Replacing FEP film?

[ednadolski]

Any advice on what to keep in mind while attempting this?   I've not ever tried doing it before, so hoping to learn a thing or two before I give it a try.

TIA,
Ed

[John]

Any advice on what to keep in mind while attempting this?   I've not ever tried doing it before, so hoping to learn a thing or two before I give it a try.

TIA,
Ed

It's not too difficult -- but do make sure you wear gloves and cover your work surface with paper or something you can throw away .. this video below is a good summry

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Also, make sure you get the correct thickness of FEP .. usually the manufactures will sell FEP, but you can get less expenisve on Amazon ..

There is also the issue of tuning -- you want the FEP  -- you want to have the FEP be tight enough to sound like a drum .. it will make a sound at a specific frequency (usually around 300hz ... don't stress to much on this ..

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[Lemosteam]

First time I had to do this I was terrified.  After the first time, its no big deal.  Consider purchasing a second vat that is ready to go so you can still print while you are replacing the other vat's FEP.

Some tips:

Search for a video for replacing the FEP on YOUR MACHINE.  Follow it if you find one- likely out there. Some suggest having a bottle cap in the center when sandwiching the FEP in the FEP frame (my mono-x needed this)

Go to your local Hardware with the fastener bins and buy some replacement screws, just in case one goes into never land, and they are most certainly metric threads.

Buy a set of ball type allen drivers- using a 90 degree allen wrench is a recipe for putting a hole in the new FEP.  Wiha makes a nice set if you don't already have one:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wiha-Precision-Ball-End-Hex-Screwdriver-Set-Inch-8-Piece-26490/337978127?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOooDbSIMLu9CBfYmK-PdlvIUs1Q_zH2W7To2KqrwYhad027nQK-MC8o

When you remove the old FEP, clean all the frames well.

When you tighten the screws, tighten halfway while using the same logic a tightening wheel lug nuts, i.e. opposite, back and forth.  I always start in the center of the long sides, then move to the center of the short side, then the corners then toward the centers, repeat the sequence again for the final tightening.

After tightening you have to trim the excess FEP away.  Go slow and use a sharp knife.  I slipped and had to redo it several times.

ALWAYS re-level the build plate after replacing the FEP, even when switching vats.  I re-level the build plate right on the FEP now, this way thickness does not matter. After all, the build plate contacts the FEP on the first layer anyway.

These are my observations, and good luck!

[Chris333]

Tuning? I always tighten the screws till they bottom out.

[cgw277]

There's a lot of good information  in the replies to this question. I especially like Lemosteam"s advice about using ball type allen drivers instead of 90 degree allen wrench.   The first time I changed mine I had no idea I was going to remove so many screws, (approx 50?).   I don't want to repeat the process with an allen wrench next time.

Derek at Lychee has many informative videos on 3 D printing. I recommend his video "Change your FEP with a spacer". Easy method to get the correct tension on the FEP.

/>Scot

[GGNInNScale]

I "tune" the film so the ringing is about the same between the screws on my AnyCubic Mono2.  Also, I move the prints around the printing surface so the FEP surface lasts much longer than the cycle counter in the printer.

[John]

I "tune" the film so the ringing is about the same between the screws on my AnyCubic Mono2.  Also, I move the prints around the printing surface so the FEP surface lasts much longer than the cycle counter in the printer.

There is a cycle counter on the printer?    I need to RTFM


Ahh. Here is the answer In summary:
Most Anycubic Mono models: No cycle counter available through the printer interface or standard firmware.
Newer, high-end models (e.g., M5s Pro): May have a smart monitoring function that tracks cumulative use and suggests maintenance.

[GGNInNScale]

My Mono2 is a couple years old.  Go to TOOLS, then STATUS.  The display will show the layer (cycle) count.  Mine is at 16742 since the last FEP replacement.  Remember to tell the machine when you change FEP sheets so it resets the counter.