Newbie questions about print layout (Photon Mono)

[timwatson]

It'd be best to check the Siraya Blu curing spreadsheet for your specific machine. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VzFjlrQhKc75iaN-Qf0vmsynhNVQGUKttrOVNdgelhw/edit#gid=0

For both strength and to get rid of the tackiness it's recommended to cure your item underwater with UV. It also speeds the cure time. Make sure to only cure after cleaning off all the alcohol or simply green (whatever you used to clean the resin). Here is my method basically: https://3dprinterly.com/curing-resin-prints-in-water-how-to-do-it-properly/#:~:text=The%20reason%20why%20you%20should,some%20forms%20of%20UV%20light.

Here is the strength difference. Start this video at 8:04 it's obnoxious audio up til then.

It's been awhile since I've bought Bu so I'm not sure if there is a new version. I tend to mix it with all the resins so it goes a long way but that amazon link is correct. Those 2 you linked would be a good mix to start with. I use Elegoo grey ABS like however.

Also this spreadsheet is your friend for curing times: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1crvzMnt_8NJXAsABinoIhcOjE8l3h7s0L82Zlh1vkL8/edit#gid=0

[GaryHinshaw]

Awesome.  Thank you!

[Chris333]

Do any of those setting work with a mono screen?

You notice pretty much all the resins have the same times. Like all brands of gray resin suggest about 12 second per layer.

[timwatson]

Do any of those setting work with a mono screen?

You notice pretty much all the resins have the same times. Like all brands of gray resin suggest about 12 second per layer.

Do you mean in the resin spreadsheet @Chris333 ? TBH I'm not sure how mono screens are affected by the resin cure times. In theory if more UV can pass through a mono screen then the cure times can be lowered. That's theory though, and the great thing about theory is everything works there.


The grey resins will be similar because the formulation and opacity are similar. Less opaque resins lower cure time (generally) unless you're using an engineering resin like Blu.

[Chris333]

If you have a mono sceen you probably have a stronger UV than the original Photon.

[timwatson]

If you have a mono sceen you probably have a stronger UV than the original Photon.

That's probably true, but you're still beholden to the cure time of the various resins. I always thought a mono screen would mean the LCD would last longer but most other things remain pretty standard.

[Chris333]

Even going from a Photon to a PhotonS gives you a bigger UV light source.

[SkipGear]

@timwatson The mono uses an array of 20+ UV LED's. The light is brighter, more intense and more even. Because of this cure times are roughly 4-6 times shorter. The shorter light on time is the main reason for screen life increases. The heat generated is much less and heat and UV on time are what damages the screen. Even when I was using my S, I started shortening layer times to save screen life. I found, once I learned how to print properly, I was getting down to 6-7 seconds a layer with good success.

Layer times on my X are 1.4 seconds with Anycubic clear resins.

[timwatson]

@timwatson The mono uses an array of 20+ UV LED's. The light is brighter, more intense and more even. Because of this cure times are roughly 4-6 times shorter. The shorter light on time is the main reason for screen life increases. The heat generated is much less and heat and UV on time are what damages the screen. Even when I was using my S, I started shortening layer times to save screen life. I found, once I learned how to print properly, I was getting down to 6-7 seconds a layer with good success.

Layer times on my X are 1.4 seconds with Anycubic clear resins.

Yup I forgot about the led array being bigger better faster.

Tony I'd be curious how long an engineering resin takes per layer, 1.4 seconds is impressive.

Edit: Actually reddit confirms you can get Siraya Clear v2 to really low cure times. Might be a time for an upgrade!
https://www.reddit.com/r/AnycubicPhoton/comments/jrtub9/siraya_blu_parameters_on_a_photon_mono/

[timwatson]

@GaryHinshaw those times I listed were for the first Photon yours will take much less time to cure the same resin as @Chris333 and @SkipGear point out.
It'll be fun to see what else you make.

[Chris333]

On the OG Photon with clear green resin I was using 8 seconds. When I switched to gray I still use 8 seconds. The chart says I should be using 12. So go figure.

[timwatson]

I'm over here trying to figure out how I can get an Anycubic Mono X with those amazing print times (or upgrade my OG Photon). 

[Chris333]

I'm  in no hurry, just want better prints.

[SkipGear]

Oddly enough, most of the time is in the lift and lower so even though on time is 4 times less, print time is only about half of what it takes on my S.

The shorter time seems to make things crisper and less soft looking, see the caboose floor picture posted earlier.

[reinhardtjh]

I'm over here trying to figure out how I can get an Anycubic Mono X with those amazing print times (or upgrade my OG Photon). 

Amazon works nicely.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JGH83VS

Currently $899 with a $100 off digital coupon.  If you're Prime then shipping is "free" and fast.  Otherwise Anycubic is having a New Year's sale ( for just under 3 more days) for $659 but they charge shipping and take longer.

https://www.anycubic.com/collections/sales/products/photon-mono-x-resin-printer