1. Post-Processing
  2. Post Processing Instructions
  3. Cleaning Parts Printed with Figure 4 Resins
  4. Cleaning Parts Manually

Cleaning 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 User Guide to determine if manual cleaning is sufficient.

CAUTION: The federal OSHA requirement 29 CFR Part 1910.242(b) states: Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 psi and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment

 

The following instructions are recommendations for hand-cleaning parts printed with Figure 4 resins.

  1. Mark containers as Wash and Rinse.
  1. Place printed part into Wash container.
  1. Add Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to Wash container until it completely submerges the printed part(s). Fasten the lid on the container.

NOTE: You may use "dirty" solvent for this first part bath, as specified in the chart When to Change Cleaning Solvents. Once the "dirty" solvent has reached "discard" status, according to the chart, discard it according to all government regulations.
  1. 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 the Wash cycle. Use a countdown timer to assist. You may also need to use a soft- or medium-bristle brush while the part is submerged to clean part surfaces and fine features.
  1. Remove part(s) from Wash container 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.
  1. Place printed part(s) into Rinse container.
  1. 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, as defined in the chart When to Change Cleaning Solvents. Rinsing with dirty solvent in this step risks not completely cleaning the part of uncured resin.

TIP: Once your IPA has become "dirty," as defined in the chart When to Change Cleaning Solvents, you may use it for the Wash cycle in Step 2.

  1. Inspect the part for shiny areas and surface tackiness. If either exists, there could still be uncured resin on the part. Use your solvent squirt bottle and cleaning brush to further clean the part. Dry the part with compressed air. Repeat this process as needed until no shiny or sticky areas remain on the part.

  2. Be sure to rinse your cleaning brush(es) in fresh IPA and place covers on your solvent containers when not in use.

  3. The printed part is now ready for drying and UV post-curing.

 

CAUTION: Cleaning printed parts for any time longer than is prescribed in this manual risks creating defects in the part.