hold the gun in their right hand, and their res mask in their left. When they sprayed they would hold up the mask to cover their face and paint. then when they were done applying the layer/coat/area they would pull the mask away. IMHO this was fine, and it worked. The stupid thing was that we were painting the aircraft outside in a ramp area, and had all kinds of personnel working on aircraft 30 to 300 feet in an area. We also painted the polyamide out on the Carrier in the hanger bay while we were underway. As I got older I got more and more friendly towards the idea and use of the Protective Equipment. Especially like you commented on when It gives you headaches and such. That means its getting inside your brain, through your lungs, and if its getting there, then its getting into your kidneys and liver, etc. Now I am a cheapskate also, LOL. And I dont like paying 21 dollars for a gallon of Alcohol so, yea, I am going to try to stretch its service life. So I like the info as you are about 4 or 5 years ahead of me on using these chems, and been 3D SLA printing. We have been doing it for 2 years now on a limited basis for custom archery bow parts, and I really haven't been in on it to much. I was making the custom strings, and my Bus Partner was 3D printing. Now that we are delving into Custom Chess pieces and I am designing large Star Trek models from the original series I have suddenly found myself crash coursing in 3D printing. We have 2 Creality Ender Weed Whacker String melters, which I have little use for so far. I am impressed a little about how much smaller they can make res lines now though. I jut bought a Anycubic M3, and M3 Mac about 2 months ago, and I have been printing for about 5 days now on the first test parts for a Romulan Warbird from The Original Series of Star Trek. I mixed E85 with Denatured Alcohol, and I also used strait E85. The first print parts have errors in them and are being printed so I can adjust the design until I can get them to print into parts that I can use as model parts. I see no difference in the effect of this cleaning method other than #1 the 85 is more toxic in the fume department, but not by much. It does contain Gasoline so that means If I breath the fumes, it is not just alcohol, but gasoline also. We all know, or should know that breathing, snorting, huffing gasoline is not good for the human body, and I mean a big (NOT GOOD FOR THE HUMAN BODY). I had dumb ass friends in the 5th and 6th grade that huffed gasoline and even at that age I couldn't believe how stupid they were, and or how dumb that was. My father and uncles and typically mechanics back then used to wash oil and engine dirt off of their hands with gasoline. I did to in the 1970's because it was a common practice. Then when I got into the Navy I discovered Go-Jo and Mean Green, and things that didn't make the nerves in your hands tingle because of osmosis. Anyway I didn't intend to write an essay here. I just wanted to point out. Safety First. Yea. Share the advice like Michael here, Dont Breath fumes unless its Cinnamon rolls in the oven. Dont bathe in IPA/MEK/Gasoline and paint. Gloves are cheaper than new skin. Facemasks are cheaper than new eyes and lips. Personally I think the Covid masks are inadequate for Denatured A/IPA I have been cleaning stuff with and without the germ masks and I come to find that ventilation is key. If the fumes are not there, and or minimal to start with, the better, and like I mentioned before, I am using a paint res grade mask when cleaning. I have some really good cleaning containers I bought from Home Depot that have O rings in the lid so that keeps the evaporation down, and at the moment I am using E85 which is 3 to 4 dollars a gallon VS 20 to 22. Whatever you use remember its all designed to dissolve plastic, so it can and will kill you and or you loved ones and pets, and or house if handled wrong. Be Safe and keep on Treking.

[@davidgallegos5337]

I’m new to resin printing and I wish I would have watched this sooner. Any suggestions if you do get some resin on the lcd screen between tray ?

[@Nerdtronic]

For sure clean the vat and the fep as good as you can. I always lay out fresh paper towels to set the vat on when taking it out. It's good to have a routine for vat removal to protect the underside. But even still it's super easy to accidentally get resin on the bottom side. But it should clean with alcohol or peel off if it's cured. For the LCD: You can try wiping it *GENTLY* with a clorox wipe or a paper towel soaked with alcohol. Better to try to get it off before it gets cured. If the resin is cured and you think you can't get it off without ruining the LCD, sometimes there is a thin sheet of protective plastic on the LCD, which you could remove. But that would be a last resort.

[@ShahriarFarkhan]

This is fantastic, thank you!

[@Aerogrow]

Looks at msds safety sheet for UV resin (brand of choice), rolls eyes on bro-logic safety reqs in comments. Minimize exposure longer term and ventilate room; keep away from pregnant women. Always reference a MSDS, not the weirdos on interwebs donning full ppe for 5 seconds of exposure over 1 day.

[@ekrem06]

Wouw I'm new in resin printing.. After 3 years with fdm printing now it's time for resin.. I bough Anycubic mono x6k and your tips are amazing thank you very much.. Do you have any ney tips?

[@KRich408]

A lot of people say never touch the FEP screen with anything except a silicon spatula or similar because it's like a Teflon coating that can be damaged causing sticking, also the IPA on it is supposed to be bad Also? I'm not sure but this advice I have seen a lot of people agree with makes sense.

[@stanculescuionutandrei5386]

I would note that cleaning the FEP film and the vat like that it's extreme, wipe it gently with a microfiber cloth and use dish soap. Using IPA on FEP could make your next print stick too well to it and increase the forces it has to withstand.

