Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin User Manual

1. Introduction and Product Overview

The Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin is a 405nm LCD UV-Curing Standard Photopolymer Resin designed for creating highly detailed and precise 3D printed models. This resin is formulated to be ultra-low odor and ACMO-free, providing a safer and more pleasant printing experience. It is suitable for use with almost all third-party LCD and DLP 3D resin printers.

Figure 1.1: Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin bottle and a sample 3D print.

Key features of this resin include:

• ACMO-Free & Ultra Low Odor: Formulated with high quality, low volatility chemicals for enhanced safety and reduced odor during printing.
• High Performance: Designed for strong and stiff parts, with an Ultimate Tensile Strength of 52 MPa and a Notched Impact Strength of 25 J/m.
• Validated Print Settings: Optimized print settings (reliable and fast modes) are available for 7 popular LCD and DLP 3D printers, ensuring consistent results.
• Highly Detailed & Precise Parts: Achieves excellent resolution and intricate details with a smooth, super clear finish.
• Wide Compatibility & Beginner Friendly: Compatible with most third-party LCD and DLP 3D resin printers, offering ease of use for all skill levels.

2. Safety Information and Handling

Always prioritize safety when handling 3D printing resins. Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin is formulated to be ACMO-free, significantly reducing health hazards associated with some other resins. However, proper precautions are still necessary.

2.1. ACMO-Free Formulation

ACMO (4-Acryloylmorpholine) is a chemical often used in 3D printing resins to speed up print times, but it carries serious risks related to inhalation, skin, and eye contact. Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin is specifically formulated without ACMO, making it a safer choice for hobbyists and professionals.

Figure 2.1: Explanation of ACMO and its associated hazards.

Resins containing ACMO are typically required to display specific Health Hazard Statements (e.g., H373 - May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure) and pictograms for Corrosion and Health Hazard. By being ACMO-free, Creator Super Clear Resin avoids these specific hazards.

Figure 2.2: Hazard statement comparison for resins.

2.2. General Handling Precautions

Despite being ACMO-free, it is crucial to always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling liquid resin to prevent skin and eye contact. This includes:

• Gloves: Always wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile gloves) when handling liquid resin or uncured prints.
• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to resin fumes.
• Skin Protection: Avoid direct skin contact. If contact occurs, wash immediately with soap and water.
• Disposal: Dispose of uncured resin and contaminated materials according to local regulations. Never pour liquid resin down drains.

Figure 2.3: Always wear gloves when handling resin.

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety information. The SDS for Creator Super Clear Resin is readily available from Formlabs.

Figure 2.4: Safety Data Sheet comparison.

3. Setup and Preparation

Before beginning your 3D printing project, ensure your printer is properly set up and the resin is ready for use.

3.1. Printer Compatibility

Formlabs Creator Super Clear Resin is designed for broad compatibility with most third-party LCD and DLP 3D resin printers. It is not supported on Formlabs resin printers.

Figure 3.1: Compatible with non-Formlabs LCD & DLP 3D printers.

3.2. Validated Print Settings

Formlabs provides validated print settings to help you achieve optimal results with Creator Super Clear Resin. These settings are developed by Formlabs Materials Scientists and tested on various popular printers.

• Two optimized setting types are available per printer: Fast Setting and Reliable Setting.
• Settings are free to download and easy to access from the Creator Series website (creator.formlabs.com).
• The settings are also integrated into Lychee Slicer and available through Chitubox Resin Material Alliance.

Figure 3.2: Example of a highly detailed print using validated settings.

Figure 3.3: Accessing validated print settings.

3.3. Resin Preparation

Before pouring, gently shake the resin bottle for 1-2 minutes to ensure the resin is well-mixed. Avoid vigorous shaking to prevent excessive air bubbles. Pour the desired amount of resin into your printer's resin tank, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum fill line.

4. Operating Instructions (Printing Process)

Once your printer is set up and resin is loaded, you can begin the printing process.

