ACF Film, FEP or nFEP, what to use

Choosing the Right Release Film: A Quick Guide

If you’re diving into the world of 3D printing with a resin printer from brands like Anycubic, Elegoo or Phrozen, you’ll quickly learn that the choice of release film can make a huge difference in your printing success. Whether it’s FEP film, nFEP film, or ACF film, each type of film has its perks and quirks. FEPshop is your go-to place for finding the right FEP, nFEP or ACF film for any printer, be it your trusty old Anycubic Photon or the latest Phrozen models, ensuring you get back to what matters most: bringing your ideas to life.

Here’s a simplified table to help you choose the best film for your 3D project, keeping things straightforward for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a pro using printers from Creality, Apex-Maker or Uniformation:

Feature	FEP Film	nFEP Film	ACF FIlm
Pros	Clear and durable, perfect for all-round use	Improved flexibility reduces release forces	Best for high detail, reducing layer lines. Speeds ups print jobs, ideal for intricate projects. Long lasting
Cons	A bit stiff, can be difficult to fit and tension on some resinvats	Wears out a bit faster, might need more frequent changes	More expensive
Price	Low	Low to Medium	High
Durability	High	Medium	High
Print Quality	Good	Good	Excellent
Print Speed	Standard	Faster	Fastest

What size of Film do i need?

To select the correct size of FEP, nFEP, or ACF Film for your resin 3D printer, you can check these options:

Check your Printer Specifications:

Manufacturer’s Guidelines: Check your printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the recommended size and type of release film.
Model-Specific Forums: Join online communities related to your printer model to gain insights on suitable film sizes from experienced users.

Measure your old release Film (If Applicable):

If you’re replacing a film, measure its width and length to use as a reference for purchasing a new one.
Allow for Margin: Add a few centimeters to each measurement for secure attachment, adjusting based on how the film is held in the vat.

Measure Your Printer’s Resin Tank:

Determine Interior Dimensions: Measure the width and length inside your printer’s resin vat to ensure the new film will cover the entire bottom surface without gaps.
Allow for Margin: Add a few centimers to each measurement for secure attachment, adjusting based on how the film is held in the vat.

Help! My film is too big!

If you purchase a roll or larger sheet, you can use a sharp cutter and straight edge to cut the film to your measured size. Ensure the surface is clean and flat to avoid scratches or damage to the FEP, nFEP, or ACF film.

TIP: Cut the film to size after mounting it on the resinvat or in the frame.

What’s with Film Thickness?

When we talk about the thickness of the sheet, we’re essentially looking at how durable your film is going to be and how it’ll affect your print detail and speed. Thicker films are great for their durability, meaning you won’t need to replace them as often, even on high-usage production 3D printers like the Phrozen Mega 8K. However, they might slow down your print a bit. Thinner films, though, can get you finer details and faster prints, perfect if you’re working on intricate higly detailed models on a Phrozen Sonic Revo but might need replacing more often.

Making Your Choice Simpler

No matter which brand or model of 3D printer you own, finding the right film doesn’t have to be a headache. Think about what’s most important for your printing needs. If you’re all about that detail and don’t mind the extra cost, ACF Film might be the way to go, especially for those detailed projects, jewellery or dental work. On the other hand, if you’re printing a lot and looking to save some money, nFEP Film affordability and ease of use can be attractive for users of Elegoo Mars or Anycubic Photon printers. Ofcourse you can always fall back on the universal reliable workhorse FEP Film.

FEPshop has you covered with a range of release films suited for most 3D printers and projects. So, check them out, pick the release film that fits your printing style and printer model, and get ready to print with less fuss and more fun.

FEPshop Pro tip

Keeping your release film clean is easy and essential for great prints. Just grab a microfiber cloth and give the film a gentle wipe. If you encounter any stubborn resin, lightly dab the cloth with isopropyl alcohol and go over the spot until it’s clean. This quick touch-up with a microfiber cloth not only keeps your film in good shape, avoiding scratches or damage, but also ensures your prints come out clear and detailed. Remember to let the film dry fully before you get back to printing. Simple, effective, and straightforward—just how maintenance should be!