Finally switched to DLP.

[bbussey]

Btw, I used Microsoft Copilot to fine tune the D2 settings, and now I’m getting virtually no visible stepping or layer lines, and no distortion. But it takes nearly twice as long to print. I picked up 2 additional used D2 printers recently, which lessens the extra time element.







The AnyCubic D2 and Elegoo Mars 4 DLP remain difficult to procure, but they are becoming expendable to many modelers who favor the larger build plate capability of the newer SLA printers. I prefer the better print quality.

[bbussey]

   What resin are you using, John????

He’s using AnyCubic Craftsman DLP.

[rodsup9000]

@rodsup9000 :

The CAB roof corners failed on this print due to support issues on my part.  That is corrected now.

https://store.anycubic.com/products/dlp-craftsman-resin?_sasdk=dMTljNmIzMmRhMDU4NDctMDJiYmJiYmJiYmJiYmJjLTI2MDYxZDUxLTEzMjcxMDQtMTljNmIzMmRhMDYxOWM0

0.03mm layers

 Thank You Sir.

[Chris333]

I notice with the craftman resin if you let it sit there will be a white layer that settles. Gotta mix it a little bit more than regular resin.

[reinhardtjh]

The AnyCubic D2 and Elegoo Mars 4 DLP remain difficult to procure, but they are becoming expendable to many modelers who favor the larger build plate capability of the newer SLA printers. I prefer the better print quality.

Elegoo is apparently getting up another run of the Mars 4 DLP. Looks like the list price will be $270 and a pre-order price is currently $229. ETA is March 31, 2026.  I wonder if it will be an exact copy or any improvements will be made.

https://us.elegoo.com/products/elegoo-mars-4-dlp-resin-3d-printer?utm_source=officiallisting&utm_medium=referral&utm_id=usstore

Surprisingly, there is one in stock at Amazon.  Previously it was "out of stock and we don't know when or if there will be any more"

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKKL2S8K

[Lemosteam]

I notice with the craftman resin if you let it sit there will be a white layer that settles. Gotta mix it a little bit more than regular resin.

Agreed, a swish inside the vat with a rubber edge squeegee reveals that, then I just shish it some more.  I have let a fat go for two months, and then a swish and its printing all over again.

[reinhardtjh]

I picked up 2 additional used D2 printers recently, which lessens the extra time element.

@bbussey   May I ask where you are finding used printers?  I check Ebay on occasion and don't usually see anything.  Maybe it's just poor timing.

[bbussey]

@bbussey   May I ask where you are finding used printers?  I check Ebay on occasion and don't usually see anything.  Maybe it's just poor timing.

I found the first one on Facebook Marketplace that was pickup only and happened to be only 15 miles from my house.  I found the second one on eBay.  Both used but they were in near-mint condition and they work flawlessly.  I just missed another pair that were listed on Marketplace and in AZ before I secured the second one.  My suggestion is to set up watch triggers everywhere possible - eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Reddit, Craigs List, Discord, etcetera - and then move quickly when you get an alert.  Or, check all the sites daily.  I had been trying to secure new ones for months, as there are some scalpers in China sitting on a few dozen.  But then I started looking for used machines, found the first within a week or two and the second a couple of weeks after that.  Some modelers deem them expendable after they move to newer equipment with larger build plates.  For me, they are able to print 95% of what I need in N scale.

[reinhardtjh]

set up watch triggers everywhere possible - eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Reddit, Craigs List, Discord, etcetera - and then move quickly when you get an alert. 

Okay, that makes sense.  I've just been looking on Ebay occasionally so it seems that's not nearly adequate.   

Thanks Bryan!

[JeffB]

Agreed, a swish inside the vat with a rubber edge squeegee reveals that, then I just shish it some more.  I have let a fat go for two months, and then a swish and its printing all over again.

I think the settling out of solids is pretty standard for most resins...  I stir the resin in the vat with a plastic scraper, then clean/mix in the solids stuck in the corners of the vat with a soft nylon brush.

I've had no problems letting resin sit in the vat for months, then following this procedure.  It also helps to warm the resin while doing this, I use a heat gun on low setting, stirring while applying heat.

To be on the safe side, I wear a respirator with VOC filters and run my shop exhaust fan during the process.

Jeff