In this tips & tricks article, we are going to share with you on how to post process the small or delicate 3D printed parts using VisiJet® M2 Cast material used only on ProJet® 2500W.
Using Ultrasonic Cleaner Method
1. Place a clean build plate in the freezer for a minimum of 15 minutes before we prior to step 2.
CAUTION: Wax parts are very delicate and may crack if left in the freezer for an extended period of time.
2. Place the build platform with the 3D printed wax on top of the cold blank build plate that was placed in the freezer 15 minutes ago. Keep the freezer door open.
3. Within a couple of minutes, you will hear crackling sounds, indicating that the parts are separately from the build plate. carefully touch each part to confirm that the build part has separated from the build plate.
Larger pieces will take a bit longer than smaller pieces.
Remove the build plate from freezer when all parts have been separated from the build plate.
4. Before proceeding to the next step, please put on safety goggles, an air respirator and a pair of Nitrile gloves.
5. Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with 99%> Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to maximum fill limit of your cleaner. Cover with lid and set temperature to 30° Celsius.
6. Carefully place the desired part (s) into the non-metal basket. A silicone net or a 3D printed Acrylate basket is preferred.
Metal baskets will retain more heat and have the potential to melt or deform delicate parts.
Do not double stack the parts.
Please ensure that the part (s) have reached room temperature from freezer before placing in basket. Frozen/cold part (s) that are processed will crack due to thermal shock.
7. Before lowering the basket into the ultrasonic cleaner, confirm the IPA is at the recommended 30° Celsius temperature using a thermometer. The ultrasonic cleaner will slightly rise in temperature during the cleaning process so monitoring the temperature throughout the cleaning process is highly recommended for optimal part processing.
8. Slowly lower the basket into the ultrasonic cleaner. Confirm parts are completely submerged.
9. Replace lid and turn on the Ultrasonic agitator.
10. Observe your part every 20 seconds (+/-) to see the progress of the support material dissolving. This will happen relatively quickly.
Note: Depending on the geometry of the part (s), the saturation of wax in alcohol (cloudy appearance) and agitation speed, results will vary moderately on the amount of time that the support wax is removed from the build part.
11. Once your part (s) look free of support material, turn off agitator and remove basket from cleaner and place on dry paper towels.
12. Place the basket into a 2nd IPA bath (room temperature) to remove any residual support material on the part. Slowly swirl the basket around manually for no more than 10 seconds.
13. Remove basket and place on dry paper towels.
14. Carefully remove part from basket and allow them to air dry. Parts are very delicate therefore you need to handle with care.
15. This is the end products after the parts had been processed.
The white residue left on the rings are the evaporated IPA and this will have no affect on casting.