From IPA to Innovation: Transitioning to Safer Resin Cleaning Solutions for Additive Manufacturing

In resin-based 3D printing, post-processing is crucial for high-quality parts. After photopolymer resins are cured, printed objects are often covered in excess resin that must be removed before further post-processing steps. Traditionally, this is done by manually submerging the parts in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and scrubbing them, which is both labor-intensive and risky for the overall environment.

IPA poses significant challenges in additive manufacturing due to its flammability, which increases workplace accident risks and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs degrade air quality and can cause respiratory issues. Additionally, the repetitive task of scrubbing parts with IPA can lead to technician fatigue and inconsistencies in part quality.

Addressing Safety and Efficiency

To tackle these challenges, PostProcess Technologies has developed automated solutions that eliminate the need for IPA by combining innovative hardware, proprietary software, and additive-specific chemistries. They have engineered a workflow that effectively cleans excess resin while addressing safety and environmental concerns.

In this process, printed parts are placed into a DEMI system which utilizes Submersed Vortex Cavitation technology and PLM-403-SUB detergent. This system efficiently cleans the parts, removing residual resin from the printing process. However, a final rinse step is necessary to prepare parts for curing and/or additional cleaning steps.

IPA has traditionally served as the final rinse step, but it has an incredibly low flashpoint, which makes it a hazard to any facility, and as previously mentioned, some facilities and countries will not allow IPA to be used at all in their facilities.

How to Eliminate IPA from Resin Post-Processing
demix520

To completely eliminate IPA from the resin removal workflow, PostProcess has developed AUX-400-RINSE. This organic-based rinse solution can be used as a final rinse step following processing in PostProcess automated resin removal solutions.

PostProcess conducted comprehensive testing of AUX-400-RINSE, focusing on flashpoint, drying time, safety, longevity, and material compatibility. The findings revealed that AUX-400-RINSE surpasses industry safety and performance standards and also sets a new benchmark for post-processing excellence.

The full PostProcess resin removal workflow, featuring AUX-400-RINSE, streamlines operations, reduces manual labor, and ensures consistent part quality, promoting regulatory compliance and a healthier work environment.

Pioneering a Safer Future

The development of AUX-400-RINSE highlights PostProcess Technologies’ commitment to advancing industry standards through safer and more efficient solutions. Manufacturers can improve safety, enhance environmental practices, and achieve operational efficiency by adopting IPA-free resin removal methods.

demix520AUX-400-RINSE provides a significant reduction in overall safety hazards due to the high potential for IPA fumes to spontaneously combust at low temperatures, which poses a risk of injury to employees and creates a hazard to the overall facility’s environment. Both chemistries used in PostProcess’ resin cleaning workflow provide increased safety. AUX-400-RINSE has a 21% lower vapor pressure than IPA, reducing flammability risks, and PLM-403-SUB offers a significantly higher flashpoint of 220°F / 104.4°C compared to IPA’s flashpoint of 53°F / 11°C.

If you’d like to learn more about an IPA-free post-processing resin removal workflow, download our white paper: Eliminating IPA in Resin Cleaning.

Elastomeric Resin Removal featuring PLM-501-SUB

demix520 Elastomeric resins are a class of polymer materials known for their elasticity, which allows them to regain their original shape when distorted. Examples include natural rubber, polyurethane, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone. Consumer goods, automotive, and industrial are a few of the key industries using elastomeric resins in the market.

The number of elastomeric resins is also growing rapidly, with 45 different types and more to come in the future. However, like other 3D printed materials, elastomeric resins pose significant challenges in the post-processing step. It can be difficult to remove the uncured resin without impacting the cured resin. Solvent soaks, such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) can alter elastomeric properties, causing breakage, swelling, cracking, or loss of elasticity.

Introducing PostProcess Elastomeric Resin Removal Solution, PLM-501-SUB™

To address these challenges, PostProcess Technologies has created a new elastomeric resin removal solution featuring an all-new additive-specific chemistry, PLM-501-SUB. This is an organic-based resin removal solution for VAT-based 3D-printed elastomeric parts. PLM-501-SUB is specifically formulated to remove uncured resin from elastomeric materials while minimizing swelling, damage, or changes to mechanical properties.

