Once your printed parts are removed from a Modular Printer, they are still considered green. This means that they are not fully cured and must be handled with 100% nitrile gloves. The print platform that the part is attached to also has uncured resin on it, meaning that it must also be handled with nitrile gloves. This section of the guide will demonstrate how to properly remove the print platform from the machine, remove the printed parts from the platforms, clean the printed parts, and post-cure the printed parts. Once the printed parts have been through all these steps, they will be safe to touch with human hands.
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CAUTION: Failure to properly post-process a part not only makes it unsafe to touch, but also can result in part defects. |
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CAUTION: Do not remove the printed part from the print platform while both are still in the machine. Doing so risks getting partially cured print material in the resin tray, which will cause future builds to fail and/or cause the resin-tray membrane to puncture. |
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You must now remove the printed part(s) from the print platform to prepare them for cleaning.
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WEAR 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling uncured or partially cured print material. |
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CAUTION: Ensure that any tools you use in post-processing have been cleaned since their last use. |
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If you are running elastomeric resins, such as ELAST-BLK 10, it may be difficult to remove parts from the print platform using only the punch tool. If this is the case, perform the following steps:
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Printed parts must be cleaned with solvents to ensure safer handling, dimensional accuracy, and preparation for post-curing. This section will describe three methods that have been proven to work best for Figure 4 part cleaning: 1. Sonication in IPA; 2. Non-flammable Sonication; and, 3. Manual Cleaning.
Equipment | Sonication in IPA | Non-flammable Sonication | Manual Cleaning |
---|---|---|---|
At least 1 ultrasonic unit for wash - this unit should be large enough to hold your cleaning containers (see below) | yes, explosion-proof unit required | yes | no |
At least 2 containers for part baths - these should be large enough to contain the parts you intend to print. These containers can be stainless steel or glass. Plastic is not recommended for ultrasonication. | yes | yes | yes |
Supply of solvent(s) | yes | yes | yes |
Digital Timer | yes | yes | yes |
Vented wash/squirt bottle for IPA | yes | yes | yes |
Jar to store cleaning brushes | yes | yes | yes |
Soft or medium bristle brushes - 1 brush included with printer | yes | yes | yes |
Compressed air with air blow gun with chip guard | yes | yes | yes |
Hydrometer with range or 0.70-0.81 for IPA | yes | no | yes |
Hydrometer with range or 0.795-0.910 for EZ Rinse C | yes | no | no |
Hydrometer with range or 1.00-1.22 for propylene carbonate | no | yes | no |
500ml graduated cylinder | yes | yes | yes |
Optical inspection tool, such as a microscope | yes | yes | yes |
Forced-air oven (optional for part drying) | yes | yes | yes |
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WARNING: IPA IS A FLAMMABLE Liquid with flammable Vapors. KEEP AWAY FROM HEAT, SPARK AND OPEN FLAMES. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. STORE AT 20-30ºC (68-86°F). DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. AVOID PROLONGED OR REPEATED BREATHING OF MIST OR VAPOR. liquid and vapor CAUSE IRRITATION TO EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. liquid and vapor AFFECT CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. MAY BE HARMFUL IF ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. MAY CAUSE IRRITATION TO SKIN. |
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CAUTION: Consult SDS for each solvent and material type prior to use for additional personal protective equipment. |
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CAUTION: solvents and solvent-related trash must be disposed of according to all government regulations. |
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always wear gloves when cleaning build parts. |
NOTE: If you wish to print this page, scroll to the bottom of this page and click the "printer friendly version" link. On the page in the new tab, press ctrl+P (cmd+P on Mac) to print the document or save it as a PDF. Print/save in landscape orientation and 50% scale for best results to print the full chart. |
Depending on your requirements, choose which of the following three methods best suits your printing applications. You only need to clean parts using one of these methods:
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.
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 | |||||
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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. |
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Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 10 Figure 4 TOUGH-BLK 20 Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 20 Figure 4 EGGSHELL-AMB 10 Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK |
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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Figure 4 PRO-BLK 10 Figure 4 Rigid White |
EZ Rinse C < 5 min. Use lowest sonication setting |
IPA < 5 min. Use lowest sonication setting |
NOT RECOMMENDED | NOT RECOMMENDED |
Dirty IPA < 2.5 min. |
Clean IPA < 2.5 min. |
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Figure 4 RUBBER-BLK 10
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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. |
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Figure 4 RIGID GRAY |
Dirty IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
Propylene Carbonate do not exceed 5 min. |
5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution do not exceed 5 min. |
Dirty IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
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Figure 4 TOUGH 60C WHITE |
Dirty IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
Propylene Carbonate do not exceed 5 min. |
5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution do not exceed 5 min. |
Dirty IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
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Figure 4 TOUGH 65C BLACK |
EZ Rinse C do not exceed 5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
Propylene Carbonate do not exceed 5 min. |
5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution do not exceed 5 min. |
EZ Rinse C do not exceed 5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 5 min. |
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Figure 4 High Temp 150C FR Black | DO NOT SONICATE | DO NOT SONICATE | DO NOT SONICATE | DO NOT SONICATE |
Dirty IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
Clean IPA do not exceed 2.5 min. |
*minimize ultrasonic power setting to less than 100W
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 |
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 |
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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. |
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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 an 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. |
NOTE: Follow all safety precautions and guidelines set forth in the User Guide for the ultrasonic cleaner you have purchased. |
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Always wear 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling an uncured printed part, as well as when handling any solvent used to clean such parts. |
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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. |
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. This procedure will reference the Cleaning Charts from the previous section. There are two ways to set up your ultrasonic cleaner:
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CAUTION: Cleaning printed parts for any time longer than is prescribed in this manual risks creating defects in the part. |
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. |
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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.
