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So a reddit thread got flagged over on FB showing a cheaper source of a film to use for 3D printing, PFA instead of using nFEP. I wonder if any here have tried it out and see if it has any meaningful performance difference or if there are any problems that might result from using it

https://www.reddit.com/r/resinprinting/comments/eybw1v/the_epax_x1_imported_japanese_nonfep_film/

I would think if it truly is cheaper and better the manufacturers will begin to sell it and it will become more readily available. Based on the comments, I would certainly like to try it.

Currently, using some of the off-brand FEP film suppliers brings the price down considerably versus print manufacturer FEP film.

Another interesting link comparing nFEP with PFA and again coming to the same conclusion that its the same or similar enough for printing purposes in terms of adhesion, but that PFA might actually be superior because of increased tensile strength

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Phrozen3DPENG/permalink/1816833058481853/

It's marginally more expensive than FEP. But both are so cheap I'm not sure if it's worth it. I'd need to see a stress test where identical printers run till failure. Until then I'll stick to my FEP
https://www.mcmaster.com/pfa-film/pfa-film/
https://www.mcmaster.com/fep-film/

The advantage of nFEP and PFA is not so much that they are stronger than FEP, but that they offer reduced adhesion to the resin. Thus meaning less force needed from the build plate to pull the resin off the film layer. That, of course, means a reduced chance for failures.

Has anyone tried the recommended tip to put a thin layer of PTFE lube on the FEP film to greatly help the resin from sticking?

 MDSW wrote:
Has anyone tried the recommended tip to put a thin layer of PTFE lube on the FEP film to greatly help the resin from sticking?

I've done it and can certainly hear a difference. Though I don't have more than one machine and insufficient experience to really tell how much difference it makes, but I figure less sound of things tearing means that its pulling off the fep easier.

Have yet to need to change the FEP that came with the Sonic Mighty, but out of curiosity which brands of nFEP do most people use? So we can get some in ready for when the fateful day arrives

 Printable Scenery wrote:
Have yet to need to change the FEP that came with the Sonic Mighty, but out of curiosity which brands of nFEP do most people use? So we can get some in ready for when the fateful day arrives

I grabbed some from Epax off of Amazon for my Sonic Mini 4k. I did note they had some larger sized sheets as well. Haven't swapped it out yet (though have to do that this weekend since I noticed a big divot on the stock FEP), so can't report on effectiveness, but have heard nothing but good about them.

I have used these to super great results and they are much cheaper than OE film.: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L6964CG/

Note: I had to go through all of my Amazon orders for a year or two until I found the film and I have ordered and gone through over 28 litres of resin (the big bottles) in my Mars - what a little workhorse...