Resin Exposure Time Test Planner
There is no single exposure time that suits every resin and printer. Start from the manufacturer’s setting, plan a test across several times, and pick the best from the result.
Your test plan
| Section | Exposure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.75 s | |
| 2 | 2.00 s | |
| 3 | 2.25 s | |
| 4 | 2.50 s | recommended |
| 5 | 2.75 s | |
| 6 | 3.00 s | |
| 7 | 3.25 s | |
| 8 | 3.50 s |
Keep the bottom-layer exposure at the manufacturer’s value during this test.
How to use it
- 1Look up the recommended exposure for your resin and printer in the manufacturer’s settings sheet (links below).
- 2Enter it and a step between sections — 0.2–0.3 s suits modern monochrome printers.
- 3Run your printer’s built-in RERF test, or print a test model such as the Ameralabs Town, at the times shown.
- 4Compare the sections with the guide below and save the best time in your resin profile.
How to read the test
Under-exposed
Broken or missing pillars, deformed holes, separated layers.
Just right
All pillars printed, small holes open, crisp edges and readable small text.
Over-exposed
Small holes closed, bloated details, gaps between pillars filled in.
Official manufacturer settings
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What resin exposure time controls
Normal exposure is how long the screen shines UV on each layer. It has to be long enough to cure the layer and bond it to the one above, but not so long that light spreads and bloats the details. Bottom exposure is much longer and only affects the first few layers that stick to the build plate.
The right time depends on the resin, the printer’s light source, layer height and temperature — resin cures slower in a cold room, so re-test in winter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the RERF test?
The Resin Exposure Range Finder is built into many Elegoo and Anycubic printers. It prints 8 small sections on one plate, each with a different exposure, so you can pick the best one from a single print.
What does over-exposure look like?
Details bloat, small holes close up, edges get soft and parts come out slightly oversized.
What does under-exposure look like?
Layers separate, thin supports fail and parts drop into the vat, and fine details disappear.
Do I need to re-test when I change layer height?
Yes. Exposure does not scale linearly with layer height, and room temperature matters too, so re-test when you change resin, layer height, or the season changes.
What does a resin exposure test show?
Each section of the test prints with a different exposure. The best section has all pillars intact, small holes open and sharp edges.
More free tools
All tools →Filament Drying Guide
Drying temperature and time for every common filament.
Material Settings Chart
Nozzle and bed temperatures, fan and enclosure for each filament.
3D Designer
Build printable models from shapes, holes, text, bolts and hinges, with print checks, a community gallery and live co-editing, then export STL or 3MF.
Need help choosing?
Take the printer quiz or message us on WhatsApp and our team in Amman will help.