We really have 3 ways of printing, standard, continuous and semi continuous.
Standard
With standard speed the build plate moves down into the resin to coat the previous layer, after an amount of time the build plate will move up and then the layer will be displayed.
The dip distance and wait times are configured by the user.
This method is good for high resolution printing like jewellery or parts with walls thicker than 2mm. Also this method is used with resins that can't be used with continuous printing. We would use this method to print the roof area of the Sydney Opera house.
It is possible to pause a print in standard mode.
Imagine a wall at a 45 degree angle. The side of the wall that faces away from the build plate will be the smooth side. Example: a roof of a house. We believe the smooth finish is because of the meniscus.
Continuous
When using continuous printing the build plate constantly moves downwards. There aren't any stops between layers. This can give a very smooth finish to prints. Vertical walls will be smooth.
You have to print hollow when using this method. The wall thickness will depend on the speed you are printing at. Please read http://www.gizmo3dprinters.com.au/#!Printing-speed-explained-when-printing-continuously/ynrii/573e9fed0cf28fa13af7c9d9 and http://www.gizmo3dprinters.com.au/#!Speed-theory/ynrii/575e150c0cf24c9615a9a151 for more information.
We would use this method to print a skull from the bottom up to half way and then change over to standard speed.
Imagine a wall at a 45 degree angle. The side of the wall that faces towards the build plate will be the smooth side. The opposite side will be rough and layered. We believe this is because of resin starvation.
Semi continuous
This is really the method that many people with bottom up printers use to show that they can print fast.
The user chooses to have no extra dip depth and the wait time is reduced to the absolute minimum.
This method can possibly be used to print thicker walls.