Tech Breakdown: LayerLock SLA Build Surfaces

One of the earliest forms of 3D printing relied on using UV light to cure a photopolymer resin into complex and unique shapes. Nearly 40 years later and that technology can be found on your desk in MSLA resin 3D printers. The smaller form factor presented new challenges, like having the right properties to adhere to the build plate while still being easy to work with. LayerLock SLA Resin 3D Printing Build Surfaces aim to remove the guesswork and have your resin 3D prints lock to the build plate, ensuring a successful print job.

Let's break it down-

Improved Build Plate Adhesion

With SLA 3D printing, the most important part of a successful resin print is bed adhesion; without it, the part can separate from the bed or it can warp slightly and create an uneven part. LayerLock SLA build surfaces are designed to improve the build plate adhesion for all 3D printing resins by providing a stronger mechanical lock to the 3D print with its textured surface. Photopolymer 3D printing resins that are formulated without epoxy are generally safer resins to work with, however since epoxy is essentially a glue, you may find adhesion with these epoxy-free resins like epoxy-free MH Build resin requires more attention to printing factors such as a properly leveled bed, correct profile settings, etc. Have you found that the taped edge of the resin printer’s LCD is causing uneven bed leveling and complicating your epoxy resins adhesion? These SLA build surfaces are cut down to the size of the printer’s LCD screen to prevent that issue. LayerLock SLA 3D printing build surfaces are the perfect solution to improve the adhesion for both epoxy and epoxy-free resins and start printing successfully with these incredible materials.

Easily Replaceable and Protects Your Printer

We know it happens - you pry just a little too hard with your spatula and gouge into your build surface. LayerLock SLA resin 3D printing surfaces come with an adhesive backing pre-applied, so all you need to do is peel off the old one and apply a new one to get back up and running. The benefits of this is two-fold: you protect the build plate of your 3D printer keeping it (and your 3D printer’s warranty) intact, and you can install it on any build plate or flexible build plate solution like the Wham Bam Flexible Build System. Regular sanding is a common solution to improve adhesion and is super effective, and because it’s so easy to replace a LayerLock SLA build surface, be confident that you can experiment with your setup and achieve the adhesion properties you are looking for.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation is as easy as cleaning off your build plate with some isopropyl alcohol, letting it dry, removing the liner and sticking on the LayerLock SLA build surface. If you already have a Wham Bam FBS installed, make sure you follow the instructions and install a spacer, if necessary, to the 3D printer to account for the added thickness of the Wham Bam System and the 0.8mm thick Layerlock SLA sheet. In either case, make sure to relevel the 3D printer’s build plate as described in your 3D printer’s manual and you are set to run. If you find bed adhesion has been diminishing over time, you can easily refresh it by giving the entire surface a light sanding with the included 220 grit sandpaper, just be sure to clean the buildplate before and after sanding and avoid breathing in the dust particles by wearing a dust mask or respirator. Once the surface is attached to the build plate, avoid bathing it in solvents, such as isopropyl alcohol, to clean the surface as that may shorten the lifespan of the adhesive backing of the LayerLock SLA sheet. Cleaning it using a paper towel with a splash of IPA will work fine.

If you’re looking to improve the adhesion of your resin 3D prints without breaking the bank, using LayerLock SLA Resin 3D Printing Build Surface is the answer for you. Is there a size you’d like LayerLock SLA for? Leave it in the comments below. To learn more and to order your adhesive solution today, check out the collection here.