This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:22:20
In the video, Chris from 'It's Mead Maid' covers various methods for curing resin 3D prints, weighing the pros and cons of each to help viewers make informed decisions based on their needs and resources. He outlines three primary methods: using sunlight (thrifty approach), building a DIY UV curing station, and using professional curing stations.
Using sunlight is cost-effective but varies in efficiency due to weather conditions and the sun's variable UV intensity. Chris recommends using a solar-powered turntable for more even exposure. However, he notes that direct sunlight can make prints brittle if exposed for too long.
For a more controlled and consistent approach, Chris demonstrates how to build a DIY UV curing station using simple materials like a box, aluminum foil, and a UV light. This setup can effectively cure prints when used correctly, but caution is advised to avoid direct UV exposure to protect eyes.
Professional curing stations provide the highest efficiency and consistency. Chris discusses units like the Anycubic wash-and-cure station and the Elegoo Mercury X, praising their powerful UV lights, rotating bases for even curing, and ease of use. While these units are more expensive, they offer superior results and reliability compared to DIY methods.
Throughout the video, Chris highlights important considerations such as the curing time, the necessity of proper washing before curing, and safety measures to handle UV light. He ends by inviting viewers to share their own experiences with curing resin 3D prints. The overall theme underscores the balance between cost, convenience, and effectiveness in choosing a curing method.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Chris from ‘It’s Mead Maid’ explains three different methods for curing resin 3D prints: a Thrifty Way, a Professional Way, and a Natural Approach. He details the cost, effectiveness, and effort required for each method, empowering viewers to choose the best option for their needs. Chris first provides an overview of the UV curing process in resin 3D printers, explaining that UV light cures one thin layer of resin at a time. He emphasizes the importance of fully curing the prints after the initial partial curing done by the printer. Additionally, he cautions against curing prints while they are still wet and references a previous video for proper washing techniques.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the process of cleaning and curing 3D printed models. They emphasize that they clean their prints using the methods shown in a previous video. The model featured is from Nom Nom Figures, and a link to the model is provided in the video’s description.
The speaker introduces the first curing method, which is the most affordable: using sunlight. Sunlight contains UV light, which can cure 3D prints naturally. For improved efficiency, they recommend using a solar-powered turntable to ensure even exposure of all sides of the model to the sunlight. They highlight that this turntable is economical and can also operate with a battery if sunlight is insufficient.
The speaker acknowledges a drawback of using sunlight: curing times are variable because the sun’s UV content is only about three percent, which is weaker than artificial UV light sources. Therefore, curing takes longer, with the best times being between 10 AM and 4 PM, during peak daylight hours.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker explains the optimal conditions and methods for curing resin 3D prints. The best time for curing is between 10 AM and 4 PM in direct sunlight, which ensures full exposure to UV light. Even on cloudy days, curing is possible but may take longer. The speaker typically cures prints for about two hours on a turntable in direct sunlight, sometimes using reflective surfaces like white concrete to enhance light exposure. The prints are then flipped to cure the other sides for another two hours.
The speaker also mentions the difficulty in maintaining consistency due to variable weather conditions and the sun’s movement, advising to place prints where no shadows will interfere. For those seeking more control, the speaker suggests creating a UV curing station using a UV light and a solar-powered turntable, which can be purchased in kits from Amazon.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the creator demonstrates how to make a DIY UV curing station. They start by suggesting different UV light options and proceed with a step-by-step guide on constructing the curing station. Key materials needed are a box, aluminum foil, duct tape, and a box cutter. The creator explains the process of cutting and flattening the box, lining it with aluminum foil, and reassembling it. They make a hole on the top for the UV light, ensuring all edges are taped securely. After setting up the box, a turntable is placed inside with prints on it, and the UV light is positioned on top. When turned on, the UV light activates the solar-powered turntable to spin, curing the prints uniformly with the reflected UV light. An egg timer is used to keep track of curing time, usually set for about 10 minutes.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the effectiveness and safety of UV lights used for curing 3D prints. They emphasize that while commercial cure stations have more powerful UV lights that cure prints quickly, homemade cure stations can still be effective with some adjustments, such as using foil-lined boxes. Safety precautions are highlighted, including avoiding direct exposure to UV light to protect the eyes. The speaker also shares a creative idea seen from others who use mirrored tiles to enhance the UV curing process. Ultimately, the effectiveness, not the appearance, of the curing setup is what’s important, as long as the prints are adequately cured. The segment concludes with gratitude expressed to Patreon supporters.
00:15:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the professional method for curing 3D prints, specifically highlighting the advantages of using a cure station. Key points include the consistency provided by cure stations due to their ability to rotate and evenly distribute light, as well as the increased power of their lights compared to DIY boxes or sunlight. The speaker mentions two types of cure stations: Standalone and combo wash-and-cure units. They express a preference for Standalone units, citing a personal experience of accidentally hitting “cure” instead of “wash” on a combo unit, which led to issues with uncured resin in the alcohol. The speaker notes limitations with their current Anycubic wash-and-cure station, such as the small curing table size, but praises the recently received Elegoo Mercury X wash-and-cure station, indicating a favorable experience with it.
00:18:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the features and benefits of the Mercury X unit for curing 3D prints. They highlight the dual pillars of LED strips and an additional UV light strip at the bottom, which collectively cure all sides and bottom of prints without the need to flip them over. The speaker praises the unit’s ease of use, including its adjustable timer and simple cleaning process. They emphasize the consistency and quality of results from using professional wash and cure stations compared to DIY solutions or using sunlight, although DIY options like creating a UV box can be cost-effective.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the effects of different types of UV light on 3D prints, particularly how prolonged exposure to sunlight can make prints brittle due to UV resin breakdown. They emphasize that short-term exposure of a few hours is safe, but leaving prints out for days is not advisable. The speaker mentions their own experience curing 3D prints in the sun, acknowledging that while it’s a viable method, it lacks consistency due to varying weather conditions. They express curiosity about viewers’ methods for curing resin 3D prints and invite them to share their experiences in the comments.