Author: Solivet

The Proven Resin Removal Detergent: PLM-403-SUB
PostProcess Technologies’ PLM-403-SUB is the world’s only detergent specifically developed for resin removal on 3D printed photopolymer parts. As an instrumental element within several PostProcess solutions, PLM-403-SUB is an effective alternative to solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) for resin removal in SLA, DLP, and CLIP print technologies. Recently, this detergent has officially been recognized as compliant with ISO standard 10993 for the evaluation of biocompatibility by Toxikon Corporation. What exactly does this mean for the proven detergent?

With this new demonstration of compliance with requirements for biocompatibility, additive manufacturing users can enjoy the Submersed Vortex Cavitation (SVC) solution’s new industry standard for maintaining or seamlessly incorporating fully biocompatible processes. Particularly, this will prove impactful for those in the dental, medical, and even audio realms, as materials with applications that come in direct contact with the human body are under ISO 10993: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices.

In compliance tests, parts were printed with biocompatible Formlabs Surgical Guide resin, and cleaned with PLM-403-SUB. When evaluating for cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation, the test articles elicited no reaction with any subjects, making them successfully compliant with requirements for biocompatibility approval of medical devices per ISO 10993.

More on This Proven Detergent
This detergent plays a significant role in PostProcess’s patented SVC technology, combining with software intelligence and a vortex pumping scheme to ensure that 3D printed parts are uniformly, consistently, and reliably exposed to detergent and cavitation. As a result, parts are finished precisely and consistently, requiring little to no manual labor.

Though the overall SVC solution bolsters a safer workflow thanks to minimized manual labor, this detergent has enhanced safety features like a high flashpoint (220°F, 104.4°C) which categorizes it as a non-flammable liquid. The new compliance rating furthers the detergent’s standards of safety. Thanks to the automated nature of the solution and the long-lasting life of the detergent (PLM-403-SUB has significantly better longevity [capacity by weight of resin in solution at 10 minutes] than all other typical solvents [i.e., IPA, DPM, TPM] used to remove uncured resin from printed parts), this technology is renowned for providing a safer, more efficient post-printing process that will remain sustainable even as production volumes scale.

Achieving this compliance perpetuates PostProcess Technologies’ dedication to the seamless integration of their automated solutions and an overall more streamlined additive workflow. For more on our mission to equip additive for Industry 4.0, visit our “Why PostProcess” page.

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Even in the technology boom of the 21st century, there is something cutting-edge about additive manufacturing. To those not in the industry, the process of seamlessly designing a part using CAD software, and bringing it to life with a 3D printer in a matter of hours, seems so innovative and streamlined that it could be pulled from a science fiction novel. While the design and printing steps are renowned for ease of use in this way, the same cannot be said for the post-printing step. The post-printing process is rightfully perceived as difficult, as it traditionally abounds with tedious manual labor, the need for hazardous chemicals, and the potential for part breakage.

PostProcess’s solutions were the first in the market to bring digitization and ease-of-use to the post-printing step. Now trusted by customers in virtually every industry, we’re focused on ensuring that integration of automated post-printing is as seamless as possible, with a minimal learning curve. Here’s just a few of the many ways we do just that:

1) User Friendly, Intuitive Software
The driving force in every PostProcess solution, regardless of the technology it leverages, is software. Obviously, the software aspect is what effectively digitizes post-printing, turning it into an intelligent process. The software component works with the machine’s hardware and chemistry to deliver unmatched results through precision energy management, ensuring consistency and reducing the need for trial and error in the finishing step.

The software is developed with data collected from hundreds of thousands of benchmark parts, of all 3D print technologies and a variety of materials. With this repository of built-in data, the solution optimizes software parameters while monitoring saturation, reacting to key process factors in real-time. Thanks to the ability to intelligently generate tailored recipes, these technologies continually ensure a precise finish.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a user-friendly interface for users and thoroughly training customers on every software update. Equipped with presets or the option to customize parameters, the software is developed to reduce operator attendance time, enabling scalability and volume production printing. Plus, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the solutions feature built-in maintenance management alerts and notifications sent directly via SMS or email.

2) The Installation, Training and Integration Process: A White Glove Experience
From the time of purchase, the PostProcess team works with you to ensure a solution installation that is as seamless as possible. With full access to our User Support Site including interactive manuals and solution-specific videos, you’ll go in knowing exactly what to expect at your Installation, Training and Integration (ITI).

When you invest in a PostProcess solution, you are not only investing in a product, but in a total solution backed by a reliable team. For the ITI, our expert Applications Engineers (AEs) will arrive on-site to install your new solution. Throughout the process, the AEs will fully train your team on the ins and outs of the technology (including software and maintenance features). During the “Integration” phase, our team will run parts with you, explain best practices, and walk you through the impact that automated post-printing will have on your workflow, from increased throughput to improved end-part consistencies.

