Written by:
Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More
Table of Contents_
If you’re shopping for a premium printer, you may wonder how to clean a resin 3D printer vat and the platform surface. Uncured resin can stick to the resin tank and other parts, affecting the 3D print quality. Luckily, high-end 3D printers are simple to clean if you use the correct process and supplies. So, stick around to learn how to clean a resin 3D printer.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Learning how to maintain a 3D printer ensures long-term mechanical performance and detailed resin models. Leftover resin can affect the 3D printing process, making it difficult to attain level resin prints. Fortunately, if you understand how to clean glue off a 3D printer bed, maintaining a resin tank should be familiar.
Insider Tip
You can pour unexpired resin back into your resin container, but you’ll want to filter it for the best results.
Using the correct tools and checking the printer for resin contamination ensures you have functional prints with minimal mistakes. Additionally, once you know how to connect a 3D printer to Cura and other software, you can dial in complex resin 3D prints.
Uncured resin is toxic, so you should wear safety gloves while handling it. Additionally, some experts recommend safety glasses and a face mask. Ensure you have your cleaning and safety gear before starting to clean the 3D printer.
Remove the power cable from the power source. Remove the model from the printing base if you’ve recently finished a project. Let your 3D printer cool before moving on to step three.
Remove the 3D printer vat, and remove the leftover resin with a plastic or silicone spatula. If you want to reclaim the extra resin, use a resin filter while pouring it back into the bottle. Once the bulk is gone, wipe the vat with a disposable microfiber cloth.
Place the resin vat on its side and spray the inside with a container of isopropyl alcohol. You should use at least a 70-percent alcohol solution, but some experts recommend a higher alcohol-to-water ratio.
Wipe the inside and outside of the resin tank with clean paper towels or a clean microfiber cloth.
Slide the resin vat into the printer and secure it.
Warning
Do not print with a damaged resin tank because extensive resin spill can cause irreparable harm to the 3D printer.
STAT: Between Feb. 15 and July 15, 2020, companies and individuals with 3D printing capabilities printed approximately 241,000 mask parts and 116,000 ventilator parts. (source)
References: