Once your print is complete, the model will still be attached to the build plate and covered in uncured resin. Here’s how to safely remove it:

Wear Safety Gear:

• Put on nitrile gloves to protect your hands from uncured resin.
• Work in a well-ventilated area, and use a respirator.

Detach the Model:

• Use a scraper tool to gently remove the model from the build plate. Be careful not to damage the model or injure yourself. They should easily pop off.
• Don't worry about the scraper scratching the build plate; scratches don’t harm its performance.

After removal, your model will still have liquid resin on its surface, which needs to be cleaned off before curing. Here’s how:

What Is Cleaning and Why Is It Important?

Cleaning removes uncured resin from the model, preventing sticky surfaces and ensuring a smooth finish. It’s an essential step for quality prints and safe handling.

Using a Wash Machine (if you have one)

Set Up the Wash Cycle:

• Fill the wash tank with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or an approved resin cleaning solution.
• Place the model in the washing basket and ensure it is fully submerged.

Run the Wash Cycle:

• Start the wash cycle (typically 3–6 minutes). The machine will agitate the liquid to clean the model thoroughly.

Inspect the Model:

• After washing, check for any leftover resin. If necessary, run another short cycle.

Manual Cleaning Without a Machine

Submerge in IPA:

• Use a plastic or glass container filled with IPA to submerge the model.

Agitate or Brush:

• Swirl the container gently and use a soft brush to clean the model’s surface and remove resin from detailed areas.

Rinse Thoroughly:

• Transfer the model to a second container with clean IPA for a final rinse.

After cleaning, soaking the model in warm water can help loosen supports and make them easier to remove:

Soak in Warm Water:

• Submerge the cleaned, uncured model in a container of warm water (not boiling) for 30–60 seconds.
• This softens the supports, making them easier to detach.

Remove Supports:

• Gently remove supports by hand. Most should fall off easily after soaking.
• Use hobby clippers or flush cutters to carefully remove any stubborn supports.

After cleaning and removing supports, it’s important to dry the model completely before curing. This removes any residual cleaning solution and prevents curing issues.

Air Dry:

• Place the model on a paper towel or drying rack in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry completely. Let it sit for at least 3 hours until fully dry.

Machine Dry:

• If using a cure machine, some models include a drying cycle to expedite this process.

Curing hardens the resin, making the model safe to handle and ready for assembly or painting without the need to wear safety equipment. This step is crucial for achieving durability and stability.

Why Curing Matters

Uncured resin is soft and tacky, making the model fragile and unsafe to handle. Proper curing ensures:

• Durability: Fully hardened models withstand handling and gameplay.
• Stability: Prevents warping or soft spots over time.

Using a Cure Machine

Set Up the Cure Chamber:

• Place the cleaned, dried model on the platform of the machine.

Run the Curing Cycle:

• Start the cycle (typically 2–5 minutes). Ensure the model is evenly exposed to UV light. Guardsmen and Knights, for example, take 2–3 minutes. Larger units such as Lancers and Ironclads take 4–5 minutes. Avoid curing above 5 minutes.

Rotate as Needed:

• For larger or detailed models, rotate halfway through for even curing.

Manual Curing Without a Machine

Use a UV Light or Sunlight:

• Place the model under a UV curing light or in direct sunlight.

Rotate for Even Curing:

• Turn the model every few minutes to ensure all sides are exposed.

Monitor the Time:

• Curing can take 10–20 minutes with a UV light, depending on its intensity.

Once cured, inspect your model to ensure it’s ready for assembly and painting:

• Check the Surface: Make sure there are no sticky or soft areas, which indicate incomplete curing.