Notifications
Clear all

What causes this on the FEP?  

  RSS
Wilko
(@wilko)
Eminent Member
What causes this on the FEP?

Lately I have has issues with small prints missing part of the print.

After each print, I usually empty the basin and filter the resin, before checking the FEP: Either there was nothing on the FEP or at the most a small cured resin disk that was easy to remove. The reason seemed to be too few supports on a pad, with the FEP pulling the first layer that as supposed to attach to the supports clean off the supports.

Then yesterday I started another print, again with half a dozen smaller objects to print. This time I manually added a lot of supports, hoping to prevent the previous issues. I also lowered the cure per subsequent layer time from 9 to 8 seconds per layer (and 95 seconds for first layers on the pad).

Much to my surprise, most of the print seemed to have gone well, with some pieces missing once again. When draining the tank, I saw this (attached image):

What can cause much of the surface of the FEP to suddenly (in one print) become covered in a layer of cured resin, with a larger disk being several layers thick?

Is the LCD-screen already failing or is this caused by something else?

I'm nowhere near the advertised "500 hours" lifespan mark of an LCD, having maybe printed half a litre of resin in total with this LCD.

Prusa MK3S
Prusa SL1
Prusa CW1
Anet ET5 pro
Anycubic Mono X

Posted : 11/02/2021 7:41 pm
Wilko
(@wilko)
Eminent Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: What causes this on the FEP?

Another angle of the same FEP in the resin tank.

I have replaced the FEP now and recalibrated the SL1.

Prusa MK3S
Prusa SL1
Prusa CW1
Anet ET5 pro
Anycubic Mono X

Posted : 11/02/2021 7:43 pm
gnat
 gnat
(@gnat)
Noble Member
RE: What causes this on the FEP?

Things that have caused me similar issues:

  1. The auto leveling not working. I had to manually level the platform with a level.
  2. The tank leaking and resin getting between the LCD and FEP. See the link in my sig for how to prevent tank leaks.
  3. A broken LCD. Replace replace the LCD.

For the leveling, the main indicator is that the bottom of the print (e.g. the pad) will have a slant/shift to it. If you see that, try:

  • Going through the wizard again.
  • Make sure the bolts holding the gimbal are really tight.
  • Make sure the lock for the platform is good and tight.
  • If all else fails, get a small level and make sure the platform is level to the printer.

Also do the LCD test to verify it is working correctly.

MMU tips and troubleshooting
Posted : 12/02/2021 1:05 pm
Share: