In the MadeSolid lab, we are constantly tweaking our formulas and processes to see if we can get better results out of our materials. A lot of the things we try don’t work. However, once in a while we find something that amazes us.
We have been looking for solutions to the post-print clean up method to make it easier. We recently released our recommended cleaning method in a previous post. However, we wanted to focus on how to accelerate the clean up of excess resin on the outside of the print. Below we’ll go through the new method and the science behind it.
In order to find the best results, we’ve tested various methods in all of our current resin colors as well as Formlab’s Grey.
Accelerated Cleaning Method
The new method is quite simple. The total amount of time of clean up should take less than 10 minutes. Start by gathering the following:
What you will need:
- A transparent container large enough to submerge your print
- Regular tap water
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Sunlight or a UV cure box
Step 1 – Clean off excess resin
Once your print has been removed from the build plate, we have found that a 2 minute agitation in 70% isopropyl alcohol will result in the best overall surface finish. While agitating, we will also gently massage the surface of the print with our fingers to really get the surface clean. Please, always use gloves.
Step 2 – Submerge in water
After your print has been agitated in isoproypl alcohol, carefully submerge your print in a clear container full of clean tap water. Please be sure that the water and container are clean and free from uncured resin droplets.
Place your prints in a clean container of only tap water.
Step 3 – Expose to UV light
Place the clear container under a UV lamp or in direct sunlight. The prints only need to be left for 5 minutes to allow the outer layer to cure. If the print comes out still feeling a little sticky, put it back in the water and leave it for a few more minutes.
If it still seems like it’s not working, repeating steps 1-3 should do the trick.
Place your submerged prints in direct sunlight. The sun’s natural UV rays will cure the surface of your print in only a few minutes.
Finally, when you take the print out of the water you should find it to have a fully cured surface which is safe to touch!
The Science Behind Why it Works:
Let’s start with why the print is ‘gooey’ to begin with. The reason the print is left feeling sticky is due to the outer surface not fully curing. This is because of the presence of oxygen, which stops the curing of the outer layer. By placing the the print in water and exposing it to UV light, you are limiting the amount of oxygen diffusing into the uncured resin, which allows it to fully cure. The water is essentially acting as an oxygen barrier.
Since we discovered this method, it has quickly become our favorite way of quickly finishing off our prints. Do you like this more than your standard cleaning process? Give it a try and let us know in the comments below!
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