Resin 3D Printing Test: Anycubic Resin Exposure Range Finder RERF 🧪
Ever switched resin types and found that some prints turn out fine while others lose detail or come out poorly defined? In this post, we'll walk you through every step of the RERF test so you can dial in the perfect exposure settings for your printer and any resin you use 😎
If you've been into resin printing for a while, you already know that exposure time is one of the most critical factors for successful prints. If you're newer to it — exposure time is simply how long the UV light cures the liquid resin before moving to the next layer.
And here's one of the most important things to understand: every printer and resin has its own unique characteristics, so what works perfectly for one setup won't necessarily work for another. This applies even to printers of the same model — environmental conditions like humidity and temperature also affect your results. So while someone else's RERF settings for the same printer can be a useful starting point, they may not work perfectly for yours.
Why Does Exposure Time Matter So Much? 🕒
If you've printed with resin before, you've probably run into this: under-expose your resin and you end up with poor detail, supports that won't stick, or prints that peel right off the build plate. Over-expose it, and your print ends up larger than expected with lost precision. Picture spending hours printing a miniature, only to end up with a figure that's 3mm too big and doesn't fit anything. No thanks!
Anycubic RERF: A Game-Changer for Resin Printer Calibration 🙌
That's where the Anycubic RERF (Resin Exposure Range Finder) comes in. This exclusive GCODE file for Anycubic printers runs 8 test prints in a single job, each at a different exposure time — less trial and error, more efficiency!
Here's how simple it is: load your USB drive, pour in your resin, and let it run. When it's done, you'll have eight small test prints at different exposure times, ready to compare side by side so you can find your perfect setting straight away.
Important note: Don't use the same file across different Anycubic printer models — and don't rename the file! The system will only recognise the original filename "R_E_R_F".
If you don't have it or lost your original USB drive, don't worry — here's the link where you can find all RERF files organized by printer. Simply navigate to the SLA 3D Printer section, choose your printer model, and look for R_E_R_F under test files.
How to Use the Anycubic RERF Test
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Load the file into your slicer: Import the R_E_R_F file into your slicing software. The file contains eight numbered models so you can easily track each one — each number corresponds to a different exposure time.
Example: If your normal exposure time is 1.5s, the remaining models will increase in increments. Here's how it breaks down:
Number Exposure Time 1 1.5s 2 1.75s 3 2s 4 2.25s 5 2.5s 6 2.75s 7 3s 8 3.25s This lets you compare results side by side to find the sweet spot for your resin and printer. 😎
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Compare the results: Clean your test prints and inspect the surface detail. Are the edges sharp and the details crisp? That means your exposure time is dialled in. If details are soft or you're seeing blobs and bloating, something needs adjusting.
What differences can appear between the models?
For example, if you have model A with many holes and few cylinders, it means more detail will be printed — but with a higher risk of print failure. Model B, on the other hand, will have fewer holes and a lower failure risk, though some fine detail may be lost.
If none of the results look right after comparing them, simply adjust the "normal exposure time" in your slicer and run the test again.
Conclusion: Dial in Your Exposure Settings Like a Pro
The Anycubic RERF is an incredibly useful tool for resin 3D printing. It lets you fine-tune your exposure settings quickly and efficiently — without burning through litres of resin on endless test prints. The better your exposure time is dialled in, the more accurate and detailed your prints will be. 🎯
If you're someone who likes to get everything just right and save time in the process, give the Anycubic RERF a go and share your results in our Telegram group! 💬
After reading this guide, you'll be ready to calibrate your resin printer like a true expert — every single time!
Special thanks to the original Anycubic article
