Frequently Asked Questions

Home Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is a DLP 3d printer?
    The Solus uses a DLP projector to cure liquid resin in a vat layer by layer. It’s a form of SLA (Stereolithography) printing.
  2. Does the Solus come with the projector?
    We do not sell or include the projector with the printer, mainly because we want to pass on the savings to our customers. The projector can be purchased for less from retail vendors such as Amazon. They also provide the option of purchasing extended warranty for the projector.  Having said that, if by any chance you would like the projector to be bundled with the projector, we can accommodate such requests.
  3. How much setup is involved with the Solus?
    The entire setup process should not take longer than 30 minutes. We provide complete, step-by-step setup instructions for the projector, the printer, PC that will be used to drive the printer and the printing software.
  4. Do I need a computer to print with?
    Yes, the Solus needs to be connected to a dedicated PC/LAPTOP running Windows.
  5. Is there software available for the printer?
    The Solus includes the widely known open-source software called Creation Workshop. It’s very robust and open software, allowing for use of many third party materials and countless option changes. We will provide a special pre-configured version of Creation Workshop with purchase of the printer.
  6. What kind of resin tank does the Solus have and does it need to be replaced often or recoated with PDMS (silicone)?
    The Solus has a very unique resin tank that is designed to last. We don’t use PDMS silicone coating that can get cloudy and fail just after 10 prints, and instead use a very robust special film that is designed to last for a long time with proper care. If the film does get damaged, it can be replaced in 3 minutes or less and is very inexpensive.
  7. Do you sell resins and castable resins?
    We do not sell any resins at the moment; however Solus is designed to work with most resins, including castable resins from 3rd party manufacturers. Due to the high resolution capability of Solus, some resins may need additional pigment added in order to be able to print at such high resolutions. Also, for some slow-curing resins, the UV filter from the projector bulb may need to be removed to speed up the curing process. We provide compete instructions on how to do this. It’s a very simple and completely reversible process.
  8. Which projectors does the Solus work with?
    We currently support the following projectors: Infocus IN8606HD (recommended), Vivitek H1186HD and Vivitek H1185HD.
  9. Why isn’t the projector enclosed in the printer case like with other dlp 3d printers.
    The main reason is to leave the projector at its natural position and help dissipate heat. Also to prevent voiding the warranty by modifying the lens assembly. This also helps us keep the Solus compact and easily movable. On top of that, if something goes wrong with the projector, it can be easily sent back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
  10. What are the resolution and specs for the Solus?
    You can find the complete specs and resolutions here.
  11. Can I see a sample print before buying?
    Please contact us to request a sample by clicking here.
  12. Do you provide tech support and troubleshooting help?
    Junction3d provides fast email supports and also access to a community forum where other users will be able to assist. We also provide limited phone support for setup and installation help with the printer, by appointment only. Skype and remote PC access support is also available (via TeamViewer Software).
  13. Does the Solus require calibration?
    The build plate comes pre-calibrated and the calibration (if ever needed) takes a few minutes at most. We provide instructions on how to calibrate the build plate. The only other calibration required is the focusing of the grid and measurement of the build area, which only needs to be done when first setting up and changing the XY (and build area) of the printer.
  14. Any special post processing required for the printed models?
    Once the models are printed, they need to be washed in alcohol, dried and cured under UV lights. We use those $40 nail salon curing units sold on Amazon.
  15. Is there any noticeable difference between 25 micron and 41 micron modes?
    For most highly detailed items, such as jewelry and miniatures, we recommend the 25 micron XY setting. 95% of our users use this for the incredibly high resolution achievable, and higher print speeds. Having said that, our 41 micron setting is still higher than the Form1+ (300 micron),  Projet 1200 (56 micron) and Envisiontec Micro Advantage (50 microns). You will get a larger build area of 80mm x 45mm using the 41 micron setting. Build times will obviously be a little slower than the 25 micron setting because the projector is further away.
  16. Can the XY resolution and build area be adjusted?
    Yes, the Solus has 2 preset resolutions and positions for the projector. A 25 micron setting for a build area of 45mm x 27mm x 80mm and 41 micron setting for a build area of 80mm x 45mm x 80mm.
  17. Do the prints need any special post processing?
    After printing, we recommend rinsing the prints in alcohol briefly, drying them and curing them under UV lights. For small items like jewelry, we use those low-cost nail salon UV curing units.
  18. What if my printer breaks down, do you offer a warranty?
    We offer a 180-day warranty on the printer. Please click here for more info about the warranty.
  19. Do you offer technical support?
    We offer fast technical support via email and there is a Community Forum available. Also, to help you setup your Solus, we do offer phone support (with an appointment).  Support via Skype chat and remote access for diagnostics purposes is also available.