This full-stack solution integrates hardware, software, fixtures, and proprietary chemistry to remove resin from many 3D printed plastic materials, effectively cleaning parts from elastomeric materials while minimizing overall part damage.

PLM-501-SUB is designed for use in PostProcess’ DEMI 400, X 520, 800, and 900 Series solutions. These solutions provide a completely IPA-free elastomeric resin removal system, integrated with PostProcess hardware, AUTOMAT3D software, allocated fixtures, PLM-501-SUB, and rinsing with AUX-400-RINSE.

After elastomeric parts are submerged in PLM-501-SUB, they can then be rinsed with PostProcess’ AUX-400-RINSE if a final rinse step is necessary before they are dried and/or cured.

Why Choose PLM-501-SUB?

Odorless and Organic: PLM-501-SUB™ is an odorless, organic solution with a 30% longer lifespan compared to IPA and TPM.

Enhanced Safety: It provides a safer alternative to solvent soaks like IPA, with a high flashpoint (237°F / 115°C) to significantly reduce flammability risks. Unlike IPA, it does not require explosion-proof or ATEX-certified equipment.

demix520Efficiency and Speed: Elastomeric resin is removed within 5-7 minutes when components are submerged in PLM-501-SUB™ using a PostProcess SVC solution. This eliminates the need for manual labor and achieves superior efficiency, with 35-38% longevity in terms of resin by weight.

High-Quality Output: By integrating PLM-501-SUB™, manufacturers can protect elastomeric parts from swelling or cracking, resulting in a higher quality end-product and increased throughput production of quality parts.

Seamless Integration with PostProcess Solutions

PLM-501-SUB is designed for seamless integration with PostProcess’ DEMI 400, X 520, 800, and 900 Series solutions, providing a more efficient and safer production process.

Eliminating solvent soaks and integrating PLM-501-SUB in a PostProcess solution will prevent swelling or cracking of elastomeric parts, boosting the production throughput of high-quality end products, while eliminating safety concerns.

PLM-501-SUB is the superior solution for PostProcess systems with its ability to streamline workflows, improve part quality, and increase production efficiency.

PostProcess Welcomes Medical Device Executive Sam Heleba, MBA to Board of Directors

Medical Device and Industrial Sector Leader Joins Board of the Originator of Software-based 3D Post-Processing 

BUFFALO, NY, USA and MOUGIN, FR – July 16, 2024 – PostProcess Technologies Inc., the first and only provider of automated and intelligent post-printing solutions for industrial 3D printing, announced today that Sam Heleba, MBA has joined their Board of Directors. Mr. Heleba will be serving on the board alongside other seasoned executives, who help guide the company with insights from their decades of pattern recognition developed from building and leading a variety of successful companies.
resin removal process

With over four decades of experience in the medical device and industrial sectors, Mr. Heleba emerges as a transformative force driving innovation and excellence. Currently President & CEO of Nissha Medical Technologies, headquartered in Buffalo, NY, USA, with nine device manufacturing plants worldwide, he also serves as Executive Vice President for the Medical Technologies Business Unit (MTBU) for Nissha Co. Ltd., a Japanese publicly held company based in Kyoto, Japan (TSE:7915). His visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to pioneering innovation continue to redefine industry standards and shape the future of the market.

Mr. Heleba’s career began with a position in Research & Development and Operations at Morton Thiokol, where his innate passion for innovation ignited. Advancing through crucial sales and marketing roles at Grace, Sam developed his expertise, preparing him for impactful global endeavors. His tenure as Director of Marketing at TYCO Healthcare (Covidien) showcased his ability to navigate complex landscapes and drive strategic growth initiatives.

A graduate of the University of Vermont, Sam holds a B.A. in Chemistry, complemented by an MBA from Babson College, solidifying his multifaceted skill set and strategic acumen. Mr. Heleba has orchestrated over 25 strategic acquisitions throughout his career, catalyzing growth and expansion across both industrial and medical manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to our board of directors,” commented Jeff Mize, PostProcess CEO, “His expertise and track record of driving strategic growth in both the medical device and industrial sectors will be invaluable assets to PostProcess’s Board as we navigate the complexities of our industry and pursue new avenues of innovation.”

