Welcome to our comprehensive guide designed to help you achieve excellent results when printing our fantasy models. Below you’ll find detailed recommendations suitable for different types of 3D printers.

Recommended Print Settings

FDM (Filament) Printers

• Layer Height: For high detail, use 0.1mm; standard quality, use 0.2mm; draft or faster prints, use 0.3mm.

• Infill: Small figures (under 10cm) usually require 10–20% infill. Larger models or structural components may benefit from 30–50% infill.

• Print Speed: Standard print speeds of 40–60 mm/s typically balance quality and efficiency well.

• Temperature: Follow filament manufacturer's recommended range, typically 190°C–210°C for PLA and 230°C–250°C for ABS.

• Bed Temperature: Approximately 50–70°C for PLA, 90–110°C for ABS.

Resin (SLA/DLP) Printers

• Layer Height: Optimal quality is generally achieved at 0.025–0.05mm.

• Exposure Times: Calibrate based on resin type and printer model; usually 5–10 seconds per layer.

• Supports: Automatic supports with manual adjustments recommended, medium-to-heavy supports for heavier or complex structures.

Recommended Materials

Filament

• PLA (Polylactic Acid): Ideal for beginners, biodegradable, great detail, and easy to print.

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA but prone to warping, requiring a heated bed and enclosed printing environment.

• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Durable, flexible, and easy to print with good strength and heat resistance, suitable for functional parts.

Resin

• Standard Resin: Offers detailed prints and smooth surfaces, perfect for figurines and miniatures.

• Flexible Resin: Provides elasticity for prints requiring bending or impact resistance.

• Tough Resin: Durable and suitable for functional prints that must withstand moderate stress.

Support and Post-Processing

FDM Printing

• Supports: Generate supports for angles exceeding 45°; tree supports often yield cleaner finishes.

• Support Removal: Use flush cutters and hobby knives carefully, heating the model slightly can ease removal.

• Sanding and Finishing: Start sanding with lower grit (200–400) for rough areas, then progress to higher grits (600–1200) for a smooth finish. Primer coat recommended before painting.

Resin Printing

• Supports: Manual adjustment after automatic generation for optimal print results.

• Cleaning: Wash models thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for approximately 5–10 minutes, using ultrasonic cleaners or dedicated wash stations.

• Curing: Use UV curing stations or natural sunlight for 5–15 minutes depending on resin type.

• Sanding and Painting: Minimal sanding typically required; however, fine sanding and primer enhance paint adhesion.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

FDM Printers

• Warping: Ensure heated bed and enclosure are used for ABS; adhesion aids such as glue stick, painter’s tape, or 3D printing adhesion products recommended.

• Poor Bed Adhesion: Regularly level print bed; use adhesives and maintain a clean print surface.

• Layer Shifts: Tighten belts and reduce print speed; check printer stability.

Resin Printers

• Failed Prints or Detachment: Adjust support density and placement; ensure optimal exposure settings.

• Overexposure or Underexposure: Calibrate exposure settings carefully; follow resin manufacturer guidelines closely.

• Sticky Surface: Ensure adequate IPA wash and UV cure time; avoid touching uncured resin with bare hands.

Additional Tips

• Printer Maintenance: Regularly clean nozzles, bed surfaces, and resin vats. Lubricate moving parts to ensure consistent print quality.

• Safety: Always work in a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and goggles when handling resins or solvents, and dispose of waste materials responsibly.

We hope these tips help you create amazing 3D prints. Happy printing!