Post Processing

Introduction

Once your 3D build has completed, the part on the print platform is considered green until it has been through post-processing. A green part must be handled with 100% nitrile gloves at all times. This section describes how to post-process the part, rendering it safe to handle without nitrile gloves. You will need lint-free paper towels to catch material that may drip from the part, recommended solvent, and two cleaning tubs (included).

Remove Print Platform

always wear 100% nitrile gloves during the post-processing handling of the build parts.

CAUTION: Always follow the precautions noted on the SDS sheets for any material or solvent being used.

Place a paper towel under the part. Lift up the locking handle to allow the print platform to be removed.

NOTE: Material may drip from the part. The towel is used to collect dripping material so that printer components are not exposed to material.

Remove print platform from printer with printed part attached. Support the paper towel underneath with your hand so that it does not dip into the material in the print tray.

CAUTION: Do not remove the printed part from the print platform while platform is still in the machine. Doing so risks getting partially cured print material in the print tray, which will damage future builds if not cleaned out.

Continue holding the paper towel under the print platform when transporting it to the first stage of post-processing.

Remove Printed Parts From Platform

Using included platform scraper or similar tool, carefully scrape the part off the print platform.
Using your hands, pliers, or dental/jewelry tools, remove the base and other supporting architecture from the part.

Clean Printed Parts - Introduction

The following equipment is needed to clean parts produced on the printer:

Plastic containers with lids, which are included with the printer. If it is your preference to use other containers, be sure they are large enough to accommodate the parts you will print.
Digital timer
Solvent, as prescribed in the Cleaning Chart
Optionally, you could have an an ultrasonic cleaner, which agitates the cleaning solvent using ultrasonic sound waves. If this is the best solution for you, your ultrasonic cleaner should have:
1. Digital Timer
2. Volume big enough to accommodate the parts you will print, along with:
3. Stainless-steal or glass rinse tanks big enough to accommodate the parts you will print. Plastic containers (like the ones included with the printer) will not have a good enough transfer of energy to be effective in an ultrasonic cleaner.

NOTE: Some materials require the use of an ultrasonic cleaner for part cleaning to achieve certification as a medical device for its printed parts. Please read your material's Instructions for Use to determine if you must use ultrasonic methods.

always wear 100% NITRILE gloves when cleaning printed parts.

Cleaning Chart

Please use the chart below for the recommended cleaning method of your printed parts. The solvent choice is specific to the material used to build the part.

Recommended solvents for material spills - For any of the solvents listed below as being used in the 1st part bath, you may also use that solvent to clean material spills.

Material Type	Ultrasonic Cleaning	Manual Cleaning	Max Number of Builds That Can Be Cleaned Before Solvent is Saturated
NextDent^® Model NextDent^® Surgical Guide NextDent^® Model 2.0 NextDent^® Ortho Rigid	1st bath - 3 min dirty Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) or Ethanol 2nd bath - 2 min in clean IPA or Ethanol	manual cleaning not recommended	10-12
FabPro™ Proto GRY	1st bath - 2 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - 2 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	1st bath - 2 min dirty Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 2nd bath - 1 min in clean IPA	10-12
FabPro™ JewelCast GRN	1st bath - 1 min dirty in IPA 2nd bath - clean IPA dip 30 seconds Fresh IPA dip 30 seconds	1st bath - 2 min dirty Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 2nd bath - 1 min in clean IPA	5
FabPro™ Tough BLK	1st bath - 4 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - 3 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	1st bath - 3 min dirty Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 2nd bath - 2 min in clean IPA	6-8
FabPro™ Elastic BLK	1st bath - 4 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - 4 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	1st bath - 4 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - 4 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	6-8
FabPro™ Flexible BLK	1st bath - 2.5 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - 2.5 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	1st bath - <2.5 min dirty IPA 2nd bath - <2.5 min in clean IPA Fresh IPA rinse	5

NOTE: The recommendation for max number of builds in the chart above is assuming builds of a medium width and height volume. If you have very dense builds with tall parts, the solvent baths may become saturated with a fewer number of builds. Always pay attention to build-surface tackiness and shininess, as this is an indication that uncured liquid material is still on the build.

NOTE: For the first bath, it is okay to use solvent that has already been used to clean other parts. You may do this until the solvent becomes saturated. Then you must discard the dirty solvent according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

NOTE: For FabPro branded materials: for the first bath, 3D Systems' EZ Rinse C solvent is also suitably effective.

TIP: The clean IPA that becomes saturated according to the number of builds in the chart above should then be used for the first ("dirty") IPA bath until the max number of builds has been reached again.

WARNING: EThanol and ipa are FLAMMABLE as both LIQUID AND VAPOR. IPA flash point is 11.7°C (53.1°F). Ethanol flash point is 16.6°C (61.9 °F). KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARK AND OPEN FLAMES. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. STORE AT 20-30ºC (68-86°F).

Clean Parts Manually

NOTE: Some materials require that you use an ultrasonic cleaner, rather than manual cleaning methods, to clean printed parts. Please read your material's Instructions for Use to determine if manual cleaning is sufficient.

