How to Clean your Model

http://www.rnd-tech.com/OBJET/3-AlarisProductPresentation-Eric/Model_Cleaning_NaOH.pdf

Benefits

- Slightly improves surface finish, eliminates small amount of residue left on surface.

- Improves transparency to some extent.

- Makes separation of support model easier, especially for tight tolerance or moving parts.

- For very complicated parts with longer support removal.

 

How It Works

- Buy 2% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution available at the school shop.

- Please note that all parts must still undergo support removal before this cleaning.

- Fine sandpaper can still be used for a glossier finish.

- All handling of Sodium Hydroxide should be done according to local safety conditions

 

Side Effects

- This soaking should not surpass 2 hours otherwise there is a risk of deformation.

- For the large majority of models, there will be no effect on mechanical properties.

- For models with thin walls <1 mm in z direction (less so in x and y), there might be slight deformation so these models should be soaked for a shorter time.

 

Model Cleaning Procedure

- This cleaning procedure is intended as a surface preparation procedure, especially desirable, before sand blasting or painting.

- This procedure requires the use of eyes protective goggles and hand latex gloves.

- Sodium hydroxide solution is an alkaline (basic) solution that should not come in contact with eyes and skin.

- In case of accidental eyes or skin direct contact with the sodium hydroxide solution, immediately thoroughly clean the contacted area with running tap water.

- Remove the support material and clean the model as thoroughly as possible.

- Immerse the model into a 2% Sodium Hydroxide for approximately 1-2 hrs.

- Immediately rinse the model using running tap water. Remove residual support material.

- Wipe the water from the model using wiping paper and wait till the MODEL is completely dry.

- For faster drying, it is recommended to immerse the model in Isopropyl alcohol for a few seconds and let it to dry at room temperature for approximately half an hour.