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?
    Yes, the Solus bundle includes the printer and the projector. If you need to purchase the Solus without the projector, please contact us.
     
  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. There are also videos to complement the instructions.
     
  4. Do I need a computer to print with?
    Yes, the Solus needs to be connected to a dedicated PC/LAPTOP running Windows.
     
  5. Are there any minimum recommended requirements for the PC?
    Windows 8 or higher, Intel i3, 4gb Ram, HDMI output, Intel 4000 graphics or higher. If you are not sure if your existing PC, or the new one that you're planning on purchasing, will work, please contact us.
     
  6. Is there software available for the printer?
    Solus includes a license for our new Contour 3d printing software. Developed from the ground up exclusively for the Solus 3d printer.
     
  7. 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.
     
  8. Do you sell resins and castable resins?
    Yes, we sell the SolusCast resin for direct casting and the SolusProto for prototyping and making molds. We plan to add many more unique resins to the Solus material line-up. Also 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.
     
  9. Which projectors does the Solus work with?
    We now include the Vivitek 1186HD in the Solus bundle. If you need to purchase the Solus separately without the projector, please contact us. For a list of compatible projectors, please click here.
     
  10. 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.
     
  11. What are the resolution and specs for the Solus?
    You can find the complete specs and resolutions here.
     
  12. Can I see a sample print before buying?
    If you are located in the United States, you can request a free sample by clicking here.
     
  13. Do you provide tech support and troubleshooting help?
    Junction3d provides email support, usually within 24 hours and also access to a community forum where other users will be able to assist. We also offer a Pro Support plan, which includes fast email support within 2 hours or less during business hours, phone support and more.
     
  14. 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.
     
  15. 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. A professional UV curing solution is available on our website. However other UV light curing solution will work also.
     
  16. 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.
     
  17. 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.
     
  18. 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.
     
  19. What if my printer breaks down, do you offer a warranty?
    There is a 180-day factory warranty on the printer. Please click here for more info about the warranty.
     
  20. Which payment methods to you accept?
    On our website we accept all major credit cards as payment method. Via business invoicing we accept business checks, money orders, and bank wire transfers. Please contact us for more information.