Printing Your First Miniature

You’ve set up your slicer software and calibrated your print profile, now it’s time to print your first Beyond Space model. This guide will take you through the entire process, step by step, from opening Lychee Slicer to finishing a successful 3D print. Let’s get started!

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Step 1: Open Lychee Slicer and Load Your File

  1. Open Lychee Slicer: Launch the software and make sure your printer profile is selected. This ensures the settings you’ve dialed in are applied.
  2. Import Your Model:
  • Click the “Import” button and choose the Beyond Space STL or LYS file you want to print.
  • For beginners, we recommend starting with a Pre-Supported File to avoid needing to adjust supports.
  1. Position the Model: Ensure your model fits within the printer’s build volume. Lychee will notify you if any part of the model is outside the printable area. Make sure its flat on the platform and not floating.

Step 2: Slice the Model

Once your model is ready, it’s time to prepare it for printing by slicing it:

  1. Click “Slice” in Lychee.
  2. Save the File: Export the sliced file to a USB drive or directly to your printer, depending on your setup. The sliced file will usually have an extension like .ctb or .photon (specific to your printer model).

Step 3: Prepare Your Printer

Before starting the print, ensure your printer is ready:

  1. Clean the Build Plate: Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to wipe down the build plate, ensuring it’s free of dust or residue.
  2. Fill the Resin Vat: Pour your resin into the printer’s vat, making sure it’s filled to the recommended level. Don’t overfill—it should stay below the “max” line.

Step 4: Start the Print

  1. Load the File: Insert the USB drive or select the sliced file from your printer’s interface.
  2. Check Settings: Double-check the print settings displayed on your printer screen (e.g., exposure time, layer height) to ensure they match your profile.
  3. Press Start: Begin the print and watch the first few layers to ensure the model adheres properly to the build plate.

Step 5: Monitor the Print

  • Check Early Layers: The first layers are critical for a successful print. Ensure the model is sticking to the build plate and that the resin is curing properly.
  • Avoid Interrupting: Once the print is running smoothly, let it finish without interference. Resin prints can take several hours, depending on the size and detail of the model.

Step 6: Removing the Model

Once the print is complete:

  1. Lift the Build Plate: Carefully remove the build plate from the printer.
  2. Remove Excess Resin: Let the excess resin drip back into the vat. You can use a scraper to gently loosen the model from the plate.
  3. Handle with Care: At this stage, the print is still uncured and fragile. Wear gloves and avoid touching the uncured resin directly.

Next Step: Post-Processing your Print

Congratulations! you’ve printed your first Beyond Space model! The next step is post-processing, which involves cleaning, curing, and preparing your model for use.