In Resin 3D printing, all printed parts need to undergo post-processing procedures of washing and curing (washing first and then curing) to remove residual resin and improve material performance.
Excess resin remaining on the surface of the model, if not thoroughly washed, will be attached to the surface of the printed part during the secondary curing process, affecting the surface quality of the model.
¶ 1.Use a Anycubic Wash&Cure for washing.
Taking the Anycubic Wash&Cure Plus washing model steps as an example:
You could refer to the unboxing video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOKguB7AqSo&list=PLTTNICMYOsx1klngMRXjSstA4l_tCreLJ&index=4
¶ 1)Alcohol washing
① Please wear PE gloves and protective goggles to avoid direct contact with resin.
② Carefully remove the model from the printing platform with a scraper, and be sure to avoid pointing the blade at any part of your body. The printing platform and model can also be washed together, but this will require more washing agent.
Note: For models Hollow or Punch, try to empty the resin inside the cavity after removing them, otherwise the consumption of the washing agent will be accelerated due to the residual resin in the model cavity.
③ Place the washing basket in the washing bucket in advance, then place the model in the Wash&Cure washing bucket container, and pour enough washing agent (note that the washing agent cannot exceed the maximum scale of the washing bucket) to cover the entire model. It is recommended to use washing agents with a concentration of ≥95% alcohol.
For supported models, there are two ways to wash them:
a. Remove the support before putting the model into the washing bucket container (advantage: save washing agent; disadvantage: it is difficult to remove the support and may cause liquid resin splashing on the surface of the model during the process of removing the support)
b. Put the supported model directly into the washing bucket container (advantage: the washing agent will soften the support, making it easier to remove; disadvantage: since the support is washed together, it will accelerate the consumption of the washing agent).
④ Place the Wash&Cure washing bucket container onto the Wash&Cure machine, select the "Wash" mode, and rotate the knob to choose the washing time of 2-4 minutes (each rotation increases the time by 1 minute) for automatic washing of the model. The washing agent will penetrate the inside of the model (for Punched models) and support structures, thoroughly removing any resin residues.
¶ 2)How to determine if the model is wash?
After washing, touch the surface of the model to determine if there is still any stickiness. If there is still stickiness, check if the washing agent in the washing bucket container is cloudy. If the washing agent is cloudy, replace it with wash washing agent and perform a second wash until there is no more stickiness on the surface of the model.
⑤ After removing the model, use a dust-free cloth to gently wipe the washing agent on the surface of the model. After placing it for 5-10 mins to air dry the surface of the model, use the Wash&Cure machine for secondary curing. (If there is still residue of washing agent or resin on the surface of the model, it may cause whitening of the surface after curing.)
¶ 3)Water washing (only for Water-Wash Resin+)
①Please wear PE gloves and goggles to avoid direct contact with the resin;
Note: Water-Wash Resin+ is also soluble in alcohol or isopropanol, so the corresponding model can also be washed with alcohol.
②Carefully remove the model from the printing platform with a scraper, making sure the blade does not face any part of your body;
③Place the washing basket in the washing bucket in advance, then place the model in the bucket and pour enough wash water (tap water is fine) to cover the entire model;
④Place the Wash&Cure washing bucket on the Wash&Cure machine, select the "Wash" working mode, and turn the knob to select a washing time of 2-4 minutes (the washing time increases by 1 minute each time the knob is turned) to automatically wash the model. The wash water will penetrate into the interior of the model (Punched model) and support structure to thoroughly remove any resin residue;
Note: How to determine if the model is wash?
After washing, touch the surface of the model to determine if there is still any adhesion. If there is, try washing the model multiple times until there is no adhesion on the surface.
⑤Remove the model, gently wipe off the water stains on the surface with a lint-free cloth, and let the model air-dry for 5-10 minutes before using the Wash&Cure machine for secondary curing. (If there is still resin residue on the surface of the model, it may cause the surface to turn white after curing.)
¶ 4)How to dispose of used waste (water + resin residue)?
①Do not directly pour the solution containing waste into the drain.
②First, seal it in a transparent container and expose it to sunlight/UV light until the resin inside completely solidifies and settles.
Then filter out the solid residue in the container using filter paper. The filtered water can be directly poured into the drain, and the solid waste should be disposed of in accordance with local environmental policies.
¶ 2.No professional washing machine
¶ 1)Alcohol washing
If there is no Wash&Cure machine, you can put the model in a suitable container and pour in the washing solution. Shake the container or use a soft-bristled brush to manually lightly brush the surface of the model for washing;
Note:
①It is recommended to wear an additional layer of PE gloves and other protective tools, such as masks, glasses, etc., to avoid direct contact of the body with the washing solution;
②If it is a Hollow or Punching model, please fill the washing solution into the model cavity to wash the inside of the model, to avoid incomplete washing of the inside leading to model cracking and other problems.
¶ 2)Water washing (only for Water-Wash Resin+)
If there is no Wash&Cure machine, you can put the model in any suitable container, pour in water, shake the container, or use a soft-bristled brush to manually lightly brush the surface of the model for washing. (Water-washable resin is also soluble in alcohol or isopropanol, so models can also be washed with alcohol.)
Note:
①It is recommended to wear an additional layer of PE gloves and other protective tools, such as masks, glasses, etc., to avoid resin residues splashing on the body during the washing process;
②If it is a Hollow or Punching model, please fill the model cavity with water to wash the inside of the model, to avoid incomplete washing of the inside leading to model cracking and other problems.
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