You clean water-soluble resin prints by using water, specifically facilitating water flow into the model, especially after removing larger supports from hollow prints.
Cleaning 3D prints made with water-soluble or water-washable resin is designed to be simpler than traditional resin cleaning, primarily utilizing water as the cleaning medium. While the exact method might vary slightly depending on the specific resin product, a key preparatory step is often crucial for effective cleaning, particularly for complex or hollow geometries.
Key Steps for Cleaning Water-Washable Resin
Based on common practices and the provided information, the cleaning process involves preparation and washing.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before the main washing step, some preparation can significantly improve the cleaning outcome:
- Support Removal: For models with supports, especially those that are hollow, it is highly recommended to remove the larger supports before the washing process begins.
- This allows water to easily flow inside the model.
- Ensuring water can reach all internal surfaces is vital for thorough cleaning of residual resin.
This step is particularly important for prints where uncured resin might be trapped inside cavities.
Washing with Water
The core cleaning process involves using water. The goal is to rinse away uncured resin from the surface and internal cavities of the print.
- The provided reference highlights that removing supports helps water "flow inside the model and clean it thoroughly." This implies that washing involves ensuring water makes contact with all resin-covered surfaces.
- Depending on the resin manufacturer's recommendations, this might involve:
- Soaking the print in water.
- Rinsing the print under running water.
- Using agitation (like in a wash station or ultrasonic cleaner designed for water).
Always consult the specific resin manufacturer's datasheet for the most accurate and recommended cleaning procedure, including water temperature or duration.
Comparing Cleaning Needs: Solid vs. Hollow Models
The need for pre-cleaning support removal is directly related to the model's structure:
| Feature | Solid Model | Hollow Model |
|---|---|---|
| Support Removal | Can often be done after washing, or larger ones before for ease of access | Recommended to remove larger supports before washing |
| Cleaning Focus | Surface resin removal | Surface and Internal resin removal |
| Water Flow | Surface only | Requires water to flow into internal cavities |
| Reference Advice | Not specifically mentioned, but general cleaning applies | Crucial for thorough cleaning based on reference |
Reference Information Source: Part of a video titled Getting Started With Water-Washable Resin 101 - YouTube (Timestamp 1:43 - 4:26 context)
After washing, the print should be dried and then properly post-cured, typically using UV light, according to the resin manufacturer's instructions to achieve its final hardness and properties. Proper disposal of the used cleaning water is also important, as it contains uncured resin particles and should not be poured directly down the drain in most places.
