Among hobbyists, there are two main types of 3D printers: fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers, forming a layer of melted filament layer, and stereolithography apparatus (SLA) printers, which use a light source to react and treat sensitive fluids as the construction plate comes from a light source.
Many scanners that work in conjunction with popular FDM 3D printers may not provide the same results as SLA-based machines. This is because SLA printers create phase-by-phase components, unlike FDM machines that run line-by-line print models.
Therefore, replacement G-Codes are not compatible with most SLA printers. Thus, generating the need for specific software to help users cut print models with resin-based machines. Also, Lychee 3D Slicer is one such application, which gives excellent results when printing with photosensitive resin.
With amazing and premium features under its hood, the software performs an exemplary function for creating automated foundations, raft placement, and various other complete printing techniques. In short, the app supports more than 75 different SLA printers, ensuring it provides great outcomes quickly.
Workflow of Lychee Slicer
Lychee slicer with 3D creatures in the background. Image Source: Mango3D
As mentioned, the cutter is designed to remember the typical workflow found in FDM applications. So, if you have worked with Cura and similar software before, getting acquainted with Lychee will not be a problem.
The workflow is divided into five main sections, where printer setup needs to be completed only when people are working with software for the first time.
Lychee Slicer’s user interface (UI) should be known to those who have used FDM screens such as Cura or PrusaSlicer. Typically, the flow of cutter work is done in a five-part process, and the printer setup only needs to be done when one uses the software.
Printer Setup
Scanning operation begins with printer settings. You must complete the setup whenever you add a new machine to the app. With the support of 75 different printers, the process is very straightforward and requires minimal user effort.
To connect with a specific printer, simply navigate while searching the list of supported manufacturers. Finally, select the type and model of your 3D printer. Along with the printer setup, you can also import or create custom resin profiles depending on the material manufacturer.
As mentioned earlier in the article, Lychee Slicer supports about 75 different printers, and adding one of the supported printers is a very straightforward process. All you have to do is navigate or search through the list of manufacturers and choose your model.
Once you have added your printer, you can import or create a custom resin profile based on what your resin manufacturer offers.
Layout
Just after the end of the setup, the app ends up viewing “Properties.” This is where users can easily measure, add, and direct models to the print bed. Layout view allows users to customize even their models while enabling many valuable functions such as “Magic” and “Rate.”
After you have completed the printer setup, the software will upload to the “Properties” view, where you can add, rate, and configure models in your bed. You can also customize your item and access the “Magic” and “Balance” functions, which we will explain later in the article.
Support Generation
Then comes the default generation of support. The “Support” concept makes it easy to update automatically generated support. In addition, users can also choose to build their supports, empty models, and create rafts.
Those who choose to produce automated support do not have to go through the hands-on process of building rafts and other procedures. However, the hand-crafted support ensures that users who expect the most advanced operating conditions get enough space to enjoy their creativity.
With an easy-to-use interface, one can change and modify the density, shape, width, and many other parameters of the bases, as well as the features of the raft.
Moving on to the next step, viewing “Support” is where you can update auto-generated support, build your support, create rafts, and close your item. This step can be preferred for users who have chosen to develop their support automatically but provides excellent performance for the most advanced user situations. This menu also allows you to adjust the shape, density, width of your bases, and rafter features.
About Print Preview
With the help of the “preview” menu, you can update the prints one last time before printing the 3D model. Similar to standard SLA applications, the Lychee 3D scanner ensures adding certain distinctive features. For example, its “Simulator” mode allows users to visualize parts while printing.
The “Preview” menu lets you view your print to make a final check before printing your item. This category is similar to many other SLA screens but adds unique features like the “Model” mode to visualize your object as a printer and the “Scale” mode, which puts your model next to household items to match size.
Export
The final step of the Lychee Slicer workflow is the “Submit” menu, where you can select your final print settings and preview the limited print time. The options in this menu are limited, and if you are prepared to print with a single printer out of the box, the only option you have is the type of frame you print and the anti-aliasing method.
Lychee 3D Slicer workflow ends with an “Export” menu. The function allows you to select your final print settings. Users can also preview the limited print time.
Some find options limited, especially if you print with advanced and dedicated printers. The export menu contains several options such as resin type selection, anti-aliasing method, and a few others.
Advanced Features in Lychee Slicer
Lychee Slicer, considered one of the most advanced popular slicers, has some remarkable features.
Lychee Slicer is an advanced app that comes with a lot of features for its users. Not only for one printer, it also allows users to configure a custom SLA printer.
One has to set up a Free Zone printer to start one’s choice of SLA machine. Also, the process is straightforward. Once you successfully complete all the steps to set up, you can achieve scalp performance without any hassle.
When setting up a Free Local Printer, just remember that the Lychee 3D scanner cannot create files directly associated with the selected printer. Users must extract the 3D file from the Lychee printer to an SLA printer-supported application.
In addition to Free Zone printers, it is easy to create and import custom resin profiles. By completing specific details such as treatment times, movement speed, layer thickness, etc., users can come up with custom profiles that fit exactly with their print needs.
Supports Custom Prints & Resin Profiles
Lychee Slicer lets you configure and set up a “Free Location” or a custom SLA printer. Setting up a Free Zone printer is as easy as entering a construction plate size. When you are done, you will gain access to the key functionality of the scanner.
When setting up a Free Zone printer, keep in mind that Lychee cannot create a file directly associated with your printer. You will need to export the 3D object (with the rescue and redirecting done on Lychee) from Lychee to the printer that came with your SLA printer.
In conjunction with the same lines with Free Zone printers, users can re-create or import custom resin profiles. Specifying treatment times, layer thickness, movement speed, and the value of each bottle, these profiles can be a great way to dial your print settings.
Can Generate Support Manually
Many advanced scanners offer automated and manual support functions. This ensures that users can play around with a wide range of usage options. And Lychee Slicer is no different.
Using this application, users can choose to configure support configuration manually. It’s as simple as selecting and clicking on the chosen model locations.
If you are looking for a version of Lychee Pro, users get many options without the manual operation’s fundamental support. The paid version comes with additional support configurations and manually configured configuration modes.
