Nano3D Nano3D

Ring Exposure

Learn how to prevent elephant foot with revolutionary single-exposure ring exposure technology for faster, professional-quality prints.

What is Ring Exposure?

Ring Exposure is NanoDLP’s revolutionary single-exposure elephant foot mitigation system that:

  • Prevents elephant foot without the complexity of dual exposure
  • Maintains print speed with single-exposure processing
  • Provides variable intensity around layer edges
  • Offers multiple application modes for different use cases
  • Reduces material waste and improves dimensional accuracy

Why Ring Exposure Matters

  • Perfect base layers without dimensional distortion
  • Faster printing compared to traditional EFME systems
  • Better part fit for assembly models
  • Professional quality with minimal post-processing
  • Consistent results across different geometries

How Ring Exposure Works

Single-Exposure Technology

Unlike traditional dual-exposure systems, Ring Exposure processes images during slicing:

  1. Edge Detection: Identifies layer boundaries
  2. Ring Creation: Creates exposure rings around edges
  3. Intensity Reduction: Applies graduated exposure reduction
  4. Single Exposure: Processes everything in one exposure cycle

Processing Modes

Ring Exposure offers three application modes:

  • Mode 0: Burn-in layers only (recommended for most users)
  • Mode 1: All layers (maximum quality, slower)
  • Mode 2: Selected layers (custom control)

Configuration Guide

Step 1: Enable Ring Exposure

  1. Go to Profiles → Select your resin profile
  2. Find Ring Exposure Enabled → Set to 1
  3. Set Ring Thickness → Start with 0.5 mm
  4. Set Ring Exposure Reduction → Start with 50%
  5. Set Ring Exposure Mode → Use 0 (burn-in layers)

Step 2: Advanced Configuration

  • Ring Thickness: Controls the width of the exposure ring
  • Exposure Reduction: Percentage of exposure reduction in ring area
  • Gradient Falloff: Enable for smooth transitions (optional)

Step 3: Fine-tuning

  • Too much reduction: Parts may not stick properly
  • Too little reduction: Elephant foot may still occur
  • Thick rings: May affect fine details
  • Thin rings: May not provide enough protection

Ring Exposure vs Traditional EFME

Feature Ring Exposure Traditional EFME
Exposure Cycles Single exposure Dual exposure
Print Speed Faster Slower
Complexity Simple Complex
Quality Excellent Excellent
Resource Usage Lower Higher
Setup Time Minimal Extensive

Advanced Ring Exposure Features

Gradient Falloff

What It Does

Gradient falloff creates smooth transitions from normal exposure to reduced exposure:

  1. Distance Calculation: Measures distance from edge
  2. Graduated Reduction: Applies proportional exposure reduction
  3. Smooth Transitions: Eliminates harsh exposure boundaries
  4. Professional Quality: Creates natural-looking edges

When to Use

  • High-quality prints requiring perfect edges
  • Production parts with strict quality requirements
  • Display models where appearance is critical
  • Assembly parts requiring precise fit

Multi-Mode Operation

Mode 0: Burn-in Layers Only

  • Best for: Most users and applications
  • Benefits: Good quality, fast printing
  • Use case: Standard printing with quality requirements

Mode 1: All Layers

  • Best for: Maximum quality requirements
  • Benefits: Perfect edges throughout the print
  • Use case: Professional production, display models

Mode 2: Selected Layers

  • Best for: Custom control requirements
  • Benefits: Targeted quality improvement for specific areas
  • Use case: Specific layer ranges, custom applications

Practical Configuration Examples

Example 1: High-Quality Display Model 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.3mm, 60% reduction)
Ring Exposure Mode: 0 (burn-in layers)
Gradient Falloff: Enabled
Result: Perfect smooth surfaces, no elephant foot

Example 2: Fast Functional Prototype 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.7mm, 40% reduction)
Ring Exposure Mode: 0 (burn-in layers)
Gradient Falloff: Disabled
Result: Good quality with faster printing

Example 3: Production Quality Parts 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.4mm, 55% reduction)
Ring Exposure Mode: 1 (all layers)
Gradient Falloff: Enabled
Result: Maximum quality for production use

