9
CLEANING PROCEDURES – FDM PARTS
·
Be careful not to overload the system and/or the baskets.
·
Many times you can achieve better results by cleaning two smaller loads rather than
one large load.
·
When lowering the items into the tank via baskets or tongs, be sure to arrange the
items so they are not touching the bottom of the tank. They should be suspended at
least ½
” above the tank bottom. This can be achieved with the use of a tank rack.
·
Items should not be stacked too densely.
·
The volume of parts to be cleaned should not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total
tank volume.
·
Temperature settings can be found in Table 1: FDM RECIPES.
·
Time settings are unique to the size and complexity of the parts being rapid
prototyped. Guidelines are as follows:
a. Small parts: >2
” generally require 15-30 minute intervals
b. Medium parts: 2
” – 10” require 30 – 60 minutes
c. Larger parts: <10
” require 1 – 3 hours plus
·
Activate the ultrasound by switching
SONICS
to
ON
.
·
Parts being cleaned do not require continuous supervision or labor intensive
cleaning. Parts should however be inspected during the cleaning process.
·
Large parts should be rotated 180° midway through the cleaning cycle.
·
Visually inspect each part for desired decontamination after the parts have dried
completely. If parts must be handled, wear gloves when touching surfaces to protect
against heated parts.
·
Remove cleaned parts and rinse off all the remaining Water Works soap residue
with either of the following methods:
a. Rinse for one (1) minute in clean, free flowing water.
b. Rinse in a static bath of fresh water for fifteen (15) minutes.
CLEANING AGENTS
·
Water Works –
Use only Stratasys Water Works Soluble Concentrate to clean
Fused Deposition Modeled parts. Use 1 bottle (2.1 lbs.) to every 11 gallons of water.
16 bottles of Water Works should be used to charge the 4030SST tank with a liquid
depth of 34
”.
