For seasoned 3D artist and content creator Nuno Silva, the leap from digital models to tangible creations has always felt like the stuff of magic. In his latest deep dive into creative tech, Nuno takes us through his first hands-on experience with resin 3D printing. Check out his latest video and discover new possible paths for your career!
A journey full of excitement and unexpected hurdles. Let's see what Nuno presented in this latest and fresh video.
For someone working in 3D for years, the idea of bringing digital models to life felt like magic.
Nuno decided to test the Elegoo Saturn 4, a resin printer known for its high-detail output. Unlike FDM printers that extrude melted plastic, resin printers use UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer. The trade-off? A messier, more time-consuming process involving safety gear, isopropyl alcohol, and lots of cleanup. But as Nuno quickly found out, the results can be worth it.
After setting up his printer and the Elegoo Mercury XS cleaning and curing station, he emphasized the importance of safety. Gloves, a mask, and protective glasses are non-negotiables due to the toxic nature of uncured resin. A well-ventilated, UV-free workspace is also key, especially when handling isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.
Resin isn’t something you want on your skin or in your lungs.
With everything in place, Nuno started with a test print that came with the machine—an effortless success showcasing razor-sharp detail. From there, he dove into his first practical project: a stylish planter downloaded from Printables.com. Using Chitubox Pro, he prepped the model and monitored the print process remotely with the built-in camera.
While the result looked great, removing the print from the bed wasn’t so smooth. He ended up cutting himself while trying to pry it off with a scraper, slightly damaging the build plate and the print itself.
Not discouraged, he then took on a more intricate challenge: a Lord of the Rings diorama. Even scaled down, the resin printer captured stunning detail. Although the original connectors no longer fit due to scaling, he used super glue to assemble the final piece.
Feeling confident, Nuno attempted his most ambitious print yet: a slam kit for the IKEA STRÅLA light series. This one didn’t come with supports, so he used auto-supports—which ultimately led to failure. The print took over 8 hours, only to suffer from breakage, visible marks, and uncured resin that was tough to clean off.
Still, the takeaways were clear. For detailed miniatures, decorative items, and personalized accessories, resin printing excels in quality. However, it’s not for the faint-hearted or the impatient.
Was getting a resin printer the right call?
Despite some challenges, Nuno concludes the experience was overwhelmingly positive. The Elegoo Saturn 4 delivered professional-looking prints with ease, and although resin printing requires more time and caution than FDM alternatives, the visual payoff is undeniable.
Conclusion.
In the end, Nuno Silva’s resin 3D printing journey is a perfect blend of curiosity, creativity, and trial-and-error. While it’s not the most beginner-friendly process, the stunning results and hands-on satisfaction make it a rewarding adventure for any digital artist looking to bring their designs into the real world.
For more information about resin 3d printing, check out Nuno Silva's full video presentation below:
Nuno Silva is a Portugal-based 3d artist and content creator dedicated to helping artists across the internet.
