Preparing Your Models for Printing

Now that you’ve chosen your 3D printer and gathered the tools and materials you need, it’s time to prepare your models for printing. This step is all about getting your 3D printer and Beyond Space models ready for printing.

Getting Started with Your STL Files

When you purchase Beyond Space digital files (STL), they’ll come in three formats:

  • Unsupported STL Files: These base models have no supports added, allowing full customization. Best for experienced users who prefer to set up their own supports.
  • Pre-Supported Files: These models are pre-supported and thoroughly tested to ensure successful prints. If you’re new to 3D printing, these are the best option to avoid complications.
  • LYS Files: Lychee Slicer scene files that include pre-supported models. These are perfect for making adjustments if needed to suit your specific printer or resin settings.

Choosing the Right Slicer Software

To prepare your models for printing, you’ll need slicer software. Beyond Space recommends Lychee Slicer by Mango3D for its user-friendly interface and seamless compatibility with our files. While other slicers are available, this guide focuses on using Lychee to ensure the best experience with Beyond Space models.

What is a Slicer?

A slicer is software that converts your 3D model into instructions your printer can follow. It determines how each layer of the model is printed, including details like layer height, exposure times, and supports.

Why Lychee?

  • Ease of Use: Intuitive interface that’s beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for advanced users.
  • Pre-Built Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Beyond Space’s pre-supported and scene files.

Advanced Features: Offers robust options for tweaking supports and optimizing print settings to achieve the best results.

Lychee Slicer

Setting Up Your Printer in Lychee

Before printing, you’ll need to set up your resin and printer profiles in Lychee. These profiles control essential settings such as layer height, exposure times, and print speed, all of which play a critical role in achieving high-quality prints and preventing failures.

What is a Printer Profile?

A printer profile is a collection of settings in Lychee that tells your printer how to print your model. It defines key parameters, such as how long to cure each layer and how thick the layers should be. Profiles are tailored to your specific printer and resin, ensuring compatibility and optimal results.

Simplify the Process:

To make setting up your profiles easier, watch this tutorial:
Watch this video to learn how to set up your resin and printer profiles in Lychee.

Test Prints: The Key to Success

Running test prints is crucial because it ensures your printer is set up correctly to produce high-quality models. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip this step:

  • Exposure Accuracy: Test prints confirm your resin cures perfectly with each layer. This makes the difference between a highly detailed, crisp model and one that looks overcooked or incomplete.
  • Adhesion Verification: A successful test print proves your model will stick to the build plate properly, preventing frustrating mid-print failures.
  • Strength Assurance: Test prints help you ensure your models are durable enough for handling and gameplay without breaking easily.

    Check out this video for guidance:
    Watch this video to learn how to run test prints for accuracy and strength.

Taking the time to fine-tune your printer profile with test prints will save you from wasting resin and ending up with low-quality results. It’s a small but essential step to guarantee your Beyond Space models look and feel as good as they should!

Next Step: Printing your first Miniature

Step-by-step guide to loading your printer, starting your first print, and avoiding common mistakes.

Printing your first Miniatures