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Depending on your requirements, choose which of the following three methods best suits your printing applications:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning in EZ Rinse C and IPA - Recommended as a starting point for high-volume, robust cleaning systems. This uses 3D Systems' EZ Rinse C cleaning solvent and IPA from your local supplier. Due to the flammability of IPA, you must use an explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaner.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning in Propylene Carbonate and 5 wt% Elma Tec A4/water solution - Recommend 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.
- Manual Cleaning in IPA - 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 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.
| Material Type | 1. Sonication in IPA | 2. Sonication in Solution | 3. Manual Clean in IPA | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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 |
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. |
*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 |
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NOTE: Use IPA ≥ 90% purity. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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