Moai Resin 3D Printer

The Moai SLA 3D printer by Peopoly is a resin stereolithography (SLA) printer which is great for small, detailed prints. It uses a UV laser to cure uv-curable resins (photopolymer). It can print with layer heights between 25um to 100um, perfect for miniatures, jewelry, and other highly details prints.

Machine Specs[edit]

Resin Information[edit]

Only one type and color of resin is used: Peopoly Gray Professional UV Resin.

This is due to the pain of needing different resin vats for each different type of resin, as well as "horizon calibrating" the build area when you change out the vat. To make things easier, and cheaper to operate, only use the Peopoly Gray UV resin.

Safety Concerns[edit]

Resin[edit]

The UV resin is dangerous and should be handled with care. Always wear gloves (preferably nitrile) when handling resin, and clean up any spills immediately with isopropyl alcohol. If resin comes in contact with skin, wash hands immediately with soap and water.

The resin will produce strong fumes when printing. While not dangerous, some members may be sensitive to odor. Fans to vent fumes from room may be considerate to other members using the space.

Laser[edit]

• Warning:* The laser is dangerous to your eyes. Always wear appropriate eye protection (there are green-colored safety glasses next to printer), and do not print with the door open. Failure to do so can cause damage to your eyes, and the eyes of other members.

How To Print[edit]

Finding (or making) a Model[edit]

Slicing with Cura (Creating gcode)[edit]

Pre-printing Machine Setup[edit]

Make sure the printer is plugged in. Take the resin bottle and shake for 30 seconds to make sure resin is thoroughly mixed. Open the printer's door, open the resin bottle and pour resin into the resin vat. Do not add past the "MAX FILL LINE" on the vat.

Make sure build platform is clear of any left over prints, and the screw is tight.

Insert the SD card into the slot. The sd card holder is a little finicky, you'll need to find the right amount to insert it to engage the holding mechanism.

Using the dial, select "Print", and find your file on the SD Card. *Single click* selects the option, *Double Click* to go back. Build platform should start to lower, and the print will begin. Close and lock the front door during printing.

Print removal and Post-Processing[edit]

Removing Print[edit]

When printing is completed, open the door and loosen the screw holding in the build platform. Using the plastic scraper (not metal), scrape any resin from the build platform back into the resin vat before removing the platform. Now, remove the platform and make sure most unused resin is back in the vat.

Using the plastic scraper, carefully pry the print off the build platform. It will want to fly off fast and far, so use a papertowel to catch it.

Rinsing Print in Alcohol[edit]

Use a two-step alcohol bath to rinse the print: Submerse the print into Alcohol Container #1 to get off most of the uncured resin on the part, soak for 5 minutes. While in the alcohol, use a brush to remove any remaining resin. Remove from bath one, and dunk into Alcohol Container #2, soak for another 5 minutes. Finally, dry on paper towels until all the alcohol has evaporated.

Post Cure with UV[edit]

Straight off the print bed, the part is only at 60% strength. More UV light is needed to fully cure the print. Either sit the part in the sun for a day or so, or use a UV light box to perform the final cure.

Post-print machine cleanup[edit]

• Do not leave resin in the resin vat, always empty when finished for the day.* The pigments in the resin will settle down to the bottom and its almost impossible to mix back in. Set the resin bottle on some paper towels (you will spill some). Wearing gloves, carefully slide the resin vat out the front door. Pour the resin from the vat into the bottle (I generally use the back left corner, but any corner will work). Try to get as much resin out as possible. When empty, slide the vat back into the printer. Using a papertowel and isopropyl alcohol, clean up any spilled resin.

Lock the front door, and turn off the machine. Make sure the area around the printer is clean.