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CAUTION: Cleaning printed parts for any time longer than is prescribed in this manual risks creating defects in the part. |
The section When to Change Your Solvents lists the ranges of specific gravities at different states of your solvent's cleaning life. This section describes specifically how to measure that specific gravity.
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TIP: To reduce variation in measurements, liquids should be around 25°C (77°F). |
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TIP: Elma Tech A4 has a similar density to that of Figure 4 resin. Because of that, a hydrometer test will not work to test saturation. For this solvent, simply use your best judgment when examining printed parts to determine whether they are sufficiently clean. If part surfaces are sticky or shiny, it is a good indication that your solvent is not cleaning them enough. |
After cleaning the part(s), it necessary to dry them of any solvent used in the cleaning step. This may be done in several ways, but a few recommended methods follow:
For all parts, be sure there is an absorbent cloth (disposable or otherwise) or container underneath the part to catch the solvent being cleaned off.
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Dry printed parts until you see no more liquid on their surfaces. For any drying method, please use the following guidelines:
No matter which method you use to dry your part, you must ensure it is completely dry before proceeding to the post-curing step. The chart below serves as a quick reference for suggested air-drying times.
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CAUTION: Using compressed air is not a replacement for air drying. After drying with compressed air, you must still leave the part out for at least 30 minutes to completely dry. |
Material Type | Drying Time |
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All current materials |
Ambient or air dry > 1hr. or Compressed air + 30 min. air dry or Oven dry 50°C (122°F) for 10 min. |
3D Systems recommends one of two UV-curing units that have been tested to fully cure parts according to the curing times seen in the Resin Curing Chart. These curing units are:
Please see the Facility Requirements Guide for information on which curing unit might be best for you.
To cure parts using this UV-curing unit, please see the machine's User Guide. Please see the Resin Curing Chart for proper curing times to use.
To cure parts using this UV-curing unit, please see the machine's User Guide. Please see the Resin Curing Chart for proper curing times to use.
If you choose not to use the LC-3DPrint Box or UV Curing Unit 350, please ensure your UV oven meets the following requirements:
The chart below lists the recommended part-curing times when using the Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350 or NextDent LC-3DPrint Box for Figure 4 resins.
Name | Curing Time |
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Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 10 | 60 min. |
Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 15 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 ELAST-BLK 10 | 45 min. |
Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 10 | 60 min. |
Figure 4 MED-AMB 10 | 60 min. |
Figure 4 TOUGH-BLK 20 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB | 90 min. |
Figure 4 EGGSHELL-AMB 10 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 PRO-BLK 10 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 FLEX-BLK 20 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 RUBBER-BLK 10 | 90 min. |
Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK | 90 min. |
Figure 4 Rigid White | 90 min. |
Figure 4 RIGID GRAY | 90 min. |
Figure 4 TOUGH 60C WHITE | 90 min. |
Figure 4 TOUGH 65C BLACK | 90 min. |
Figure 4 High Temp 150C FR Black | 90 min. |
Post-Curing Tips
For Figure 4 MED-AMB 10 material, it may be necessary to sterilize cured, finished parts to be used in certain medical applications. You can sterilize printed parts by making use of an autoclave or using gamma-ray sterilization. Do not use a dishwasher or thermal disinfector. 3D Systems recommends the following autoclave method as a baseline starting point for sterilization:
NOTE: The above protocol is a recommended starting point and may not be appropriate for all cases. Different geometries and use may require adjustment of this protocol to maximize effectiveness. |
If using an autoclave for sterilization, you will notice that your part will change color with the sterilization process. This is normal. Please see the before/after images below for reference.
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Before sterilization | After sterilization |
NOTE: Autoclave sterilization may impact the mechanical properties. Small drops in tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength may occur. Such changes are typically less than 20%. Use cases that are sensitive to that should be validated. |
Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB creates printed parts that can withstand high temperatures. However, exposure to different temperatures will change the material's color. A sample set of color changes is seen below:
Please see the Figure 4 Modular User Guide, in the section Clean Print Platform, for full platform-cleaning instructions.
There are two different techniques for cleaning the resin tray. Please see the following Figure 4 Modular User Guide sections to read about both techniques:
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 IPA or place them into a beaker of IPA 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.