Hi,
i’ve noticed that grey V5, black and durable become “glassy” and fragile after the painting process.
This process invole putting the parts inside a hoven 1 hour at 50°C for every layer of painting (usually 2). So 1 hour at 50°C - wait to cool - another layer of painting - again 1 hour at 50°C.
How can I manage to keep the material with the same properties? Do I have to change material? I have to cure the resin in a different way?
Thanks
I wonder if the paint you are using is leeching into the part we haven’t ran into any issues using Cerakote the flexible 80a is still flexible the drafts and tough 2000 retain their strength if not become stronger.
I’d like to know if the is a material that handle well this kind of painting process. Does anyone know?
Hi @iacopo, sorry you’re experiencing this change. Can you explain more about your painting process?
For a DIY approach we generally recommend spray painting. Here’s a step by step guide Painting SLA Prints: Spray Paint
As @MattRForerunner shared, Cerakoting is also a great long-lasting option. We have a Formlabs guide here: Guide to Cerakote Ceramic Coating for SLA and SLS 3D Printed Parts | Formlabs
best,
Diana
Are the printed parts cured before painting?
Hi @verdugod the printing and painting process involve eyewear parts that commonly have thin cross sections.
I will make an example using Form 4 and Grey V5:
1 - printing
2 - curing with 5 min. UV, no heat (@br4n_d0n )
3 - smoothing the surface
[the painting process is made by another company]
4 - painting
5 - curing paint at 50°C for 50 mins
6 - another layer of painting
7 - curing paint at 50°C for 50 mins
With these process we obtain perfect surfaces.
Unfortunately we don’t have certified cerakote applicators near us. And this work in almost a daily routine.
Based on the thermal properties of Grey V5 being cured for 5mins without heat, as you stated, would fall into these ranges.
Along with that, the recommended time for full cure or “enhanced”, as Formlabs has put it, is only for 15mins @ 60°C. The 100mins total @ 50°C for the paint process seems very close to the thermal limits and is also for a very long time.
You may also want to contact your painter and find out if they use any chemicals like acetone on the parts because that is the highest on the data sheet for absorption.
Where are you located
