Resin 3D printing has become increasingly popular thanks to its ability to produce high-resolution models with incredible detail. If you’ve recently or about to buy a resin 3D printer, you might be wondering: can you leave a resin 3D printer on overnight to complete long prints?
The short answer: Yes, you can, but with precautions. Let’s dive deeper.
Resin Printing and Long Print Times
Unlike FDM printers, resin printers work by curing thin layers of liquid resin using UV light. Depending on the size and complexity of your model, a print can take several hours or even more than a full day. Naturally, many users want to start a job in the evening and wake up to a finished part.
Leaving your resin printer running overnight is common practice in the community, but it comes with considerations regarding safety, success rate, and maintenance.
Safety Considerations
When asking can you leave a resin 3d printer on overnight, the biggest concern is safety.
- Resin Fumes: Liquid resin gives off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Ensure your printer is placed in a well-ventilated room or inside an enclosure with carbon filters.
- Electrical Safety: Like any electronic device, a resin printer should be plugged into a safe, surge-protected outlet. Avoid overloading power boards.
- Spills & Leaks: If a print fails during the night, the build plate may continue to rise, dripping resin into the vat or surrounding area. Make sure your machine is on a stable surface with protection underneath.
Practical Tips for Overnight Printing
If you want to leave your resin 3D printer on overnight, follow these best practices:
- Level Your Build Plate: Proper levelling reduces the risk of failed prints.
- Check Resin Levels: Make sure there’s enough resin in the vat to finish the job. Running dry can damage your LCD screen.
- Resin Temperature: Depending on the season in your area keeping your resin at the right temperature over night when it gets cold is important. The use of a room heater, VAT heater band or using a 3d printer that has a inbuilt heater.
- Run a Test Print First: Don’t risk a large overnight job until you know your exposure settings are dialled in.
- Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Prevents failed prints if there’s a brief power outage while you sleep.
- Enable Timelapse/Remote Monitoring: Some printers or third-party accessories allow remote checking, so you can see progress without being in the room.
Should You Do It?
So, can you leave a resin 3d printer on overnight? Yes, many hobbyists and professionals successfully run long prints overnight, provided their setup is safe and reliable.
If you’re concerned about fumes, equipment safety, or failed prints, consider starting your jobs earlier in the day so you can monitor them. But if you follow the precautions above, running overnight prints can be a safe and efficient way to maximize your printing workflow.
Summary
Resin 3D printing is all about balancing convenience with safety. By preparing your setup properly, you can confidently leave your resin printer running overnight and wake up to a fully finished model saving you valuable time for your next project.