Resin prints are known for their delicacy and detail, and cleaning your print with the correct solvent after you've completed a resin 3D print is critical to getting the best results. What are the common cleaning solvents that can be used to treat resin 3D prints? What is the recommended percentage for alcohol cleaning? Keep reading, we will introduce the resin cleaning solution widely used by 3D printing enthusiasts, their concentrations and instructions for use, to help you choose the right solvent for better post-processing of resin prints.
Importance of Cleaning Resin Prints
After completing a resin 3D print, liquid resin will remain on the surface and cleaning the resin print is a necessary step. Choosing the correct cleaning solution for resin prints can remove excess uncured resin, resulting in a cleaner surface for your model, and also improves the visibility of details on the model to ensure cleanliness and accuracy of the final print.
Common Cleaning Solutions for Resin 3D prints: Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
IPA is the most popular resin cleaning solution, and can effectively remove uncured resin. This cleaning solvent is relatively common, easy to purchase and obtain. It can be used for prints made with most resin types, helping users get clean prints quickly. Different concentrations of IPA have different effects, and you can usually choose a suitable solvent according to your needs.
How to Use IPA to Clean Resin 3D Prints
The steps for cleaning resin prints with IPA are very simple. Pour the IPA into a container large enough to completely submerge the resin print. Uncured resin adhering to the surface of the model can be removed by soaking for a few minutes, depending on the concentration of IPA and the degree of cleaning required.
Isopropyl alcohol is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor. Safety is a priority when using isopropyl alcohol to clean resin prints. It is recommended to wear personal protective equipment, work in a well-ventilated environment, and avoid inhaling alcohol vapors.
What Percent Alcohol to Clean Resin 3D Prints
Commonly used isopropyl alcohol concentrations are 70%, 91%, and 99%, the percentages indicate the content of isopropanol present in the solution. Use 70% IPA for general cleaning with slower evaporation and longer time to dissolve residual resin. The use of 91% IPA or 99% IPA is useful for thorough cleaning of resin prints, effectively removing resin drinking debris.
Common Cleaning Solutions for Resin 3D prints: Denatured Alcohol
There are two types of cleaning solvents commonly used to clean resin prints: isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol is used in a variety of applications, including as a cleaning agent for cleaning resin prints. Denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) are both effective at dissolving uncured liquid resin, helping you get clean resin prints. Safety is also an important consideration when selecting and using resin cleaning solution. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when using and handling resin cleaning solution, and dispose of used cleaning solvents according to regulations.
How to Use Denatured Alcohol to Clean Resin 3D Prints
Pour denatured alcohol into the container to submerge the print. It is best to allow the cleaning solution to contact the surface of the print, including details in tight spaces, optionally using a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the print. Generally, the time to soak the resin printed product with industrial alcohol is 3-5 minutes. Long time soaking may make the printed product brittle.
Options for safe and efficient cleaning of resin prints
It is a relatively simple and effective way to choose a solution to soak and clean resin prints. With the development of consumer-grade 3D printing technology, more and more 3D printing enthusiasts are choosing specialized cleaning machines to process resin printed parts. Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus Machine is compatible with all 8.9-inch and below resin printers on the market, and supports basket washing and hanging cleaning. It is equipped with a closed washing bucket to ensure safe use and stronger cleaning power. Not only does it meet cleaning needs, it is also equipped with a 360-degree automatic rotating curing platform to provide a smooth user experience. Proper cleaning and curing can help users obtain cleaner, more visually appealing 3D printed objects, the material properties of the resin can also be significantly improved, and the model will be more stable.