Conquering Print Adhesion Failures in Resin 3D Printing

by Christopher Lannon July 13, 2023

One of the most frustrating issues in resin 3D printing is when your print doesn't properly stick to the build platform. Prints detaching from the print bed and peeling up mid-print is a common adhesion failure.

But with the right troubleshooting techniques, you can overcome adhesion issues and get flawless sticking for all your resin prints.

This guide covers:

Common reasons for print adhesion failures
Quick fixes to improve bed adhesion
Advanced troubleshooting for tough cases
Methods to test and validate bed adhesion

What Causes Print Adhesion Failures?

Before trying to fix adhesion issues, it helps to understand what factors can cause prints to detach in the first place:

Insufficient bottom exposure - Prints can peel if initial layers lack enough exposure to strongly bond to the plate.
Leveling problems - Improper build plate leveling can leave gaps between print and plate.
Resin contamination - Partially cured resin reduces adhesion. Regular filtration and resin replacement is key.
Incorrect supports - Poor support placement not giving enough surface contact with the plate.
Weak FEP film - An older stretched out FEP film will flex too much, allowing prints to detach.
Resin viscosity - Low viscosity resins generally have weaker bonding to the print bed.
Dirty or greasy build plate - Any contaminants on the plate severely affect adhesion.

Quick Fixes to Improve Print Adhesion

Here are some quick troubleshooting steps you can try to solve general adhesion issues:

Increase bottom exposure time - Adding 2-4x longer bottom layers better bonds the print to the plate.
Re-level the build plate - Re-leveling ensures optimal spacing and contact between plate and print.
Use adhesion promoters - Special adhesives like glues, tapes, or coatings enhance bed sticking.
Increase bottom layer count - More bottom layers equals greater adhesion surface area.
Raise plate temperature - Heated beds help reduce warping and boost adherence.
Clean the build surface - Remove all resin and oils for contamination-free sticking.
Modify supports - Add more supports near edges and corners to maximize plate contact.
Upgrade old FEP film - FEP loses tension over time. Replacement restores print adhesion and separation.

Advanced Troubleshooting for Tough Cases

For more stubborn adhesion failures, try these additional troubleshooting techniques:

Sand and roughen plate - Lightly sanding PEI and metal plates boosts gripping power.
Use alternative plate materials - Upgrade to specialized nano-coated, powder-coated or sandblasted plates.
Rotate model orientation - Changing orientation distributes weight and adhesion forces differently.
Calibrate lift speeds - Slow lift speeds reduce forces trying to detach the print.
Minimize suction - Alter hollows in the model to prevent strong suction when lifting.
Pre-cure initial layers - Briefly curing bottom layers before printing strengthens interlayer bonding.
Switch resin types - Try higher quality resins with flexibility additives that bond better.
Print calibration models - Specialized test models help diagnose and debug sticking.

Validating Strong Print Adhesion

Once you've addressed adhesion problems, test prints to confirm issues are fully resolved:

Visual inspection - Carefully examine first layers for any gaps, cracks or separation.
Tap test - Lightly tap prints to check if base feels fully secured.
Pull test - Use light force to try and lift/pry prints - no detachment should occur.
Tuned-in settings - Note down well-adhering settings to reproduce success.
Exposure validation - Confirm bottom layer exposure levels that produced flawless sticking.

With the right techniques and systematic troubleshooting, you can gain complete control over resin print adhesion for tall and intricate models. Follow the tips in this guide to efficiently diagnose and permanently solve any resin print bonding issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if poor adhesion is causing my failed prints?

Check if prints are detaching from the build plate, especially near the bottom. Cleanly separated layers or cracks between layers also indicate weak adhesion.

What temperature should I heat the resin print bed to?

30-40°C is a good range for resin printer heated beds. Higher temps beyond 50°C can warp prints and cause other issues.

Which is better for adhesion - a smooth or textured print bed?

For resin printing, lightly sanded and textured print beds provide much better adhesion than ultra-smooth surfaces. The texture helps the resin grip.

How often should I re-level the print bed?

Re-leveling the bed every 5-10 prints is a good practice, or whenever you notice first layer issues emerging. Leveling helps maintain optimal spacing.

How do I clean a resin print bed properly?

Use isopropyl alcohol >90% soaked into a lint-free wipe or cloth. Acetone can also work but may degrade certain plate coatings. Avoid greasy cleaners.

Should I lubricate the FEP film?

No, lubricants will contaminate the resin. Replace old FEP film rather than trying to lubricate it. Re-tensioning the film can also help.

How can I diagnose causes of poor bed adhesion?

Print specialized test models with geometric shapes that highlight adhesion issues in specific areas. This points to support, leveling or resin problems.

Proper troubleshooting and calibration is key to getting flawless first layer adhesion and avoiding frustration from failed resin prints detaching mid-print. Follow the tips outlined in this guide to conquer any adhesion issues.