One of the biggest secrets to successful resin 3D printing is this: Use the correct exposure time.
Get it wrong, and you may see failed prints, brittle parts, or fine details that simply vanish. Get it right, and you unlock the full potential of your printer and resin, with crisp details, strong parts and reliable results and parts to be proud of.
That’s why we recommend using the Phrozen Exposure Test Model (XP Finder). This simple, quick-to-print model is the easiest way to dial in the perfect exposure settings for any resin, on any LCD/MSLA resin 3D printer whether it’s Phrozen or another brand.
Here’s an in-depth guide to help you use the XP Finder to get your printer and resin working in harmony.
Why Does Exposure Time Matter So Much?
Every resin and every printer is a little different. UV light intensity, screen resolution, resin colour, and even temperature can all affect how long it takes for your resin to cure properly.
- Too little exposure: layers don’t fully cure, parts feel fragile, details may not print, and prints can delaminate.
- Too much exposure: fine details blur or disappear, parts may warp, and supports can fuse to the model.
Finding the perfect balance is key and that’s where the XP Finder comes in, but don’t worry it’s an easy thing to do.
What Makes the XP Finder Special?
The XP Finder isn’t just another calibration cube. It’s been carefully designed to include multiple elements that test how your settings affect print quality:
✅ Sharp, tall cones: These test whether your printer can resolve fine points without fusing them.
✅ Crosshatch patterns & holes: These check dimensional accuracy, wall thickness, and overhang quality.
✅ Hollow structures & thin walls: These reveal whether inner details cure properly without collapsing or over-curing.
The model prints quickly (about 15–20 minutes) and doesn’t use much resin, making it efficient to test multiple settings.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the XP Finder
Follow these steps to dial in your resin and printer:
1️ Download the Model
You can grab the XP Finder file directly from our website here.
2️ Slice It
Import the file into your slicer software. Use your usual settings, layer height, lift speeds, etc, but set the initial exposure time based on your resin’s datasheet or what’s worked before with similar resins.
3️ Print the Model
Run the print on your printer, then inspect it closely when done.
4️ Analyse the Results
Look at each feature of the XP Finder:
- Do the cones come to sharp, separate points?
- Are the crosshatch patterns clean, with clear gaps between lines?
- Are hollow sections and thin walls intact and well-formed?
If details are merged or “blobby,” your exposure is likely too high. If details are faint, incomplete, or fragile, your exposure is likely too low. Checkout the example photos below from the Phrozen website of the different results so you can easily compare yours.
5️ Adjust and Repeat
Adjust your exposure time slightly (about 0.1 or 0.2 seconds at a time), and print again.
- If you reduced exposure and details improved, you may still have room to go lower.
- If reducing exposure causes details to weaken or fail, you’ve gone too low, increase it slightly.
Within 2–3 iterations, you should have clean, detailed, reliable results.
Pro Tips for Best Results
✔️ Always shake or stir your resin before testing, pigment can settle over time.
✔️ Perform the test in your typical printing environment, since temperature & humidity can affect curing.
✔️ Record your settings for each resin and printer combo so you can re-use them later. Saving different resin profiles in your slicer is the best way.
✔️ Use a magnifying glass or good lighting to inspect fine details when judging results.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this test with non-Phrozen printers?
Absolutely. The XP Finder works with any LCD/MSLA printer, regardless of brand.
Q: Should I also adjust bottom layer exposures?
The XP Finder focuses on normal layers, but once you’ve found the ideal exposure, you can adjust your bottom layers proportionally. This helps reduce the cause of elephant’s feet on your model, but be careful reduce the burn in time too much and your model won’t stick to the build plate!
Q: Do I need to re-test for every colour of resin?
Yes, darker or more opaque resins tend to need slightly longer exposure times than lighter or translucent ones.
Why It’s Worth Doing
Taking just an hour to properly dial in your printer with the XP Finder will save you days of frustration and wasted resin on failed or poor looking prints.
You’ll see:
🎯 Sharper details
🎯 Fewer failures
🎯 Stronger, more reliable prints
Once you’ve mastered your exposure settings, your prints will come out looking like they were done on a professional machine because they were dialled in like one.
If you’d like more advice, or help choosing the right resin for your project, we’re always here to help.
Happy 3D Printing
Luke
3D Cast Owner