Resin Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Title: Resin 3D Printing Process

Revision: 1.0

Prepared by: Jeffrey Drake

Date: 2025-12-01

1. Purpose

This SOP outlines the safe and consistent process for producing parts using a resin-based (SLA/DLP/MSLA) 3D printer. It includes setup, printing, two-stage washing, UV curing, and resin recovery for reuse.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all personnel using resin 3D printers within the workshop or lab environment. It covers all standard photopolymer resins used in hobbyist or professional desktop resin printers.

3. Responsibilities

Members: Follow this SOP during every print cycle.

Supervisors: Ensure equipment maintenance, material safety data sheets (MSDS) availability, and PPE compliance. Perform regular cleaning and calibration of the printer and curing stations.

4. Required Equipment & Materials

• Resin 3D printer (SLA, DLP, or MSLA type)
• Two-stage wash stations (e.g., dual IPA or cleaning solution baths)
• UV curing station (enclosed and shielded from ambient light)
• Resin bottles and funnels with nylon mesh filters
• Resin vat and build plate
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Respirator (optional, recommended in low-ventilation environments)
  • Safety glasses or face shield
  • Lab coat or apron

5. Safety Precautions

1. Handle uncured resin with gloves at all times.
2. Avoid inhalation of vapours.
3. Keep resin containers tightly sealed and out of direct sunlight.
4. Dispose of resin-contaminated materials (paper towels, gloves) according to local hazardous waste regulations.
5. Never pour resin or IPA down the drain.

6. First Aid Measures

Contact	Directions
Inhalation	Remove casualty to fresh air and keep warm and at rest. Give oxygen or artificial respiration if necessary. In case of doubt or persistent symptoms, always consult a physician.
Skin Contact	Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Gently wash with plenty of soap and water. In case of doubt or persistent symptoms, always consult a physician.
Eye Contact	Rinse immediately carefully and thoroughly with eye-bath or water. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. In case of doubt or persistent symptoms, always consult a physician.
Ingestion	Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical advice/attention.

7. Procedure

6.1. Pre-Print Setup

1. Above all, keep the resin to the resin area. Never allow it to drip on the floor, only surfaces that are designed to be cleaned.
2. Inspect the printer’s resin vat and build plate for cleanliness and damage.
3. Shake the resin bottle gently to ensure even pigment distribution.
4. Avoid contact with the bottom of the vat with resin contaminated gloves.
5. Move the vat to a clean silicone mat.
6. Pour resin into the vat up to the manufacturer’s recommended fill level.
7. Verify no resin is leaking out.
8. Verify printer settings, layer height, and exposure times in the slicing software.
9. Start the print and monitor the first few layers for adhesion.

6.2. Post-Print Removal

1. After printing completes, raise the build plate.
2. Allow excess resin to drip back into the vat for a few minutes.
3. Detach the build plate, and use the orange squeegee to get as much resin off the build plate back into the vat.
4. Transfer the build plate to the silicone baking dish to the work area.
5. Use the metal scraper to carefully detach the print from the build plate.

6.3. Two-Stage Washing Process

Stage 1 – Gross Wash:

1. Submerge the print in the first wash station (containing used IPA).
2. Agitate gently or use the wash station’s built-in agitation cycle for 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove and allow excess liquid to drip off.

Stage 2 – Final Rinse:

1. Submerge the print in the second wash station (with fresh IPA).
2. Agitate again for 1–2 minutes to remove any remaining uncured resin.
3. Remove and place the part on a clean, absorbent surface to air-dry for 5–10 minutes.

6.4. UV Curing

1. Place the cleaned print in the UV curing station.
2. Cure for the manufacturer’s recommended duration (typically 5–15 minutes, depending on part size and resin type).
3. Rotate or reposition the part halfway through if needed for even exposure.
4. Allow the part to cool before handling.

6.5. Resin Recovery & Storage

1. After the print is complete and the vat is no longer needed:
2. Place the resin bottle in the holder to prevent spills.
3. Insert a funnel with a fine mesh or paper filter into the bottle opening.
4. Carefully pour unused resin from the vat through the filter into the bottle.
5. This removes cured particles or debris.
6. Wipe the vat clean with lint-free paper towels or soft cloth.
7. Store resin bottles sealed and upright, away from UV light and heat sources.

6.6. Cleanup

1. Wipe down all work surfaces with paper towels moistened with IPA.
2. Place filter into silicone baking tray and cure with the portable UV light, cover with UV curation station cover.
3. Wash hands thoroughly after glove removal.

7. Maintenance

1. Replace IPA or cleaning fluid in wash stations when visibly cloudy or after several uses.
2. Clean the curing station window periodically for optimal UV transmission.
3. Re-level the build plate as needed.
4. Perform routine firmware or software updates for printer reliability.

8. Records

1. Maintain a print log including:
   1. Print date and operator
   2. Resin type and batch number\
   3. Wash/IPA replacement schedule
   4. Notable print issues or defects

9. References (WIP)

1. Resin manufacturer’s technical and safety data sheets (SDS)
2. Printer and curing station manuals
3. Local hazardous material handling regulations