SL1S SPEED: the print does not stick to the platform and stays on the film

Symptom

When the platform rises there is nothing attached; when you take out the tank there is a layer or blob of cured resin stuck to the FEP film. Sometimes the printer pauses in the first layers because the tilt mechanism cannot peel the part off the film (Stuck Recovery).

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. The platform is not secured: after putting it back, the black knob at the top of the tower was not tightened.
2. The printer needs a new calibration, even if you have not replaced parts or moved it.
3. The initial layer exposure is too short for that resin, or the resin profile does not match.
4. Unsuitable orientation or supports: too little surface or too few supports to withstand the peel force.
5. The resin got contaminated with isopropyl alcohol (for example while cleaning the platform) and no longer cures properly.
6. Cured debris in the tank, a dirty film or a film frame screw sticking out.

Checks to tell which one it is

• Watch whether the platform rises empty in the first layers: if so, stop the print straight away so the film is not damaged.
• Check that the black knob on the tower is tight.
• Check the exposure times of your resin profile in PrusaSlicer: the initial layers must have much longer exposure than the normal ones.
• Look at the tank frame: none of the twenty-two screws holding the film may stick out, and the frame must sit flat without rocking.

Before you start

Uncured resin irritates skin and eyes: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses, ventilate the room and do not look at the UV light. Before taking anything apart or cleaning it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise. If in any doubt, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Stop and remove what is left on the film

   Wearing nitrile gloves and safety glasses, stop the print, unscrew and remove the tank and pour out the resin. Carefully remove the cured layer from the film following Prusa's guide so as not to damage it, and clean the film with warm water and a little dishwashing soap, wiping it with soft paper towels.

   Check: The film is clean with no residue stuck to it.

   If that does not fix it: If small loose bits remain in the tank, use the printer's tank cleaning (next step).

2. Automatic tank cleaning

   With the cleaning adaptor (among the example prints you can download from Support → Download example prints), start Control → Resin Tank Cleaning. The printer cures one layer over the whole area to capture debris; set the exposure to your resin's initial exposure time and, when it finishes, slide the adaptor off to remove it with the cured layer attached. It requires firmware 1.7.0 or later.

   Check: The removed layer takes the debris with it and the resin is clean.

   If that does not fix it: If there are large pieces or remnants stuck to the film, automatic cleaning is not enough: clean the tank by hand.

3. Secure the platform

   Check that you tightened the black knob at the top of the tower after fitting the platform.

   Check: The platform has no play.

   If that does not fix it: Recalibrate the printer (next step).

4. Recalibrate the printer

   Run Settings → Calibration → Printer Calibration and follow the screen, even if nothing has changed since last time.

   Check: The calibration finishes without errors and the first layer stays on the platform.

   If that does not fix it: Check the exposure profile, orientation and supports (next step).

5. Exposure, orientation and supports

   Use your resin's profile in PrusaSlicer and check that the initial layer exposure is much longer than that of the normal layers. Place the model with its largest flat face against the platform and, if it uses supports, make sure there are enough.

   Check: The part comes out attached to the platform.

   If that does not fix it: If the printer pauses with Stuck Recovery, use the «Slower» speed profile and reorient the part so it takes up less area on the platform and the film.

6. Resin and tank in good condition

   If you suspect the resin was mixed with isopropyl alcohol, clean and dry the tank thoroughly and use fresh resin. Check that no film frame screw sticks out and that the frame sits flat.

   Check: The resin cures normally and the part sticks.

   If that does not fix it: Contact Prusa support.

Prevention

• Prusa recommends running the tank cleaning before each print, unless you have just changed the resin and cleaned the tank by hand.
• Always tighten the black knob after fitting the platform.
• Keep the isopropyl alcohol used for cleaning out of the resin in the tank.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

The Prusa SL1 family: SL1S SPEED.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• First layer does not stick (SL1/SL1S) · Prusa Research
• Resin Tank Cleaning (SL1/SL1S) · Prusa Research
• Stuck Recovery (SL1/SL1S) · Prusa Research
• Menu structure (SL1/SL1S) · Prusa Research