71jbMBDk07L._AC_UL160_SR160,160_ Save Money & Resin by Hollowing 3D Prints | Chitubox Basic Tutorial

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(as of December 17, 2024 20:14 GMT +00:00 - )

Today, we’re diving into the world of resin 3D printing and how hollowing your models can save you a significant amount of money and resin. In this Chitubox basic tutorial, the video discusses the benefits of properly hollowing 3D prints, highlighting the importance of avoiding print failures. The tutorial demonstrates step-by-step instructions on using Chitubox software to hollow models, including adjusting wall thickness, precision, and infill structure. It also delves into the process of adding supports inside the model to save resin, showcasing the significance of digging holes to drain out remaining resin and prevent pressure buildup. With different options to adjust hole size and the ability to keep or cut them out, viewers will learn how to optimize their prints and improve the resin 3D printing process.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Hollowing 3D Prints

When it comes to resin 3D printing, hollowing your models can have several significant benefits. Not only does it save you money and resin over time, but it also helps prevent print failures. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hollowing 3D prints using Chitubox software, adding supports inside the model, draining resin to prevent pressure buildup, adding holes to the model using software, and deciding whether to keep or cut out the holes. We will also discuss how to fill small holes with plastic, the impact of the “dig hole continuously” option, and the overall goal of saving resin and improving the printing process.

Hollowing Models with Chitubox Software

One of the most popular software options for hollowing models in resin 3D printing is Chitubox. This software provides various features and settings that make the hollowing process relatively straightforward. One of the essential settings to adjust is the wall thickness. By determining the desired thickness, you can control how much resin is saved and how sturdy the hollowed model will be. Chitubox also allows you to customize precision settings, which can affect the overall smoothness of the print. Lastly, you can choose from different infill structures to provide support and rigidity to the inside of the model.

Adding Supports Inside the Model

In addition to hollowing the model, adding supports inside it is crucial for successful resin 3D printing. These supports ensure that the model remains stable during the printing process, reducing the risk of failures. By strategically placing supports in areas prone to sagging or collapse, you can achieve a better print quality while saving resin. Chitubox provides options to easily add supports inside the model, allowing you to optimize the support structure based on your specific design.

Draining Resin and Preventing Pressure Buildup

After hollowing the model and adding supports, it is essential to consider the drainage of remaining resin. Failure to drain the resin properly can result in pressure buildup within the model and potential damage. One effective method to ensure proper resin drainage is by adding holes to the model. By carefully selecting areas such as the feet or connecting points, you can create discreet holes that allow for easy cleaning and removal of uncured resin. Different shapes and sizes of holes can be used to improve the cleaning process and minimize the risk of trapped resin.

Adding Holes to a Model Using Software

To add holes to a hollowed model, you can utilize the features available in your chosen software, such as Chitubox. The process typically involves selecting the dig hole option and choosing the desired shape and size of the hole. Popular shapes include circles, hexagons, and squares. By strategically placing the holes, you can ensure effective resin drainage without compromising the aesthetics or structural integrity of the model. After adding the holes, you can preview the final result before proceeding to the next steps.

Choosing to Keep or Cut Out Holes

Once the holes are added to the model, you have the option to either keep them or cut them out. Keeping the holes can be useful for facilitating resin drainage and efficient cleaning. However, some users may prefer to fill and seal the holes if they are located in prominent areas of the model or if the holes are not desired for aesthetic reasons. In such cases, the holes can be plugged back using various materials, and the tapered shape of the plug can be sanded to achieve a smooth finish.

Filling Small Holes with Plastic

In certain situations, it may be necessary or preferable to fill small holes in the model for a smoother finish. This can be achieved by using plastic materials that can be easily molded and shaped. By filling small holes, you can eliminate imperfections and create a more visually appealing final product. It is important to note that the decision to fill small holes should be based on personal preference and the specific requirements of the project.

Understanding the Impact of the ‘Dig Hole Continuously’ Option

When using software like Chitubox, you may come across the option to “dig hole continuously.” This option allows the software to automatically generate additional holes within the model for better resin drainage and cleaning. While this can be beneficial in some cases, it is important to understand its potential impact on the model. Continuous hole-digging may result in a higher number of holes than desired, which could weaken the structure or compromise the aesthetics of the model. Therefore, it is recommended to assess the situation and selectively enable this option based on your specific needs.

Saving Resin and Improving the Printing Process

The ultimate goal of hollowing 3D prints is to save resin and improve the overall printing process. By hollowing your models, you can significantly reduce the amount of resin used, resulting in cost savings over time. Additionally, the hollowing process allows for better resin drainage, reducing the risk of print failures due to pressure buildup. By optimizing settings, such as wall thickness and infill structure, you can strike a balance between resin savings and print quality. Ultimately, hollowing 3D prints can lead to more efficient and cost-effective resin 3D printing.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Hollowing models for resin 3D printing is a valuable technique that offers numerous benefits. By following the steps discussed in this article, you can save money and resin over time while preventing print failures. Whether you are using Chitubox software or any other similar software, the process of hollowing, adding supports, draining resin, and adding holes can be easily achieved. As you continue to explore and experiment with hollowing techniques, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek further guidance. Stay tuned for our next video where we will cover more advanced techniques and tips for resin 3D printing.

Today, you will learn about a crucial technique that can help you save a significant amount of money and resin in the long run – hollowing your models for resin 3D printing. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the reasons behind hollowing and the methods I personally use to achieve successful results. It’s important to be cautious while hollowing to avoid any potential failures in your prints.

To support my work, feel free to join my Patreon community by following this link: itsmeadmade.

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To get started, make sure to download the latest version of Chitubox from their official website: Chitubox.

Lastly, I have utilized the Ewok Chibi model from 3DXM for demonstration purposes. You can find it here: Ewok Chibi.