Orientation of prints on a build plate impacts the print resolution and
optical clarity. A microfluidic design containing a reservoir, channel, and
chamber is shown in the MiiCraft Utility slicing software in four orientations
(A) without supports and (B) with supports: (i)
base-down, (ii) vertical, (iii) top-down, and (iv) horizontal. Blue grid
represents the base plate. Supports were added to all areas using default
settings in the slicing software. (C, D) Photos of pieces printed
in BV007a resin with the MiiCraft Ultra 50 printer, (C) printed
without supports, and (D) printed with supports, with 2 minutes of
support removal. Surface roughness and clarity variation is evident between the
4 orientations. Defects were noted as follows: In C: (i) no
defects, (ii) overhang drooping, (iii) delamination (purple) and stress
fracturing (pink), (iv) blocked channel (purple), overhang drooping (pink); in
D: (i) no defects, (ii) stress fracturing, (iii) damage from
supports (purple) and filled chamber (pink), (iv) filled channel (purple) and
support damage (pink).