The following instructions are recommendations for hand-cleaning parts made with FabPro™ materials. For instructions for NextDent^® materials, please see your material's Instructions for Use.

Mark plastic containers as “Container 1” and “Container 2.”

Place printed part into Container 1.

Add Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to Container 1 until it completely submerges the printed part(s). Fasten the lid onto the container.

NOTE: You may use "dirty" solvent for this first part bath. Solvent is considered "dirty" when it has reached the maximum number of prints specified for your material in the Cleaning Chart. You may use "dirty" solvent for an additional number of prints equal to the "maximum number" specified in cleaning chart. For example, you may use "dirty" IPA or EZ rinse C to clean 10-12 parts, for a total of 20-24 parts cleaned. Once you have reached this maximum again, you must discard the solvent/material mixture according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

Lightly shake the container back and forth, just enough to agitate the liquid. Follow the instructions in the Cleaning Chart for how much time is required for this first bath.

Remove part(s) from Container 1 and allow excess IPA to drip from the part(s) for 30 seconds. You may wish to use shop air or an air compressor to dry the part in between cleanings, as this is an effective method for getting one solvent off the part before dipping it into another. You may also need to use the included Part-Cleaning Brush, dipped in solvent, to clean part surfaces and fine features.

Place printed part(s) into Container 2.

Follow steps 3-5, but this time using clean IPA. Follow the instructions in the Cleaning Chart for how much time is required for this second bath.

NOTE: You must use "clean" IPA for the second part bath. Solvent is considered "clean" if it has been used to clean less than the maximum number of prints specified for your material in the Cleaning Chart. Rinsing with dirty solvent in this step risks not completely cleaning the part of uncured liquid material.

TIP: Once you have used the "clean" IPA to wash the maximum-allowed parts, you may then use it for the first, "dirty" part bath (see Step 3).

Inspect the part(s) closely to make sure no liquid material remains. Pay particular attention to shiny areas, as they may indicate the presence of liquid material. If you are unsure if liquid material remains, it is best to repeat Step 7. You may also need to use the included Part-Cleaning Brush, dipped in solvent, to clean part surfaces and fine features.

NOTE: Be sure that you replace the lids on Containers 1 and 2 when they are not in use.

NOTE: IPA must be disposed of according to all state, local, and federal regulations.

Clean Parts With Ultrasonic Cleaner

NOTE: Read all documentation that came with your ultrasonic cleaner for operating and safety instructions.

Always wear 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling anY uncured printed part, as well as when handling any solvent used to clean such parts.

CAUTION: Ensure that your ultrasonic cleaner is properly rated to use flammable solvents. Failure to do so could present a fire hazard.

The following instructions are recommendations for using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean parts made with FabPro™ materials. For instructions for NextDent^® materials, please see your material's Instructions for Use.

Label your glass or steel containers as "1st Bath" and "2nd Bath."

Wearing nitrile gloves, place the printed part(s) inside 1st Bath container. Pour recommended solvent (see Cleaning Chart) into the container until you completely submerge the printed part. Dirty solvent may be used for this first bath.

NOTE: You may use "dirty" solvent for this first part bath. Solvent is considered "dirty" when it has reached the maximum number of prints specified for your material in the Cleaning Chart. You may use "dirty" solvent for an additional number of prints equal to the "maximum number" specified in cleaning chart. For example, for FabPro Proto GRY material, you may use "dirty" IPA or EZ rinse C to clean 10-12 parts, for a total of 20-24 parts cleaned. Once you have reached this maximum again, you must discard the solvent/material mixture according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

Place 1st Bath container inside the ultrasonic cleaner.

Follow the instructions in your ultrasonic cleaner's User Guide to power it on and begin cleaning. Follow the instructions in the Cleaning Chart for how much time is required for this first bath.

After the cleaning cycle has finished, remove the printed part from the ultrasonic cleaner using nitrile gloves. You may wish to use shop air or an air compressor to dry the part in between cleanings, as this is an effective method for getting one solvent off the part before cleaning it with another.

For 2nd Bath container, follow the instructions above from Steps 2-5, but this using "clean" solvent. Follow the instructions in the Cleaning Chart for how much time is required for this second bath.

TIP: Once you have used the "clean" IPA to wash the maximum-allowed parts, you may then use it for the first, "dirty" part bath (see Step 2).

Inspect the part(s) closely to make sure no liquid material remains. Pay particular attention to shiny areas, as they may indicate the presence of liquid material. If you are unsure if liquid material remains, it is best to repeat Step 6.

NOTE: Be sure that you place lids on Containers 1 and 2 when they are not in use.

NOTE: Solvents must be disposed of according to all state, local, and federal regulations.

