1. User Guide
  2. Post Processing
  3. Cleaning Printed Parts
  4. Cleaning Chart

Cleaning Chart

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Depending on your requirements, choose which of the following three methods best suits your printing applications:

  1. Sonication in IPA - Recommended as a starting point for high-volume, robust cleaning systems. This uses 3D Systems' EZ Rinse C cleaning solvent and IPA or Propylene Carbonate from your local supplier. Due to the flammability of IPA, you must use an explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaner.
  2. Non-flammable Sonication - Recommended for ultrasonic users who cannot use IPA. This method is not as effective as method #1 above. Raising the bath temperature of the rinse solution and regularly changing the bath are ways to improve cleaning efficiency.
  3. Manual Cleaning - Recommended for those without access to ultrasonic equipment, but can use IPA. This method requires extra steps during washing and rinsing: 1. The part must be brushed with the included brush; and, 2. The part must be sprayed with compressed air. The operator must be careful handling parts which are still delicate at this stage.

Please use the chart below for the recommended cleaning times for each method.

Recommended solvents for material spills - For any of the solvents listed below as being used for a "Wash" cycle, you may also use that solvent to clean material spills.

Three Options For Cleaning

Choose ONE of the three options below for part-cleaning based on your needs. See further description of these methods listed above.

If you do not see your material, SCROLL or SWIPE DOWN on the chart below.

Material Type 1. Sonication in IPA 2. Non-flammable Sonication 3. Manual Cleaning

 

 Wash Rinse Wash Rinse Wash Rinse

Figure 4 TOUGH GRY 10

Figure 4 TOUGH GRY 15

Figure 4 ELAST-BLK 10

EZ Rinse C

< 5 min.

IPA

< 5 min.

Propylene Carbonate

< 5 min.

5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution

< 5 min.

Dirty IPA

< 2.5 min.

Clean IPA

< 2.5 min.
Figure 4 JCAST-GRN 10 n/a

IPA

< 3 min.

Propylene Carbonate

< 5 min.

5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution

< 5 min.

 n/a

Clean IPA

< 3 min.

Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 10

Figure 4 TOUGH-BLK 20

Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 20

Figure 4 EGGSHELL-AMB 10

EZ Rinse C

< 5 min.

IPA

< 5 min.

EZ Rinse C

< 5 min.

5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution

< 5 min.

Dirty IPA

< 2.5 min.

Clean IPA

< 2.5 min.

Figure 4 MED-AMB 10

Figure 4 MED-WHT 10

Dirty IPA < 3 min.

 Clean IPA < 2 min. n/a n/a

Dirty IPA

< 2.5 min.

Clean IPA

< 2.5 min.
Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB DO NOT SONICATE DO NOT SONICATE DO NOT SONICATE DO NOT SONICATE

Dirty IPA

< 2.5 min.

Clean IPA

< 2.5 min.
Figure 4 PRO-BLK 10

EZ Rinse C

< 2.5 min.

Use lowest sonication setting

IPA

< 2.5 min.

Use lowest sonication setting

 NOT RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED

Dirty IPA

< 2.5 min.

Clean IPA

< 2.5 min.

Figure 4 RUBBER-BLK 10

NOTE: Some material components do not dissolve in IPA. Do not use IPA for first bath.

Propylene Carbonate

< 2.5 min.

IPA

< 2.5 min.

Propylene Carbonate

< 5 min.

5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution

< 5 min.

Propylene Carbonate

< 5 min.

 

Clean IPA

< 5 min.

*For all materials, minimize ultrasonic power setting to less than 100W

Overview of Recommended Solvents

Solvent Chemical Abstracts Service # Specific Gravity @ 25°C (g/ml) Flash Point Boiling Point Recommended Form
IPA 67-63-0 0.785 12°C (53.6°F) 83°C use neat
EZ Rinse C 67784-80-9, 68919-53-9 0.88 > 218°C (> 424.4°F) > 301°C (573.8°F) use neat
Propylene Carbonate 108-32-7 1.20 116°C (240.8°F) 240°C (464°F) use neat
Elma Tec Clean A4 Mix 1.13 > 100°C (> 212°F) not applicable mix 5 wt% in water

When to Change Cleaning Solvents

You may change out the cleaning solvent in your containers whenever you feel that the solvent is not doing a good enough job stripping printed parts of uncured resin. However, you may also choose to have a hydrometer on-hand to measure the specific gravity of your solvent/resin mixture. The table below shows what measurements will prompt which actions you can take.

Solvent Specific Gravity Values
IPA - Hydrometer range 0.700 - 0.810

Clean: do not change solvent if < 0.787

Dirty: use the solvent for "dirty" baths if between 0.787 - 0.797

Discard: Discard solvent according to all government regulations if > 0.797
EZ Rinse C - Hydrometer range 0.795 - 0.910

Clean: do not change solvent if < 0.886

Dirty: use the solvent for "dirty" baths if between 0.886 - 0.903

Discard: Discard solvent according to all government regulations if > 0.903
Propylene Carbonate - Hydrometer range 1.000 - 1.220

Clean: do not change solvent if > 1.197

Dirty: use the solvent for "dirty" baths if between 1.197> x > 1.190

Discard: Discard solvent according to all government regulations if < 1.190

NOTE: Use IPA ≥ 90% purity.

TIP: Using compressed air to clear small holes and features of EZ Rinse C prior to IPA cleaning improves ease of cleaning. Use soft brush to aid in cleaning if a ultrasonic cleaner is not available. The clean IPA that becomes saturated in the Rinse container should then be used for the Wash container until it is no longer effective at removing resin. After your Wash container's solvent becomes saturated, discard it according to all government regulations. Please see the table above for how often to change your solvent mixture.

WARNING: IPA IS FLAMMABLE AS BOTH LIQUID AND VAPOR. KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARK AND OPEN FLAMES. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. STORE AT 20-30ºC (68-86°F).

WARNING: 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. For additional information, go to https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9849.