1. Prepare Your Model: Import your 3D model into your preferred slicing software (e.g., Chitubox, Lychee Slicer).
2. Apply Validated Settings: Select the appropriate validated print settings for Creator Super Clear Resin and your specific printer model. Choose between "Reliable" for maximum success rate or "Fast" for quicker prints.
3. Add Supports: Generate necessary support structures for your model within the slicing software.
4. Slice and Export: Slice your model and export the print file (e.g., .cbddlp, .pwmo) to your 3D printer via USB or network.
5. Start Printing: Initiate the print job on your 3D printer. Monitor the first few layers to ensure proper adhesion and print initiation.

Figure 4.1: Example of a highly detailed print.

5. Post-Processing

After printing, proper post-processing is essential to achieve the final properties and appearance of your clear resin prints.

1. Download Validated Print Settings: Ensure you have the correct settings for your printer and resin.
2. Wash: Wash the printed part in Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) or Formlabs Resin Washing Solution for approximately 10 minutes to remove uncured resin.
3. Dry: Air dry the part or use compressed air to ensure it is completely dry before post-curing.
4. Post-Cure: Post-cure the part for 10 minutes using a UV curing station to achieve a tack-free surface and optimal mechanical properties.

Figure 5.1: Validated Post-Processing Steps.

5.1. Achieving Desired Clarity and Color

Creator Super Clear Resin offers versatility in achieving different finishes and colors:

• Customizable Clarity: You can achieve various levels of clarity, from raw (straight from print) to clear coat or polished finishes for maximum transparency.
• Customizable Colors: Easily color parts by adding dye to the liquid resin before printing, or by dyeing printed parts in an alcohol bath after post-processing.

Figure 5.2: Customizable Clarity options.

Figure 5.3: Customizable Colors with resin dyes.

6. Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your resin and printer components ensures consistent print quality and extends the lifespan of your equipment.

• Resin Tank Cleaning: Regularly inspect your resin tank for cured resin bits or debris. Use a soft, non-abrasive tool to gently remove any cured material.
• Resin Storage: Store unused resin in its original opaque bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and UV light. Ensure the cap is tightly sealed.
• Printer Cleaning: Follow your 3D printer manufacturer's guidelines for routine cleaning and maintenance of the build plate, FEP film, and other components.
• Disposal of Used Resin: Uncured liquid resin should be disposed of as chemical waste according to local environmental regulations. Do not pour it down drains. Cured resin can typically be disposed of as regular plastic waste.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during printing, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Print Failures/Poor Adhesion:
  • Ensure the build plate is clean and properly leveled.
  • Verify that the resin tank's FEP film is clean and free of damage.
  • Check that the resin temperature is within the recommended range (typically 20-25°C).
  • Confirm you are using the correct validated print settings for your printer and resin.
  • Increase bottom exposure time or add more support structures if prints are detaching.
• Cloudy or Opaque Prints:
  • Ensure thorough washing of the print to remove all uncured resin.
  • Ensure the print is completely dry before post-curing.
  • Verify your post-curing setup is functioning correctly and providing adequate UV exposure.
  • For maximum clarity, consider applying a clear coat or polishing the print after post-curing.
• Resin Curing in Bottle/Tank:
  • Store resin in its opaque bottle away from light.
  • Keep the resin tank covered when not in use to prevent ambient UV light exposure.
  • Ensure your printer's UV light source is not leaking or accidentally activating.

For further assistance, refer to the Formlabs Creator Series website or your 3D printer's specific troubleshooting guide.

8. Specifications

Figure 8.1: Performance comparison of Creator Super Clear Resin.

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, returns, or technical support, please contact Formlabs directly through their official website or the seller on Amazon. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Manufacturer: Formlabs

Website: creator.formlabs.com (for Creator Series specific information and settings)

Amazon Store: Formlabs Amazon Store