If you use a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer, it’s essential to know how to post-cure your 3D prints. Post-curing enables parts to reach the highest possible strength and become more stable. This step is especially important for Functional Resins. For example, post-curing is required for a successful burnout with Castable prints, and Flexible Resin doubles its strength with post-curing.
Download our post-curing guide to learn more about how post-curing affects each Formlabs resin, and visit our support site to see up-to-date settings recommendations for Form Cure.
Post-Cure Hardware
Many methods for post-curing exist, from curing simply with light (natural sunlight, UV nail salons, DIY cure boxes, etc.) to using both light and heat.
Learn how to make your own cure box for under $30 in this tutorial.
For small prints, a low-cost UV nail salon is an effective post-curing tool. To maximize mechanical properties, consider building or purchasing an enclosure around a powerful 405 nm UV light, such as Formlabs' Form Cure.
Recommended Time and Energy
The proper light, heat, and time will optimize your prints' mechanical properties. Post-cure time depends on your equipment, resin choice, and part geometry.
Visit our support site to see up-to-date settings recommendations for Form Cure.
An ideal post-cure setting achieves the properties you need in the shortest amount of time. For Standard Resins (White, Grey, Black, and Clear), this amount may be none at all, or a short 15 minute post-cure. Where strength, rigidity, and temperature resistance are needed, Formlabs Engineering Resins improve with post-cure up to 60 minutes. Biocompatible
materials require specific post-curing procedures to qualify as safe in their application.
Start Improving Your Prints With Post-Curing.
Use Formlabs Post-Curing Guide to understand how post-curing affects the key properties of each Formlabs material, and determine the optimum post-curing plan for your application. Download the guide to learn:
- How post-curing affects the key properties of each Formlabs material
- Optimum post-curing recommendations for material-specific applications
- Strategies for avoiding common post-curing issues
