More and more users are opting for a resin 3D printer with which to print pieces of all kinds with the best results. The only thing to keep in mind is that these types of printers have a particularity: any print needs a curing process. And this is where curing stations come in.
We are talking about an essential element if you have a 3D printer, regardless of whether the resin model is SLA or DLP, so do not hesitate when buying a curing station to achieve the best results when printing all kinds of parts.
It is mandatory to cure any piece of resin
As we said, regardless of the type of resin printer you have in your home, the post-curing process of the pieces you have printed is vital . In case you didn’t know, the resin used in a DLP or SLA type 3d printer is photosensitive, so it solidifies under UV rays. The most normal thing is that ultraviolet light between 365 and 405 Nm is adequate to dry your piece, although it is best to consult the characteristics of the resin used for printing and thus avoid unnecessary headaches.
And it must be taken into account that when the resin leaves the printer it is not completely solidified, especially on the inside . For this reason, the piece must always be washed once it has finished printing. Ideally, soak it in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes so that excess uncured resin can be easily removed.
Once the piece has been cleaned of any excess resin, it is important to submit it to a curing process , which can vary from 5 minutes to an hour depending on the size and material used (resins with resistance to high temperatures tend to to take longer to heal). This process allows the resin inside the piece to dry to increase the durability of the object you have created. And, the best option to consider for this is to use a curing station designed for use with resin parts.
How to cure a piece of resin
Let’s face it: you can use sunlight to dry your pieces. The problem is that the process is extremely short. You can also use a nail drying device, as it uses UV lights. But we once again emphasize that you will not get results as fast as with a curing station. And seeing the available offer, as you will see later, the truth is that it is not worth getting involved with cheaper options. Each manufacturer will have their own specifications, but the process for drying a piece of resin using a curing station is the same.
The first thing you have to do is immerse the piece in a container with clean water so that it blocks the oxygen in contact with the resin, since it is a cure retardant. Now, you just have to expose the container with water and the piece inside it in the UV light source and wait for the process to finish . Remember that the exposure period of a piece will vary depending on the material used, the power of the UV light and the size of the printed piece, so you should take these factors into account.
Remarkable curing stations
Now that everything you need to know before buying a curing station has been clear, we leave you with a selection where you will find ten models in particular that will more than meet your expectations, in addition to offering a range of prices of the most varied so that find the product that best fits your budget.
UWY curing station
We begin this compilation with the best curing stations that you can buy with this model for professional use . Its price is higher than usual, but it will more than meet your expectations, being able to cure several pieces at the same time with the best results.
Creality UW-01 Curing Station
The second model that we want to recommend you is this Creality UW-01 curing station. A very versatile model, since it is capable of washing and curing simultaneously to save you time. Add the nine UV lights that it incorporates into its design to achieve the best results, and you have a round product.
ELEGOO curing station
We already anticipate that the manufacturer ELEGOO is one of the great references when it comes to buying a station to cure your resin pieces. This particular model boasts a compact design, so you can place it wherever you want, as well as different buttons to activate the different modes available.
Aibecy curing station
Although if what you are looking for is a really compact model, you cannot miss this small curing station from the Aibecy firm, which will more than meet your needs.
ELEGOO curing station
We return to the Asian manufacturer to recommend this other curing station. A model that boasts a rotating base so that you can evenly cure any part printed with your resin 3D printer.
DERUC curing station
And what about this other curing station. A model that boasts a very compact design, so you can place it wherever you want without having to worry about the space it occupies.
GIANTARM Curing Station
Continuing with this compilation with the best stations you can buy to cure your resin pieces, we want to recommend this model from the GIANTMAR firm. Its rotating base design guarantees homogeneous drying, as well as having enough power to dry any piece, regardless of its size.
Sovol SL1 Curing Station
Be careful with this Sovol SL1 curing station, as it hides some very interesting surprises, such as its reflective foil inside the box, which will help you dry your printed parts a little faster.
SUNLU Curing Station
Another great option to consider is this SUNLU signature curing station. A model that offers a compact design, as well as a dedicated button that will allow you to activate this gadget in a few seconds to start drying your resin-printed pieces.
UniTak3D Curing Station
We close this compilation of the best curing stations that you can buy with this other model from UniTak3D. A product with quality finishes and whose design will allow you to place it wherever you want.