Why Exposure Calibration Matters
Getting exposure time right is the single most impactful adjustment in resin 3D printing. Under-exposed prints delaminate mid-build or wash away during cleaning. Over-exposed prints lose detail, bloat dimensions, and waste resin. Proper calibration ensures sharp features, accurate dimensions, and reliable plate adhesion — every time.
Step 1: Print an Exposure Finder
An exposure finder has icons, pillars, and holes at various sizes. Most slicers (Lychee, Chitubox) include one. Print it at five-second intervals around your best-guess exposure:
| Layer Height | Starting Range (Monochrome LCD) |
|---|---|
| 30 μm | 1.5–2.5 seconds |
| 50 μm | 2.0–3.5 seconds |
| 100 μm | 3.0–5.0 seconds |
Step 2: Read the Results
- Under-exposed — Small pillars bent or missing. Holes not open. Rough curved surfaces.
- Optimal — Smallest pillar stands straight. Smallest hole is clean. Flat surfaces are smooth.
- Over-exposed — Holes filled in. Pillars thickened. Flat surfaces look rounded or "bloated."
Step 3: Base Layer Settings
Base layers need 8–10× higher exposure for adhesion. If normal layer is 2.5s, set base to 20–25s with 4–6 base layers. If parts pop off mid-print, increase base exposure. If they're hard to remove, reduce it.
Support Strategy for Clean Results
- Light supports (0.3–0.4mm tip) — Best for miniatures and detail parts. Use many along the lowest edge
- Medium supports (0.5–0.6mm) — For functional parts and larger surfaces
- Heavy supports (0.8mm tip) — Reserve for base connection points and large cross-sections
- Angle strategy — Rotate models 30–45° from build plate to minimize cross-sectional area per layer
Recommended Resins at InnoStation 3D
- ANTINSKY Standard Lite Resin — Fast-curing, low-odor, excellent for general printing at 30–50μm
- ANTINSKY ABS-Like Resin — Tough and impact-resistant for functional parts
- ANTINSKY Detail Master Resin — Ultra-fine detail for miniatures and jewelry patterns
- ANTINSKY Standard Resin 1KG — Versatile, proven formulation for everyday printing
Quick Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Print won't stick to plate | Base exposure too low | Increase base exposure by 5s |
| Layer lines / delamination | Normal exposure too low | Increase normal exposure by 0.5s |
| Bloated dimensions | Exposure too high | Reduce normal exposure by 0.5s |
| Suction cup effect | Large flat area parallel to screen | Add drainage holes or rotate model |
Master exposure calibration with an exposure finder and quality resin. Shop ANTINSKY resins at InnoStation 3D for consistent results.