Hey gang, Tim here at Core Electronics and today we are replacing a FEP for a resin 3D printer. After creating with a resin 3D printer for some time, you're going to need to replace the original FEP release film. These are consumable products and if left on too long, they will result in less sharp and less reliable prints. If your FEP has a hole or too many scratches so it's hard to see through or flexes more than 10mm up and down, it's time to change it. My FEP here is a perfect example of an old FEP. It has two puncture holes and a bunch of scratches. A good FEP is one that is clean, devoid of most scratches and taut. So taut that you can lightly tap on it and it's going to sound like a drum.

On the table before me is everything you're going to need to make this really easy. You're going to want a paper towel and IPA to keep everything clean. You're going to want gloves to keep your hands safe. You're going to want a 4mm allen key. You're going to want some cardboard, scissors and a new FEP sheet. You're also going to want a stapler.

After cleaning everything thoroughly with IPA, remove your tank by unscrewing the two thumb screws. Then rotate your tank upside down and remove the old FEP by unscrewing the bolts with your allen key. With that done, remove the metal spacer and give everything another quick IPA clean. We can now grab our new FEP. Very importantly, a new FEP often has a transparent protective covering on both sides that can be very hard to see. Make sure to peel these protective coverings off.

Now to make the installation process easier, I use a piece of cardboard with a hole the size of the printer's tank cut out into the middle of it. The cardboard prevents the FEP from slipping and helps maintain even portness. Make sure to square the FEP to the hole in the cardboard and then staple it multiple times to secure.

Take the FEP and the cardboard and lay them both together. Overlay the FEP and the cardboard over the top of the tank. Place the metal spacer on top and press down lightly. Take something pointy like the top of the scissors or a tool and poke little holes through the FEP at every single hole. Push one of the bolts through the hole and lightly screw it in about a third of the way. Do the same with the opposite side. Continue this process slowly adding bolts each time at opposite sides and tighten them all down bit by bit in sequence. When the cardboard is no longer useful, remove it by undoing the staples. Screw all the bolts down until they're fully tightened. Carefully remove the excess FEP around the edges using scissors or a razor blade. Make sure everything is clean and reinstall it to your resin printer. Home it and continue your printing escapades.