Mr. Heleba expressed his excitement about joining the Board, stating, “I am excited to join the board of Post Process in support of Jeff Mize and his team. Their technology and innovation are what attracted me to not only invest in the company but lend my help in fostering its growth.”

NY Ventures Fuels Additional Western NY Job Growth with a $1M Investment in PostProcess Technologies’ Series C Funding Round

Buffalo, NY, USA, and Mougins, France, July 12, 2024 — NY Ventures, a program of Empire State Development, has placed their fourth investment in PostProcess Technologies, a leading provider of automated and intelligent post-printing solutions for additive manufacturing. This injection of capital marks a significant milestone in PostProcess Technologies’ Series C funding round.

NY Ventures’ decision to make an additional investment in PostProcess Technologies reflects its commitment to fostering technological innovation and driving economic growth within the state of New York. By supporting forward-thinking companies like PostProcess Technologies, NY Ventures aims to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurship and industry leadership in advanced manufacturing.

resin removal process
Jennifer Tegan, Managing Director, NY Ventures (4th from right) and the PostProcess Team at PostProcess HQ in Buffalo, NY

PostProcess Technologies has distinguished itself as a trailblazer in the additive manufacturing industry, pioneering cutting-edge solutions that streamline and optimize post-processing for 3D printed parts. Their innovative technology, powered by advanced software and automation, addresses critical challenges in post-processing, including support removal, surface finishing, and resin removal.

PostProcess Technologies plans to use the Series C funding to further enhance its product offerings, expand its market reach, and continue to build the infrastructure to rapidly scale the company. The additional investment from NY Ventures will play a pivotal role in propelling the company towards its strategic objectives and extending its position as the market leader in post-printing automation.

Empire State Development Commissioner Hope Knight said, “We are excited to support the continued growth of Post Process in Buffalo, a company that is helping to advance additive manufacturing into mainstream production. It is companies like Post Process that are helping to reshape the future of Western NY as a hub of innovation. NY Ventures is among one of many programs that ESD has to offer to provide support to innovative companies across the state.”

“We are thrilled with the continued support of NY Ventures as we enter this exciting phase of growth,” said Jeff Mize, CEO of PostProcess Technologies. “This investment underscores the significance of our technology in revolutionizing the additive manufacturing landscape. It will allow us to continue to attract the best & brightest talent and capitalize on new opportunities to drive innovation at an accelerated pace.”

With this investment, NY Ventures is reaffirming its dedication to advancing New York’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and technology-driven innovation.

About Empire State Development:
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

 

PostProcess Technologies Celebrates Milestone 20th Solution Placement with Global Tech Leader

Buffalo, NY, USA, and Mougins, France – July 11, 2024 — PostProcess Technologies, the pioneer in automated and intelligent post-processing solutions for additive manufacturing (AM), is proud to announce another significant milestone with one of the world’s leading consumer technology companies. The globally recognized tech innovator has recently acquired their 20th solution, the new PostProcess DEMI X 520™ for Resin Removal, the latest in PostProcess’s line of Submerged Vortex Cavitation™ solutions. This purchase solidifies a strong and expansive partnership that has our solutions optimizing post-printing operations at six prototyping labs across the U.S. and Europe.

DEMI X 520 Machine
An image of the PostProcess DEMI X 520 Series Solution

This latest purchase highlights the tech giant’s strong trust and confidence in PostProcess Technologies’ advanced post-printing systems, celebrated for their precision, efficiency, and automation. By integrating nearly the entire range of PostProcess solutions, this customer has greatly enhanced their additive manufacturing capabilities, boosting productivity and creating a safer and more sustainable environment across their many global locations.

This global tech leader, known for their cutting-edge products and innovation, has been leveraging PostProcess Technologies’ solutions to streamline their additive manufacturing processes. The relationship, which began several years ago, has grown steadily as the company continues to expand its AM capabilities globally. The deployment of the 20th solution is a testament to PostProcess Technologies’ ability to deliver consistent, high-quality post-printing performance that meets the demanding needs of rapidly growing prototyping operations.

PostProcess Technologies’ suite of solutions offers a comprehensive approach to post-printing, encompassing support removal, surface finishing, excess powder removal, and resin removal, all powered by proprietary AUTOMAT3D® software. The software’s intelligent algorithms enable optimal post-processing by adapting to various geometries and materials, ensuring that the customer’s additive manufacturing operations remain at the forefront of efficiency and quality.