Troubleshooting Ring Exposure

Problem: Still Getting Elephant Foot

Check These Settings

  1. Ring exposure is disabled or not properly configured
  2. Ring thickness is too thin for your layer height
  3. Exposure reduction is too low to be effective
  4. Base layer cure time is still too aggressive

Solutions to Try

  1. Verify ring exposure is enabled and properly configured
  2. Increase ring thickness to 0.7-1.0mm
  3. Increase exposure reduction to 60-70%
  4. Reduce base layer cure time by 2-3 seconds

Problem: Parts Not Sticking

Check These Settings

  1. Ring exposure reduction is too aggressive
  2. Ring thickness is too wide affecting adhesion
  3. Base layer cure time is too low
  4. Build platform is not properly prepared

Solutions to Try

  1. Reduce exposure reduction to 30-40%
  2. Decrease ring thickness to 0.3-0.5mm
  3. Increase base layer cure time by 2-3 seconds
  4. Re-prepare build platform surface

Problem: Inconsistent Results

Check These Settings

  1. Temperature fluctuations during printing
  2. Resin age and contamination
  3. Profile settings not saved properly
  4. Multiple profiles conflicting with each other

Solutions to Try

  1. Stabilize room temperature with climate control
  2. Use fresh, uncontaminated resin
  3. Verify profile settings are properly saved
  4. Use dedicated profiles for specific materials

Best Practices for Success

1. Start Conservative

  • Begin with mild settings and gradually increase
  • Test with small prints before large projects
  • Document successful configurations for future reference
  • Don’t over-optimize - sometimes simpler is better

2. Consistent Environment

  • Maintain stable temperature throughout printing
  • Avoid drafts and air currents near your printer
  • Use consistent resin from the same batch
  • Regular maintenance of build platform and FEP

3. Systematic Testing

  • Test one variable at a time to isolate issues
  • Use calibration models for consistent testing
  • Measure results with proper tools (calipers)
  • Keep detailed notes of what works and what doesn’t

4. Quality Over Speed

  • Don’t rush the calibration process
  • Perfect surfaces are worth the extra time
  • Consistent quality is more important than fast printing
  • Invest in good tools for measurement and calibration

Real-World Applications

Application 1: Jewelry and Miniatures 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.2mm, 70% reduction)
Layer Height: 0.025mm
Result: Perfect smooth surfaces for detailed jewelry

Application 2: Engineering Prototypes 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.5mm, 50% reduction)
Layer Height: 0.05mm
Result: Professional quality with good speed

Application 3: Production Parts 

Ring Exposure: Enabled (0.4mm, 55% reduction)
Layer Height: 0.04mm
Result: Consistent quality for production runs

Performance Considerations

Processing Overhead

  • Ring exposure: Minimal impact (processed during slicing)
  • Gradient falloff: Slight additional processing
  • Mode selection: No performance impact
  • Overall efficiency: Better quality with minimal processing cost

Memory Usage

  • Ring exposure: Minimal memory impact
  • Edge detection: Efficient algorithms
  • Distance calculations: Optimized for speed
  • Image processing: Minimal memory overhead
  • Ring exposure: No impact on print time
  • Quality improvement: Significant time savings in post-processing
  • Overall efficiency: Better quality with minimal time cost
  • Processing advantage: Single exposure maintains speed

Choosing Between Ring Exposure and EFME

When to Use Ring Exposure

  • Standard printing with good quality requirements
  • Faster printing is a priority
  • Simple setup and configuration
  • General use for most models and materials
  • Balanced approach between quality and speed

When to Use EFME

  • Maximum quality is required
  • Professional production environments
  • Complex geometries with challenging edges
  • Custom control over specific layer ranges
  • Research applications requiring perfect dimensions

Hybrid Approach

  • Use Ring Exposure for standard prints
  • Enable EFME for critical parts or specific layers
  • Test both systems to find optimal combinations
  • Create dedicated profiles for different quality requirements

Next Steps

Once you’ve mastered ring exposure:

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