Isopropyl Alcohol for Resin 3D Printing
Resin 3D printing is like the art of modern alchemy 🧙🏼♂️: you mix your resins, start the print, and wait patiently (or not so patiently) for your creation to emerge from the resin tank. But what happens after the print comes out of the machine? That's where Isopropyl Alcohol for resin comes into play.
This article is your complete guide to understanding how and why to use this magical elixir in the world of resin 3D printing.✨
Why Use Isopropyl Alcohol in Resin 3D Printing? 🧼
When your 3D printed object comes out of the 3D printer, it is covered with a sticky layer of uncured resin. This resin is not only unsightly but can also affect the quality of the final result if not properly removed. This is where isopropyl alcohol comes into action. IPA is ideal for dissolving and removing this uncured resin thanks to its chemical properties.
The chemical formula of isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O) allows it to dissolve methacrylates and acrylic esters, which are the main components of most resins used in 3D printing. Unlike other solvents, such as water, IPA is especially effective because it does not interact with the cured components of the resin. The result? More effective and faster cleaning without damaging your print. 🎯
What alcohol is used for resin 3D printing?🌟
There are different concentrations of isopropyl alcohol available on the market: 70%, 91% and 99.9%. But Isopropyl Alcohol at 99.9% is the most recommended. So, why preferably the 99.9%? Let's break it down.
1. Cleaning Effectiveness:
IPA at 99.9% is highly effective at removing uncured resin from prints. Unlike its lesser counterparts (70% and 91%), the 99.9% contains almost no water. This means you have a higher purity of alcohol, which translates into more powerful and efficient cleaning. Fewer passes, less scrubbing, more time to print more things! 🙌
2. Fast Drying:
Less water also means that IPA at 99.9% dries more quickly. This is essential for resin 3D printing, as fast drying minimizes the chances of alcohol residue remaining on the surface of the print, which can interfere with subsequent UV curing.
3. Less Contamination:
With IPA at 99.9%, the likelihood of contaminating your resin or your prints is lower. The reduced presence of water decreases the probability of unwanted reactions and the risk of leaving residue on the prints, thus guaranteeing the purity of your creations.
99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol for 3D Printing by Mr Resin
How to Use 99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol for Resin Cleaning? 🧪
Using 99.9% IPA is quite straightforward, but there are a few key steps to make sure you're making the most of its cleaning superpowers.
1. Preparation:
Once your print is complete, remove the piece from the print platform. Make sure to wear gloves to prevent resin from touching your skin.
2. Initial Washing:
Place your print in a container with 99.9% IPA. This is where the magic begins. Let the print soak for a few minutes. This will help dissolve the layer of uncured resin. Remember, there's no need for an eternal bath! Just a few minutes will do the trick. ⏳
3. Agitation:
The most common approach is to use a washing and curing station, as it simplifies the process, making it quick so you can focus on other things like printing 😜. Some printers choose to do the washing manually by placing the prints inside a sealed container, such as a Tupperware 😝. The way to do it is by placing it inside the container and gently shaking it, or using a tool like a soft brush to help remove the resin. This can be especially useful for prints with fine details that are hard to reach.
4. Secondary Rinse:
Remove the print and, if necessary, do a quick rinse in a second clean container with IPA to remove any persistent residue. With a curing station, this is not necessary, as the washing is centrifugal, reaching even the most hard-to-access spaces much more effectively.
5. Drying:
Let the print air dry or use compressed air to speed up the process. With 99.9% IPA, this step will be much faster than you think. 🌬️
6. Curing:
Once the print is dry, cure the remaining resin to harden it. You can use a UV curing station or a portable UV light to cure manually. Simply place the piece under the UV light and rotate it occasionally to ensure uniform curing.
You can also take advantage of direct sunlight to cure your print, although this method can be slower and depends on the intensity of the sun. Either way, make sure the piece is fully cured to achieve maximum hardness and strength. 💡🌞
Additional Tips for Using 99.9% IPA 🧠
1. Ventilation is Key:
IPA has a strong smell and is flammable, so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area. An extraction hood or an open window can be your best friends here. 🍃
2. Smart Reuse:
Although 99.9% IPA is effective, over time it can become saturated with dissolved resin. You can reuse it several times, but make sure to filter out the residue and consider replacing it when the IPA becomes too cloudy. You don't want to ruin your next print with residue from the previous one, right?
3. Safety First:
Always store isopropyl alcohol in a safe, properly labeled location, away from heat sources and open flames. We don't want any lab accidents, unless you're looking for inspiration for your next printing project! 🔥😉
More Additional Tips for Using Isopropyl Alcohol in 3D Printing
1. Keep the container sealed:
Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, so keep the container tightly closed to prevent loss and contamination.
2. Clean the 3D printer with alcohol:
Use a soft cloth with 99.9% IPA to clean the machine and remove any resin residue, keeping your equipment in optimal condition.
3. Do not clean the FEP, ACF or nFEP with alcohol:
These films are sensitive and can be damaged by IPA. Instead, use water and mild soap to prevent deterioration and maintain the quality of your prints.
Alternatives to Isopropyl Alcohol and Comparisons 🧐
Although 99.9% IPA is the most popular and effective option for washing resin 3D prints, it is not the only one. There are alternatives such as bio-ethanol, which some prefer for its lower volatility and milder smell. However, IPA remains the undisputed champion due to its availability, effectiveness, and evaporation speed.
Conclusion 🏁
In the world of resin 3D printing, 99.9% isopropyl alcohol is an essential tool. From its ability to remove uncured resin quickly and effectively to its ability to dry fast without leaving residue, it's easy to see why so many makers and hobbyists prefer it. So, next time you dive into a 3D printing project, make sure you have your trusty bottle of 99.9% IPA on hand, and if you still don't have your isopropyl alcohol, you can find it here at the best price: 3D printing alcohol. Your prints (and your patience) will thank you! Happy printing🎉
Images by Uncle Jessie on YouTube. link to the video