Dry the Build Parts

For information on the different methods for drying build parts, please see the section Air-Drying Parts. For any drying method, please use the following guidelines:

If using compressed air, dry the part until there is no discernable liquid on it. Then let it sit out for 30 minutes on a paper towel before proceeding to UV curing.
If air drying only, let the part sit out for 60 minutes on a paper towel before proceeding to UV curing.
Always dry printed parts over a tub, lab paper towel, or absorbent cloth. Do NOT dry the part over a sink or tub that drains to normal wastewater.
Discard any disposable towels used in the drying process according to all local, state and federal regulations. These towels have been in contact with uncured material and solvents, and must be treated as such.
On a regular basis, have a professional cleaning service wash any absorbent cloths used in the drying process.
If you dry the part over a tub, periodically empty/clean it, discarding its contents according to all local, state, and federal regulations. The tub has been in contact with uncured material and solvents and must be treated as such.
If using an air compressor in the same room (as opposed to shop air), wear ear protection when it is in use.
Always wear 100% nitrile gloves and safety glasses when handling green printed parts. When drying with a high-pressure method, uncured material or solvent may splash.
If you come into contact with uncured material during part drying or at any time, wash the affected area with soap and COLD water. Any clothes contaminated with uncured material or solvent must be dry cleaned promptly.

UV-Cure the Part

NOTE: For NextDent^® materials, it is necessary to use the LC-3DPrint Box as your UV oven in order to meet medical certifications. Ideal, tested curing times for materials are outlined in the section Material Stirring and Curing Times.

After the part is completely dry, insert the part into your UV oven in the same orientation it was printed in, as if the bottom of the curing oven is the print platform. Please see the image below for reference.

CAUTION: Use nitrile gloves whenever touching or operating the LC-3DPrint Box. Normal usage of the oven will most likely get uncured material on the box handle, buttons, and screen; so it is always best to take this precaution.

Follow instructions in your UV oven instruction manual to begin the post-curing process. If you have the LC-3DPrint Box, the instruction manual can be found both in the packaging or by downloading the link here: NextDent LC-3DPrint Box Instructions for Use.
Please see the Material Stirring and Curing Chart for a quick reference of curing times for different materials. Do not open the curing chamber door until the curing process has been completed. The LC-3DPrint Box has a sensor that will turn the machine off during curing if the lid is open. Please see the Instructions for Use of the material you are using for full post-curing instructions.
Once the printed part has been fully cured, remove the part from the UV oven, using nitrile gloves when opening and closing the oven.
Inspect the part for surface tackiness and/or areas of discernable liquid material. If either condition exists, clean the part with recommended solvent once more and put it back in the UV oven until there is no more uncured material on it. The printed part is now safe to touch without nitrile gloves.

CAUTION: Be careful not to over-cure the part. Over-curing can cause discoloration and part warping.
You may now wish to further refine the part's shape with fine-grit sandpaper or dental tools, removing any remnants of supporting architecture that remain on the part.

Clean Print Platform and Print Tray

CAUTION: Do not clean the print platform or print tray in a sink or tub that drains into wastewater. These components must be cleaned in a self-contained tub and the solvent/material mix must be discarded according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

WEAR GLOVES: always Wear 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling a printer component that has been in contact with liquid material, even if you have cleaned the component. If the component must be handled without gloves, you must first place it in a UV-Curing oven for the time specified for the material it has been in contact with.

Clean Print Platform

You must clean the print platform after each use.

Use a putty knife or something similar to scrape away the excess cured print material on the print platform.
If a greasy residue still exists, pour recommended solvent onto a nonabrasive cloth and gently clean the print platform until the residue is removed.
Place the print platform into an ultrasonic bath, if available, with recommended solvent. Or you may manually clean the platform in the rinse tanks included with your printer.
Completely dry the platform of any solvent, using any of the same techniques used to dry a printed part.

Pigmentation on the Print Platform

If you use any print materials with pigmentation in them, you may observe that they slowly stain the print platform after repeated use. This is okay and has not been shown in testing to adversely affect the build quality of future parts, even when using different materials. If you wish to remove as much of the pigmentation as possible, the best way to do this is to soak the platform in IPA overnight. This might not remove all pigmentation.

Remove and Clean Print Tray

You must remove the print tray periodically to clean it and inspect it for damage.

NOTE: The elevator must be at its upper limit and the print platform must not be in the printer during this procedure. This will ensure that: 1. The elevator arm are out of the way; and, 2. No material drips from the print platform onto the glass print base.

Wearing nitrile gloves, release all four toggle case locks that connect the print tray to the chassis.
Lift the print tray up and out of the printer, careful not to spill any material that is inside.

Clean Print Tray

If you are not building again for a long period of time, it is best to empty the print tray and clean it to prolong the life of the tray.

Pour material out of print tray and into storage bottle via a funnel. Seal the bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Clean the funnel with the recommended solvent for your material.

CAUTION: Be sure that you are pouring the material back into a bottle of the same material. Mixing materials causes both materials to become ineffective.
Pour recommended solvent into the print tray and let it soak for a while.
Discard solvent/material mix according to local, state, and federal regulations.
Use a microfiber cloth or lint-free paper towel to softly wipe the bottom of the print tray.

CAUTION: Do not put pressure on the print-tray film when cleaning. Doing so could damage the film and render it unusable.