Using the Form Cure |
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5.2.3
Collect Prints
When the cure cycle completes, the LEDs and heater will turn off. Lift the cover and remove
parts. Use caution; the metal turntable may be hot.
5.2.4
Part Finishing
Once parts are post-cured, use the flush cutters that come in your Finish Kit or Form
Wash to carefully cut the supports attached to the part(s). Supports can also be removed
before post-curing, but parts may warp under exposure to light and heat without
structural support.
Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from dislodged fragments of supports.
In addition to removing supports, use sanding, polishing, priming, or painting to improve
presentation, or use other equipment to create molds from printed parts.
5.3
Considerations for Specific Geometries
Consider the specific geometry of each part when starting the post-cure cycle. Modify the post-cure
process for parts that are large or long, have dense support structures, or have thick or thin features.
5.3.1
Remove Dense Supports
Some parts require more dense or thicker support structures. These can inadvertently block
light from reaching some part surfaces during post-curing. The Form Cure helps ensure even
post-curing by rotating the part during the cure cycle and exposing the part to light from all
directions, including underneath the turntable. Remove some supports, only as needed, to
ensure that light can easily reach all part surfaces. Leave some supports in place whenever
possible to prevent features from warping during post-curing.
5.3.2
Plan for Large or Long Parts
The Form Cure turntable has a diameter of 19.3 cm (7.6 in), and the maximum part height that
can be post-cured in the Form Cure is 18.5 cm (7.3 in). Most parts should be post-cured before
removing support structures to preserve their shape and prevent warping. While some parts
may fit on the turntable more easily without supports, long or tall prints may require special
arrangements to stand on the turntable without support. Consider the part dimensions when
designing the support structures or planning the post-cure steps.
5.3.3
Add Time for Thick Parts
Large or thick parts may require a longer post-curing time or higher temperatures because the
part takes longer to heat. Light alone cannot post-cure beyond the surface of the part, which
is one advantage of the Form Cure heating functionality. When post-curing thick geometries,
warm the part before post-curing and allow extra time for the Form Cure to preheat to the
target temperature before starting the post-cure lights and timer.
5.3.4
Add Supports for Thin Features
Warping during post-curing may occur if a part is especially thin, inadequately supported, or unevenly
exposed to light. The Form Cure helps prevent warping by rotating the part during the cure cycle and
by exposing the part to light from all directions, including underneath the turntable. Use support settings
or manual editing to design sufficient supports so that thin features do not warp during post-curing.
In the case of a thin, flat, sheet-like object, placing the part directly on the turntable may offer
the best support during post-curing.
CAUTION