[@jaredmoraitis8356]

I was wondering about this. I have started having issued with my FEP being too sticky, and this may be due to cleaning it with alcohol. Also, using paper towels on the FEP seems to leave behind a lot of micro-scratches which bugger-up the FEP.

[@michaelnardmann3208]

Thanks for the awesome tipps. I send you an email and left you a like. Greetings from Germany, Thomas.

[@Nerdtronic]

I'm not sure I got it. I'll check the spam folder. Thanks.

[@michaelnardmann3208]

@@Nerdtronic i sent it to the mail adress on your channel info.

[@professormox]

Great tips! Glad I watched this before starting, definitely gave me a better idea of what I'm going to be working with. thank you!

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DanaHowl]

Thank you so much for this video, it helped me out A LOT when I was first getting into resin printing. After doing it for a few months I just have a few questions that I was wondering if you know the answer to! When resin gets on the skin, we just wash it off, but what do you do when resin gets on your clothing? Just throw it away or cure it in the sun? Also, what do you do with your "consumables garbage" (gloves, paper towels etc. that are soaked in uncured resin) Do you throw those things in the trash, and schedule a pickup for hazardous waste? Thanks so much for all you do, I really appreciate all the info you provide!

[@Nerdtronic]

Thanks for watching. Those are some tricky questions actually. Ok if you get resin on your clothes - depends on how much. If it's a small spot honestly I would keep it from uv light and wash it with soap and water. Yes you shouldn't put resin down the drain. But it's not anthrax. If you get it on your hands you should wash them with soap and water in the sink. A little spot on a shirt - just wash it off. If it's a large spot you could wash it in a bucket of water, then leave the bucket out in the sun to cure, and then pour that out. If it's completely soaked because of some other accident, the skin contact is probably a bigger issue. But saturated clothing, cure it in the sun and then toss it. All the cured stuff. Yes it goes to the landfill. Toss it in the trash. It's not rated as hazardous waste once it's cured.

[@carlmayne3519]

Just found your channel and it's been really helpful so far. Have a few questions if you (or anyone else) can answer them. Paper towels etc - If i use a paper towel and IPA to wipe up some spilled resin or clean the plate, do i just throw the paper towel into the bin, or should i put it under some uv to cure it first? Or would the IPA on the paper towel fix, or cure the resin I've wiped up? - I've really not been able to find an answer to this question so far :D .. thanks!

[@xxxxzorroxxxx]

Is there any good flexible resin do you recommend

[@Nerdtronic]

I haven't tried that yet. I use Siyara Blu either alone or I add it to my other resin to add some strength and flex to it. But I'd like to try some rubber like resin.

[@alvaroramirez9485]

Hi, thank you for so valuable tips. Now my question: what can I do if I already contaminated my desk surface and the printer’s screen and cover? Also, I am very worried about the consequences if my kids or wife touch them. What could happen?

[@vaultfox]

"the problem with resin printers ... is the resin" IDK why that made me laugh so hard but it did ... thanks for the tips! I've been using liquid resin to coat my FDM printed props and helmets for cosplay and these tips are great for being safe with it with how I use it.

[@Nerdtronic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@geros9690]

Just about to start with resin 3d printing. coming form fdm printing, there were many things i searched to inform myself before doing my first resin print. This video helps a lot! thank you for all these tipps and guides!

[@destinationunknown6665]

So I've just found out that I may be allergic to Nitrile gloves, or the accellerant they use in the making process. My fingers all get puss/liquid filled bubbles under the skin which then rise to the top, the skin hardens and then cracks (super painful). What other gloves can I use?? thanks in advance

[@dodge1629]

Nice video! Just a question: What's the model / where can I find that printer you have ? It looks awesome! Thanks!

[@kansa1000]

Thank you for your video. I have my station set up just like yours. Question: you clean your FEP with a paper towel, doesn’t it scratch your FEP?

[@vitorvs]

How often do you have to clean the build plate, VAT and FEP? This looks very time consuming and the amount of IPA used is crazy, they are cheap but not that cheap.

[@womble321]

I'm confused, what mess? Try cleaning an old cylinder block. Great tips but hardly messy

[@EidolonSpecus]

VOCs are always bad for your health in the long run. Stuff like formaldehyde is also potently carcinogenic if the material you are using contains any. And any polymerizing agent, even in "eco resins", is necessarily a toxic substance otherwise it could not do its job. Treat it like you should treat any other industrial toxic waste. A proper fume hood, even a self-built one, is the ideal solution for this if possible.

[@ThinkableCreations]

Thank you so much for this!This video is going to be critical for starting my resin journey.

[@blank557]

Question: Isn't using a paper towel to clean the FEP rough on the screen? Shouldn't you use a microfiber cloth instead, to prevent scratching?

[@thesundaycarpenter2514]

Is a Mask Necessary? Seriously, I am asking this. I'm thinking of getting into this hobby so I want to know. Thanks.

[@zak9129]

You should remove your parts further away from your printer eh? I'd be scared of a small support piece inadvertently snapping off and landing in the tub of resin then getting a hole in the FEP/Film. Or close the printers' doors? Good vids thanks for sharing!