“We are excited to mark this milestone with a globally recognized technology leader,” said Jeff Mize, CEO of PostProcess Technologies. “Their ongoing investment in our solutions underscores the pivotal role of advanced post-printing technology in driving quicker innovation. We are eager to continue supporting their success and gaining invaluable input based on their daily usage of our solutions. They have plans to add our solutions to additional prototyping facilities and eventually incorporate our connected solutions into upcoming manufacturing applications.”

PostProcess Technologies remains committed to advancing the state of post-printing technology and supporting its customers in achieving unparalleled levels of manufacturing excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, PostProcess Technologies is dedicated to providing scalable, intelligent solutions that meet the complex needs of global leaders in technology and beyond.

Setting a New Standard in Automated Post-Processing for Resin: Meet the DEMI X 520 Series

demix520At PostProcess, we continue to push the boundaries in the additive manufacturing industry. Our latest innovations, DEMI X 520™ for Resin Removal and DEMI X 520 for Dental Resin Removal, expand our post-processing offerings and provide the world’s only IPA-free resin removal solution.

The DEMI X 520 series elevates post-printing workflows, combining intelligent software capabilities, robust hardware features, and specially formulated chemistry to achieve optimal IPA-free resin removal for 3D printed parts. These solutions extend the PostProcess Submersed Vortex Cavitation™ portfolio and introduce brand new Axial Flow Technology™ to deliver enhanced features that provide a simple, personalized and full-stack post-processing experience.

Customizable Software for Seamless Operation

The DEMI X 520 series solutions are equipped with our AUTOMAT3D® software to seamlessly guide users through the entire processing cycle.

This AUTOMAT3D® software is completely customizable, allowing users to set their own time, temperature, and agitation for their particular application. These tailored experiences allow for a consistent, efficient, and error-free operation. Plus, users can also conveniently store recipes for future use.

The difference between the two solutions? The DEMI X 520 for Resin Removal is equipped with software designed specifically for dental resin removal. The DEMI X 520 is designed for all other resin applications, including plastic resins and elastomeric resins.

Cutting-Edge Hardware & Fixtures

The DEMI X 520 series offers cutting-edge hardware and fixtures that guarantee unparalleled consistency.

This includes:

  • An automated parts lift to protect parts from over-exposure to chemicals and enhance operator safety.
  • Specific resin removal fixtures designed to ensure optimal part processing, whether parts are processed directly on the build platform or in batches off-platform.
  • Brand new Axial Flow Technology, to give users the ability to adjust flow and optimize performance, resulting in consistent, high-quality finished parts.

IPA-Free Chemistry

The rising safety and environmental concerns of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in traditional post-processing methods have created a need for alternatives in the industry. At PostProcess, we strive to create solutions that are completely IPA-free.
teethresin

The DEMI X 520 series uses a combination of PLM-403-SUB detergent and AUX-400-RINSE, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to IPA.

Engineered for operator well-being, this proprietary chemistry produces low odors and enhances safety for technicians with high flashpoints of PLM-403-SUB (220°F / 104.4°C) and AUX-400-RINSE (102°F / 38.8°C), significantly reducing the risk of flammability. The biocompatible PLM-403-SUB detergent also ensures seamless and quick resin removal, with most cycles completed in less than 10 minutes.

The addition of AUX-400-RINSE as the final rinse step in the workflow, eliminates any need for IPA in the resin removal process.

By combining intelligent software, cutting-edge hardware, and safer chemistry, these solutions will transform your 3D printing workflows.

Both solutions in the DEMI X 520 series ensure unparalleled consistency through validated workflows, enabling high-quality, repeatable cycles. These innovations translate into increased throughput and productivity, setting a new standard for precision and reliability in resin removal technology.

Explore the future of resin removal with the DEMI X 520 series and step into a new era of enhanced safety and streamlined resin removal.

Site Map | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | © 2024 PostProcess Technologies. All Rights Reserved | 2495 Main Street, Suite 615, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA | Phone: 1.866.430.5354 | info@postprocess.com

Twitter
YouTube
LinkedIn
Facebook