Ultraviolet (UV) resin is a type of resin that is used in many different applications. It is essential to clean UV resin properly to ensure that it functions correctly and does not cause any damage. In this article, we will discuss How to Clean Uv Resin?
Table of Contents
Why it’s Important
You can make the most of your SLA printer’s resin by post-processing. The correct process will ensure that your prints are of the highest quality and best mechanical performance. However, it can be brutal, or even fatal, to stumble blindly.
Safety Precautions
Before we start, please ensure that you are familiar with the safety precautions associated with handling SLA resins.
If these resins are not handled correctly, the UV resin can be toxic and should be avoided in contact with the skin. Spills can be messy so ensure you have a clean work area.
What You’ll Need
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- A clear workspace
Use soap and water immediately if resin comes into contact with skin. Resin trails should not be left on any items that you touch. Clean up any spillages immediately before the resin hardens.
Best Ways How to Clean Cured Uv Resin
Once you have removed your print from the platform, use a spatula to scrape it off gently.
Cleaning Your Resin 3D Prints
Resin prints can be damaged if not properly cleaned.
You’ll be amazed at how much resin remains on the surface of your 3D printed model after it has been freshly printed. This will be fixed.
We will have to remove the unattractive resin from the surface before proceeding. Let’s get started with washing and rinsing.
There are two possible outcomes.
- An Ultrasonic Cleanse
- Isopropyl Alcohol Bath and Other Cleaning Solutions
Although the first option is more costly and less popular, it has incredible benefits. You will first need an Ultrasonic cleaner, which can be purchased from many online stores.
A typical ultrasonic cleaner may work well for medium-sized resin 3D printers. The LifeBasis 600ml Ultrasonic cleaner from Amazon is highly recommended. It has many professional features and is highly rated.
The 600ml stainless-steel tank is sufficient to make traditional resin 3D prints. This model can be used for a variety of household items and your favorite jewelry like watches, rings, and glasses.
The core’s ultrasonic energy is 42,000 Hz. It comes with all accessories, such as a basket and support for the watch and a CD holder.
A device that can professionally clean your model and help you improve resin 3D printing.
The H&B Luxuries heated ultrasonic cleaner is an excellent option for a larger SLA3D printer. It has 2.5 liters of industrial cleaning power and many safety features. The controllers ensure outstanding results.
Although some people use an ultrasonic cleaner with a cleaning agent, it is possible to use clean water.
The tank can be filled with water. Next, place the resin print in a zip-lock bag or Tupperware containing either IPA (or acetone). It is much easier to replace the liquid once it has become contaminated with resin.
If the uncured resin is mixed with IPA, it can be hazardous.
This second method, which is recommended by many in the 3D printing industry, works well as a budget solution. It can be used with isopropyl alcohol (or another cleaning agent).
A thorough rinse, two times maximum, is enough to remove the resin from your print’s surface. IPA is not a joke. The Ultrasonic Cleaner can match it. However, it works well.
It is sufficient to take the alcohol bath for three minutes. It would help if you sped up your handling to cover all of the print.
The Lock & Lock Pickle Container is Amazon’s most popular container for small resin 3D printing. It is simple and efficient.
Once you have completed the cleaning, you can move on to the next step. Remember to wear your Nitrile gloves at all times while you rinse.
IPA can be complicated to work with. Below is an alternative. I’ve also listed some other options and a video at the end.
Amazon has the Mean Green Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser, a highly-loved product for resin 3D printer owners.
To get resin 3D printed clean, prepare a small bowl with hot water.
This essentially melts the supports and lifts any excess resin.
The resin print can be given a quick 3- to 4-minute bath in Mean Green. Next, you can scrub it with a soft toothbrush in warm water.
You don’t have to do all the work manually. I offer an all-in-one solution that I describe below after the curing section.
Continue Reading Support Removal
Next, remove any additional support items using a flush or model cutter. Both work well provided that you don’t hesitate.
While some might suggest that you remove the supports once you have finished curing your print, you are better off doing this initially.
Because supports that have been cured are naturally hardened, this is why. The process of removing them can be very damaging and could lead to a loss of quality.
It is good to take out the supports as soon as you are done cleaning the part.
You can remove the supports easily by hand if your print takes a few hits in terms of texture and quality.
However, if you are interested in the intricate details, you will need to be careful. Grab the tip of the model cutter and remove it.
