Regional Settings
Prev: Part 13: Slicing Settings
Regional settings let you override print behavior inside specific 3D regions. This is how you tune exposure or motion only where it matters—membranes, valve seats, channel roofs, or sensitive areas.
We’ll start with a 20 px valve without any regional settings, then add four region types:
- Membrane — on the membrane layer
- Exposure — higher exposure block between two fluidic channels below the fluidic chamber
- Position — reduced acceleration and speed above the membrane
- Secondary — reduced edge exposure around a vertical channel
Step 1 — Base 20 px valve (no regional settings)
Start with the valve geometry and ports, but no regional settings.
Step 2 — Membrane region (on the membrane layer)
Membranes are thin layers that need special handling. Use MembraneSettings over the membrane layer to adjust exposure, apply defocus, and enable special techniques like Print on Film. It can also auto‑detect membranes within the region by finding areas thinner than max_membrane_thickness_um that are sandwiched between non‑exposed zones.
What it does: Forces membrane‑specific exposure on the membrane layer so it stays flexible and prints cleanly.
Step 3 — Exposure region (between fluidic channels)
ExposureSettings lets you adjust exposure in a specific region. Here we boost exposure in a block between the two fluidic channels under the chamber to strengthen the thin wall that can be under‑cured or damaged under pressure.
What it does: Locally increases exposure to strengthen the thin wall below the chamber.
Step 4 — Position region (slower above membrane)
PositionSettings lets you adjust motion behavior in a specific region. Here we slow movement and reduce acceleration above the membrane to lower peel forces and reduce pressure spikes. If a path exists through the membrane to the outside of the device, overly aggressive motion can force resin through and burst the membrane.
What it does: Slows movement where the membrane is most fragile.
Step 5 — Secondary dose region (reduced edge exposure)
Secondary dosing can be used to tune edge or roof exposure around features. Here, we reduce edge exposure around a vertical channel.
What it does: Reduces edge over‑cure around a vertical channel to keep features crisp.
Tips
- Add regional settings after voids and before bulk so the regions align with the final geometry.
- Use distinct labels to visualize regions in the viewer.
- Regional settings override defaults only inside their shapes.
Next
Next: Part 15: Slicing Process