Introduction

I've recently started to consider stepping into the world of resin 3D printing. I did as much reading on the subject as I could and looked for everything I would possibly need in order to do so properly. This means having the right tools, being safe, and keeping the environment clean. I looked around at my options and although there were a few options for UV curing chambers, there was nothing out there pre-made that didn't cost an arm and a leg, and a lot of the other DIY solutions were too small or not all contained in one box. I saw videos where people used outlet timers, bread boxes, 3D printed boxes, etc. I wanted to build a self contained box that did contained everything you would need and make it look pretty. I also wanted to make it easy enough that I didn't have to work on programing an arduino and simple enough that if I wanted to scale it up, I could do so without much hassle. I planned on using the box as an all purpose curing box to help safely clean and dispose of anything that touches resin. Think of it like an incinerator, it'll cure all my tools, paper towels, trash, nitrile gloves, etc. The tools will be washed in my ultrasonic cleaner after curing and the trash will be tossed since the resin will now cured and hopefully not cause issues to our environment.

I began planning and drawing different diagrams of what I wanted it to look like, what kind of equipment I would need and began searching online for more ideas. Eventually I landed on using the IKEA Eket box, which was a good size, not too big and not too small. Most items I bought from Amazon with the exception of the box. I'll include affiliate links below to all items. The box was about 35cm x 35cm x 35cm. The timer was a bit of a puzzle. I had no idea what I was looking for, but I eventually landed on a unit that I felt would possibly work. The mirror vinyl wrapping was an idea I got from another person who built a chamber, and the UV LEDs seem to be what a lot of people were using. They had the right wavelength and weren't terribly expensive. The solar powered turntable was also another item that seems to be readily used by others, I did decide to print a larger platter for it after realizing how small it was. I also added a simple SPST switch so I could simply turn it on and off when needed.



Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damage done if you do not use proper protective measures when using resin or working with UV lights and/or any tools.



Anyway, the next section contains all the equipment needed for this project. Enjoy and feel free to ask any questions!

Supplies:

I've provided a list of equipment and supplies needed for building the UV curing chamber. The equipment listed are what I used, and the supplies are the ones that I bought. If you already have most of the supplies or choose to order them from Aliexpress, the overall cost will be cheaper, but the UV curing chamber should only cost somewhere between $90-$110.

Equipment needed:

Soldering iron Amazon

pliers Amazon

scissors Amazon

razor blade Amazon

precision flat head screwdriver Amazon

Supplies needed:

3D models: Thingiverse

IKEA EKET Cabinet with door IKEA

SPST Switch Amazon

LCD Digital timer relay Amazon

Lever nuts Amazon

2x 12"x78" roll of mirror vinyl Amazon

16.4' 20AWG silicone wire Amazon

16.4' UV LED strip with power Amazon

2 Pin LED strip connectors Amazon

Solar powered turntable Amazon

Step 1: Assembling the Ikea Eket Box

The reason for the mirror vinyl wrap on the inside of the box is to help reflect the UV lights on all sides, this will help in the curing process by allowing light to help the model everywhere.

When assembling the Eket box, you want to first apply the mirror vinyl wrap on the insides of each piece. This is so that you don't have to worry about trying to do it once the box is assembled. The vinyl wrap is a bit finicky so I found it easier to do it this way, you can assemble the box and then wrap the inside as well if you wanted.

I measured the inside of each side and cut the piece of vinyl wrap so it would cover the entire side, applying the vinyl wrap is not easy but if you do so slowly and making sure you push out all the air bubbles with a credit card, you'll get a nice smooth surface. Once the vinyl has been applied and you're happy with the way it looks, peel off the plastic layer that sits on top of the vinyl wrap. Do this for each of the 4 sides and the inside of the door.

Once you've wrapped all the sides, put the box together following the provided instructions. It's fairly easy to assemble since there aren't a lot of tools needed other than a screw driver.

Now you have a fully assembled box that is reflective on all sides.

Put the vinyl wrap aside, since we'll use it again later.

Step 2: LED Strips and the Box