Slicing Made Easy in 3 Simple Videos

Slicing resin models might seem like the hardest part of your printing process, especially if you're just starting out. Even experienced hobbyists can run into challenges! But no matter the model, every successful print comes down to three key steps: orientation, hollowing, and supporting.

At Lychee Slicer, we've designed our software to be user-friendly and intuitive. However, even with the best tools, we understand that slicing can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we created our YouTube channel—to make slicing easier and more enjoyable for everyone. In our latest playlist, Derek, our slicing expert, walks you through each step of the process with must-know, easy-to-follow tips and tutorials.

Orientation Video: ‘How to Perfectly Orient Your 3D Model?’

The first step after importing your files into Lychee Slicer is finding the best orientation. But what does orientation mean? It’s the process of positioning your model in the optimal way to increase your chances of print success. Why is it important? Poor orientation can directly affect print quality and feasibility. Proper orientation helps save resin, time, and money while increasing print stability. The ideal orientation depends on your model type, so it’s essential to analyze factors like detail, strength, and constraints.

In this video, Derek guides you through the process of orienting your 3D model in Lychee Slicer. He’ll show you how to get started, avoid unwanted support marks, and improve print quality. From beginner basics to advanced tips, this tutorial will help you optimize your prints and minimize print time.

Hollowing Video: ‘How to Perfectly Orient Your 3D Model?’

Once you’ve found the perfect orientation for your model, don’t rush to add supports just yet! In most cases, you’ll need to hollow your resin model first. Adding supports before hollowing can make proper placement much harder later. What is hollowing? Hollowing creates voids within your model and adds escape holes to reduce resin usage. Why is it important? In SLA printing, hollowing saves resin and costs, speeds up printing, and makes lightweight prints easier to handle.

In this video, Derek explains the easiest ways to hollow your 3D models using Lychee Slicer’s useful tools, including Hollowing 3D, Hollowing 2D, Hollowing Blockers, and Caps and Holes.

Support Video: ‘Stop wasting resin! Learn how with grid supports.’

One of the biggest challenges before printing is adding supports. But what exactly does supporting mean? It means adding supports—either automatically or manually—at the correct size and number to ensure your model’s structure is stable during the print. Why is this so important? Without proper supports, your model could fail to adhere to the build plate, causing printing failures. Plus, incorrect supports can result in difficult removals and ruined models, wasting both time and resin. The right supports ensure a smooth print, with easy post-processing and minimal waste.

In this video, Derek provides expert tips on how to properly support your model using one of Lychee Slicer’s most popular and approved features: Grid Support.

With Derek’s step-by-step tutorials on orientation, hollowing, and supporting, you’ll learn how to optimize your prints, save resin, and avoid common mistakes. Watch the videos, follow the tips, and start printing with confidence today!