Replacing the FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) film on your resin printer’s vat is a routine maintenance task that ensures high-quality prints and helps prevent print failures. Over time, the FEP film can become scratched, clouded, or punctured, affecting print adhesion and resolution—and if left unchecked, it can even lead to resin leaks that damage your printer’s LCD screen. Fortunately, the basic steps for this procedure are quite similar across most popular resin printer brands, including Elegoo and Anycubic. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to swap out the old film safely and restore your printer’s performance.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
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Replacement FEP Film: Make sure it’s the correct size and thickness specified by your printer’s manufacturer. We sell FEP films cut to size for popular models of resin 3D printers, and most of these films are provided slightly larger than necessary to make installation and fitment easier.
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Hex/Allen Wrenches: Typically included with your printer; used to loosen and tighten the vat’s retaining screws. Common Allen key sizes found in most resin printers are 1.5mm, 2mm, and 2.5mm, with 2mm being particularly common for many vat and frame screws.
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Soft, Clean Cloth or Microfiber Towel: For wiping down parts.
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Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or Higher): To clean resin residue off the vat frame.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When handling resin and cleaning agents, it’s important to wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin, use safety glasses or goggles to prevent eye irritation from splashes or resin droplets, and consider a mask or respirator—especially if you’re sensitive to fumes—to ensure a safer breathing environment during the maintenance process.
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Razor Blade or Hobby Knife (Optional): If you need to trim excess film after installation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Power Off & Prepare Your Workspace
- Turn off and unplug your printer.
- Put on your PPE.
- Find a clean, well-lit workspace with enough room to handle the vat and lay out your tools.
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Remove the Vat from the Printer
- Carefully remove the resin vat from your printer.
- If there’s leftover resin, pour it back into its container through a fine mesh filter to catch any cured particles.
- Wipe the inside of the vat with a paper towel or lint-free cloth, then use isopropyl alcohol to remove any sticky residue.
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Disassemble the Vat
- Locate the screws holding the retaining frame (the metal plate that sandwiches the FEP film against the vat frame).
- Use the appropriate hex/Allen wrench to unscrew them. Keep the screws organized in a safe place—you’ll need them to reassemble the vat.
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Remove the Old FEP Film
- Gently lift the retaining frame away from the vat.
- The old FEP film should now be free to remove. Carefully peel it off. If it’s stuck, wiggle it gently—avoid bending or distorting the vat frame.
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Clean the Vat Frame and Retaining Frame
- Inspect the vat frame and the retaining frame for any cured resin spots or debris.
- Wipe both surfaces thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth, removing any residue.
- Make sure both surfaces are completely clean and dry before proceeding.
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Position the New FEP Film
- Remove the protective layers from the FEP film. Most films will come with either a clear or blue protective film applied to both sides.
- Place the new FEP film over the vat’s opening. Center it so that it completely covers the window without wrinkles or slack.
- Carefully align the retaining frame on top of the film. The film should be sandwiched evenly between the retaining frame and the vat frame.
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Reinstall the Screws
- Slowly begin inserting and tightening the screws. Use a “cross-pattern” (tighten opposite corners first) to apply even pressure as you go.
- Tighten each screw incrementally, a little at a time, to ensure the FEP film stays flat and tensioned properly.
- The film should be taut but not overly stretched. If it seems too loose or too tight, loosen and re-tighten the screws to achieve an even tension.
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Check for Uniform Tension
- Once all screws are snug, gently tap the FEP film. You should hear a clear, drum-like sound, indicating it’s properly tensioned.
- If the film is sagging or wrinkled, loosen the screws and re-adjust. If it’s overly stiff or starting to deform, you may have tightened too much.
- It may take a couple of attempts to find the perfect tension.
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Trim Excess Film (If Necessary)
- If the new FEP sheet extends beyond the edges of the vat, use a sharp razor blade or hobby knife to carefully trim it flush with the vat frame.
- Be cautious not to scratch the metal frame or your newly installed film.
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Reinstall the Vat & Test
- Reattach the vat to your printer. Make sure it’s seated properly.
- Pour in a small amount of resin and run a simple test print or layer exposure test to ensure the film and vat are functioning correctly.
- Check the underside of the FEP film for even resin coverage and ensure no leaks or abnormal artifacts appear on the test print.
Maintenance Tips
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Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your FEP film for scratches, cloudiness, or indentations. Replacing it promptly can prevent failed prints and protect your LCD screen from damage.
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Keep It Clean: Always filter your resin after failed prints and keep the vat clean to extend the life of your FEP film.
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Avoid Sharp Objects: When removing cured resin from the FEP, use a plastic spatula rather than a metal tool to avoid scratching or puncturing the film.
By following these steps, you’ll have a fresh, properly installed FEP film that ensures your resin prints come out crisp, detailed, and consistent, helping you maintain optimal printing conditions for the long haul.
