I think I know the answer but

[Jesse6669]

So my builds are starting to get the horizontal lines where the print is a micron or two off.  I'm still using the original FEP that came with the printer, and I've done scores of prints.  I do have NFEP material on hand and just wanted to confirm that it's a good likelyhood that the old FEP is sticking to the print a bit, causing the lines.  Meantime I'm printing some track-laying tools where a line isn't a big deal.  EDIT:  Has anyone tried ACF film?

[Chris333]

Easy to change the FEP. I have been using nFEP. I tired ACF and it works and is very flexible, but it will leave a very slight texture on prints (plus it costs more).

[robert3985]

I also use NFEP, but from what I've read, watched and heard, ACF's advantages (faster printing times) isn't worth it because of the "slight" texture it leaves...which isn't very "slight" in N-scale.

NFEP also can give faster print times over plain ol' FEP, but, even though I'm mass-producing detail parts at this time, print speed is the least of my concerns. I just finished some cab vents for E8/E9's and off of one build plate, I got 2450 parts in 50 minutes.  If I were using FEP and that time was slightly longer, the time-per-part is so low it isn't worth worrying about, and the same goes for using ACF instead of NFEP.

Personally, I'm completely happy with NFEP.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[AlwaysSolutions]

If you are printing multiple items of differing geometries in the same batch, try a print with just one object to see if the pull forces on the other objects are causing variations in neighboring objects.  When I absolutely require line free clean prints I only print same objects in a batch.  Just another angle that it may not be the FEP.

Cheers -Mike

[JeffB]

Yeah...  nFEP all the way.  I have dozens of prints on the current nFEP in my vat and don't have much in the way of cloudiness, or any other marring of the film.

I also think it performs a lot better than the standard FEP.  I've printed some very fine and very small details (plumbing fittings for brake gear for S scale) that print amazingly well.

The advice that Robert and AlwaysSolutions give is good too.

Jeff

[GGNInNScale]

I try to move my prints around the FEP plate- at the time I set the final build file and any support structure(s).  Kind of "distributing the wear" on the FEP.  I try to use a minimal amount of base layer, or no support, if possible.  I also try to batch similar or same parts.  I do check the FEP status in the main printer display.  It does not necessarily show how worn the FEP really  is, but at least you can see the number of layers printed to provide an indication.  I have used three FEP sheets in 2+ years of printing, using about a gallon and a half of resin.  I have run well over 100,000 layers (I forgot to check on one plate, so this is an underestimate).  I did hole one plate (dumb move) and made a mess, but recovered with a lot of paper towels and fast wiping!