This is a good sign for 3D-printed parts, but you have another option to improve the quality.
This is done by leaving a small part, typically the stud of the support tips. Any material that isn’t needed can be removed with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will ensure that no mark is left using support items.
Curing Your Resin 3D Prints
Let’s get down to the essential steps. Curing without UV Light or with UV light will make your print look amazing. This can be achieved in various ways, so here’s a brief overview.
A Professional UV Curing Station
A professional UV curing station is an excellent option for curing resin 3D prints. These machines are top-rated and can produce excellent results.
It offers many great features.
- Intelligent Time Control: This LED display allows you to control curing times easily.
- Light-Driven Turntable: Your resin prints can easily absorb ultraviolet light and rotate within a battery
- Reflective Sheet: The reflective sheet can reflect the light from the machine’s interior for better curing effects.
- Two 405nm LED strips – Fast and easy curing with the 14 UV LEDs throughout
You can see through the window to view your 3D prints as they cure. This prevents UV light from causing leakage.
You can leave the paint to cure for 5-6 minutes. If you are not satisfied with the results, allow it to dry for a few minutes more.
Do you know how long does UV resin takes to cure? let’s check out our guide right now:
Make Your Own UV Curing Station
That’s correct. Today, many people build their curing stations instead of buying an authentic one. This saves money and can even be a great alternative.
This video shows how the YouTuber made a cheap UV curing station by himself.
Get Natural UV Rays From the Sun
You could always turn to the sun as the best natural resource for this condition. The sun is the best source of ultraviolet radiation. Here’s how to let it heal your part.
While it may take a bit longer, this option is definitely worth the wait.
You have two options: either soak your print in water and let it dry, or you can put it out under the sun.
It can take as little as 15 minutes to cure the sun-cured print. This estimate is only an estimation. You can also evaluate the quality of your image by constantly checking it.
What to Do If My Resin Prints Still Smell?
You can do a few things if your prints smell after cleaning them with IPA and curing.
SLA printing is a process that involves resins and sometimes isopropyl alcohol to clean. Unfortunately, both of these are odorless and can make any environment unpleasant.
This problem is not as significant if the job is small. It is a problem for large-scale work. Resin 3D printing can cause fumes to build up over time.
We recommend printing in a well-ventilated area with an exhaust fan. This will make your surroundings more comfortable and acceptable.
Here are some additional factors to consider.
Hidden Uncured Resins
This is a widespread problem. While many people spend a lot of time cleaning the resin, they often overlook the uncured residues.
After curing your parts, this can lead to many unpleasant-smelling features. Ensure to inspect the print’s inner surfaces and walls for any leftovers. Clean them immediately.
Analyze how you’re treating your parts
Some places might have a low UV index. This could mean that your resin-printed part might not be able to cure correctly and with great results.
Use a UV curing station with a dedicated UV cure method. In many cases, this works well.
This is especially important if the model you have printed is solid and not hollow. While the UV light from the sun can be strong enough to heal the outer surface of the model, it cannot reach the inner parts.
This is why post-cure should be treated similarly.
What Can I Use to Clean Resin Prints? Alternatives to Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is widely used because it is a slow-drying solvent and is, therefore, a poor choice. It can separate the liquid resin from the solid parts of your 3-D printed objects.
Vodka and Everclear are good choices because they don’t require drying. It doesn’t require any particular chemical reactions to clean resin 3D prints.
Many other options are available if you don’t have access to 90% isopropyl alcohol for resin 3D printing.
These are the things that many others have found success with:
- Mean Green
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Simple Green
- Mr. Clean
- Acetone (smells awful) – Some resins won’t work well in combination with it
- Denatured Alcohol
People use methylated spirits, but they are essentially IPA with added chemicals, making them more toxic to people. These spirits work, but you may prefer an alternative.
You could also consider changing your resin to a water-soluble resin. This would make your job much easier.
The LEGO Waterwashable Rapid Resin is a product I recommend. It has excellent ratings on Amazon, and it can cure quickly and with superior stability, so you don’t have to worry about printing.
How to Clean Up Uv Resin? Conclusion
UV resin is an excellent material for making jewelry and other small items. It is strong and can be easily polished to a high shine. However, it cannot be easy to clean if it is not done correctly. To clean UV resin, it is essential to use the right supplies and take your time. Byboe hopes that our guide can help you learn more ways to clean it.
