Once your 3D build has completed, the part on the platform is considered green until it has been through post-processing. A green part must be handled with 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 (or absorbent cloth) to catch resin that may drip from the part, as well as two stainless-steel or glass containers in which to submerge the part in >90% alcohol solvent.
![]() |
always wear 100% nitrile gloves during post-processing procedures. |
![]() |
CAUTION: Always follow the precautions noted in the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for any resin or solvent being used. It is important to limit the exposure of the resin tray to light, as too much exposure will begin to solidify the resin inside it and render it unsuitable for part building. Place resin-tray cover over resin tray when not in use, close the printer door, or empty the material from the resin tray back into a material bottle of the same resin, sealing the bottle. |
|
![]() |
||
|
![]() |
||
|
![]() |
||
|
![]() |
You must now remove the printed part(s) from the print platform to prepare them for cleaning.
![]() |
WEAR 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling uncured or partially cured print material. |
![]() |
CAUTION: Ensure that any tools you use in post-processing have been cleaned since their last use. |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
If you are running elastomeric resins, such as Ortho IBT or Gingiva Mask, it may be difficult to remove parts from the print platform using only the punch tool.
|
|
|
![]() |
|
The following equipment is needed to clean parts produced on the NextDent 5100 Printer:
![]() |
WARNING: >90% alcohol solvent 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). |
![]() |
always wear gloves when cleaning build parts. |
NOTE: Follow all safety precautions and guidelines set forth in the User Guide for the ultrasonic cleaner you have purchased. |
![]() |
Always wear 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling an uncured printed part, as well as when handling any solvent used to clean such parts. |
If you are running Ortho IBT resin, you MUST use Ethanol as your cleaning solvent. Do not use IPA.
While the User Guide for your ultrasonic cleaner will provide specific-use instructions, the steps outlined below describe how 3D Systems recommends cleaning build parts via an ultrasonic cleaner.
|
|||
|
|||
|
![]() |
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
![]() |
CAUTION: Cleaning printed parts for any longer time than prescribed in this manual risks creating defects in the part. |
|
Wear nitrile gloves and protective goggles whenever handling uncured parts. |
For information on the different methods for drying printed parts, please see the section Air-Drying Parts. Dry printed parts until you see no more liquid on their surfaces. For any drying method, please use the following guidelines:
|
![]() |
![]() |
CAUTION: Be careful not to over-cure the part. Over-curing can cause discoloration and part warping. |
![]() |
CAUTION: Do not clean the print platform or resin tray in a sink or tub that drains into wastewater. These components must be cleaned in a self-contained tub and the solvent/resin mix must be discarded according to all local, state, and federal regulations. |
![]() |
WEAR 100% nitrile gloves throughout this procedure. |
You must clean the print platform after each use.
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
Platform-cleaning fixture |
![]() |
|
![]() |
Your print platform is now clean and ready to be reused. |
![]() |
For cleaning print platforms that run elastomeric resins such as Ortho IBT or Gingiva Mask, your printer package includes a Wire Brush accessory. The following instructions demonstrate how to use this brush.
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
![]() |
You must clean the resin tray if:
![]() |
CAUTION: Do NOT mix identical print materials from bottles with different batch numbers, as any issues with the material must be traceable to a specific batch number. Mixing batches makes this impossible to track. |
Every time you remove the resin tray for any reason, you should also inspect/clean the catch tray, as in the section Clean/Replace the Catch Tray.
NOTE: The elevator must be at its upper limit and the print platform must not be in the printer during this procedure. |
NOTE: Two iterations of this process tends to be enough for a fully cleaned resin tray. If you find that you need to repeat this process more than once, consider spending more time brushing the membrane/tray when soaked in >90% alcohol solvent. |
NOTE: Avoid touching the bottom of the membrane during this procedure. If resin is observed on this surface, spot clean with >90% alcohol solvent by squirting/pouring solvent on the area with uncured resin. Finish by drying with compressed air. Do not touch Part-Cleaning Brush or any other tool to the bottom of the membrane. |
|
![]() |
||||
|
|
||||
|
![]() |
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
![]() |
||||
|
|
Discard all paper towels/wipes used throughout this procedure according to all government regulations.
The resin tray can now be stored in the Resin-Tray Garage or filled with new print material for printing, according to the section Resin-Tray Material Cross-Usage.
→
You can also store the resin tray in the printer with the cover from the garage on top, as seen below.
It is necessary to clean any tools you used during post-processing before their next use, even if you are continuing to use the same resin. Items to be cleaned include:
To clean any of these items, you can either soak them in >90% alcohol solvent or place them into a beaker of >90% alcohol solvent and put them in an ultrasonic cleaner. Ensure that they are completely dry before their next use, either by using compressed air or letting them air dry.