← Resin (SLA) 3D Printing

Resin (SLA) 3D Printing Rules

Follow these guidelines to protect yourself, other members, and the resin printing equipment.

Booking & Access

  1. Complete general-use training or a safety checkoff with a Shop Lead or approved trainer before using the Resin Station.
  2. Book printer time for any print longer than six hours and post in #3d-printing so other members know the printer will be occupied.
  3. Do not book more than one resin printer at once without permission from a Board Member or Shop Lead.
  4. HackPGH clubs, classes, and projects take precedence over personal prints.

Safety & PPE

Printed Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for HackPGH’s resins are stored in the folder organizer on the side of the hood. Review the appropriate sheet before choosing and handling a resin.

Gloves & clothing

  • Wear nitrile gloves whenever you work in the Resin Station. Uncured resin can cause skin reactions, dermatitis, and chemical burns.
  • Extra-long nitrile gloves in multiple sizes are available in the station. More PPE is stored directly across from the printers.
  • Long sleeves, pants or a long skirt, closed-toe shoes, and a work apron are also recommended to protect skin and clothing.

Eye protection

  • Wear safety glasses whenever you work with resin.
  • OTG or wraparound goggles are recommended even for members who wear prescription glasses because resin can splash from the side.
  • If resin enters your eyes, use the green eyewash station in front of the hood or sink water to flush your eyes for a full 15 minutes, then call 911 or your doctor immediately.

Fumes, VOCs & ventilation

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases. A low-odor or plant-based resin can still cause eye and throat irritation, headaches, or dizziness even when you do not smell it.
  • Keep resin bottles capped and cover resin vats when they are not in use. Open bottles and vats release VOCs even when no printing or post-processing is underway.
  • Isopropyl alcohol used for cleaning can also cause reactions. Use the available protective equipment or choose a water-washable resin if appropriate.
  • The nearby PPE cabinet contains gloves, safety glasses, work aprons, face shields, organic-vapor masks, and respirators. Tell a Board Member or Shop Lead when supplies are running low.

Resin, Payment & Storage

HackPGH carries a variety of resins for members to learn, train, experiment, prototype, and build projects. Consult the station’s current resin inventory before starting.

Using HackPGH resin

  • Resin used for a club, class, HackPGH D&D, training session, or community project is free.
  • Payment is required for personal projects and prototypes.
  • Ask a Shop Lead or Board Member for current prices.
  • More expensive resins, including jewelry-castable and engineering resins, require approval before use.

Printer Use & Cleanup

Step 1

Before you print

  1. Use Lychee or ChiTuBox to orient, support, and slice your model. Check the printer notes for the preferred slicer and settings.
  2. If the vat contains the wrong resin, remove it from the printer and filter the resin through a funnel back into its labeled bottle. Clean the vat gently with isopropyl alcohol and soft paper towels; take special care with the clear FEP film.
  3. Make sure the vat is clean and dry and that the FEP film is undamaged. Gently mix the selected resin, install the vat, and fill only to the maximum line. Recap and store the bottle immediately.
  4. Send the print file wirelessly or use the printer’s USB drive.
  5. Confirm that the build platform is clean, dry, and secure; close the printer hood and fume hood; and write your name and estimated end time on the printer whiteboard.

Step 2

During printing

  • Check the print’s progress when possible, especially during its early layers.
  • If a print fails or separates from the build plate, stop the print immediately. Do not restart until you clean the vat and filter the resin; cured material may remain in the vat.

Step 3

Retrieve, wash & cure

  1. Wearing gloves and safety glasses, release the build plate and let excess resin drip into the vat. Set the plate on paper towels or the silicone mat.
  2. Remove the print with a plastic scraper first. Metal tools can damage the plate. If needed, carefully apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol around the print base.
  3. Choose the wash and cure equipment that fits the print. Check the cleaning-fluid level, do not overcrowd the basket, and follow the resin and equipment guidance for timing.
  4. Let an isopropyl-alcohol-washed print air-dry completely before curing. Keep uncured or wet prints in the designated work area and continue wearing PPE while handling them.

Step 4

Clean & store

  • Filter unused resin back into its bottle unless another print with the same resin will begin soon. If resin remains briefly, secure the printer hood and vat cover.
  • Clean the print bed thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and paper towels.
  • Remove stuck material from the FEP film only with a soft plastic tool or gloved finger, or use the printer’s tank-clean function. If the film is punctured or badly scratched, stop and contact a Shop Lead.
  • Clean resin from the glass below the vat carefully with a soft cloth and a small amount of approved cleaner. Never touch or spray the internal UV LEDs.
  • Wipe down scrapers, funnels, and other tools with isopropyl alcohol.

Waste disposal

  • Uncured liquid resin is hazardous. Put it in the UV trash bin—never pour it down a drain.
  • Put contaminated isopropyl alcohol in a clear water bottle, then place it in the UV trash bin. Never pour it down a drain.
  • Put contaminated gloves, paper towels, and other solid waste in the UV trash bin. Run the UV cycle for 15 minutes before moving the bag to regular trash.
  • Replace the bag with a transparent recycling trash bag.