From the ITI onwards, you’ll have a direct line to your AE, as well as 24/7 access to our User Support resources. We make dependability a priority, and are always there to answer your questions and help resolve potential issues in a timely manner.

3) Service Plans Built To Fit Your Operation
The service doesn’t end after the ITI. Once the solution is integrated into your additive workflow, you can select from a portfolio of expanded service contract options to ensure you receive the level of support best tailored to your organization’s needs. These plans include hardware coverage, unlimited phone and email support, unlimited application support/software recipe creation, and varying frequencies of onsite visits for training, software upgrades, and preventative maintenance visits.

We’re proud to be driving the future of additive manufacturing by digitizing the art of post-printing into the science of tomorrow, and ensuring implementation is seamless. Take the first step in fully digitizing your additive workflow, and contact us today.

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It’s no secret that Carbon® is one of the world’s leading names in additive manufacturing. Their proprietary Carbon Digital Light Synthesis™ (Carbon DLS™) photopolymer 3D printing process is globally renowned for its ability to produce high-performing consumer and industrial parts at production volumes. As a leading 3D printing company, new opportunities for improved scalability continue to grow. Seeing the opportunity to offer increased productivity and improved end-part consistency to their users, Carbon paired up with PostProcess Technologies to develop an automated resin removal solution for the Carbon ecosystem.

A Custom Solution for Carbon
The resulting solution, now released, is the PostProcess® DEMI 910™. At the core of the solution is PostProcess’s signature patented Submersed Vortex Cavitation (SVC) technology. This technology employs multiple automated energy sources like a vortex pumping scheme and software-driven ultrasonics to finish Carbon parts effectively, in as little time as possible.

What makes this solution exclusively suited for the Carbon L1 printer and M2 printer? The true differentiating point is in the proprietary fixture design. The DEMI 910 is built with a fixture suited to support the exact specifications of the L1 and M2 build platform. This means the solution can seamlessly wash an entire build from a Carbon L1 printer, or two build platforms from a Carbon M2 printer, without ever having to remove printed parts from the build tray. This ergonomic feature improves productivity for technicians and further lessens post-print cycle times.

Leveraging Chemical Energy
In terms of chemical energy sources, the DEMI 910 will be outfitted with a Carbon-specific resin removal detergent, proven for effective use on Carbon EPU 41, EPX 82, MPU 100, RPU 70, RPU 130, DPR 10 and UMA 90 as well as LOCTITE® 3D IND 405 Clear certified for Carbon printers. Developed by our in-house PhD chemists, PostProcess’s resin removal detergents are formulated especially for additive manufacturing and created to be more sustainable than traditionally-used solvents like isopropyl alcohol (IPA).

Compared to IPA, this detergent has outstanding longevity, equating to more infrequent detergent change-outs. A higher flashpoint also makes the detergent less hazardous to work around. The PostProcess team took care to ensure the chemicals would be pleasant to work with. So, this detergent carries a lower vapor pressure and overall more enjoyable scent than something like IPA.

Driven by Data Intelligence
The effectiveness of the Submersed Vortex Cavitation (SVC) technology is driven by our proprietary AUTOMAT3D® software. At the core of this software design is data collected from hundreds of thousands of benchmark parts of all 3D print technologies and most print materials. With this data, the DEMI 910 optimizes recipes, and works with sensors that allow for real-time adjustments of the system’s Agitation Algorithms. Together, these functions allow customized parameters to intelligently tailor resin removal for the unique needs of each part.

We are excited to partner with a company that’s equally invested in innovating scalability for the data-driven future of additive manufacturing. We look forward to the continuous collaboration, and further aligning our full-stack solutions to Carbon’s ever-growing resin and printer portfolio.

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Photopolymer 3D printing is one of the oldest and most popular additive manufacturing technologies, though traditional methods for the post-print resin removal step are some of the most cumbersome in all of AM.

Fortunately, automated resin removal solutions built on innovative technology approaches are now replacing archaic resin removal methods for SLA, DLP and CLIP printed parts, and bringing automation to post-printing.

The most salient way to understand the benefits of how an intelligent approach can deliver transformative benefits is to explore how this trusted technology has already enabled different additive operations:

• Splitvision – A Swedish production development company employing additive
• Print Parts – A 3D printing service bureau in Manhattan, NY
• Empire Group – A Massachusetts – based rapid prototyping and industrial design group

Check out the synopses below and read the stories in full in our Case Studies Library.

Splitvision
Primary Pain Point – Integrity of Fine Feature Details
Though they’ve been operational for more than three decades, Swedish industrial design agency Splitvision is relatively new to additive manufacturing, having just recently acquired a Figure 4® Modular vat photopolymer printer. Before dipping their toe into additive, Splitvision typically made their prototypes from polyurethane (PU) foams or solid plastic materials, and often had to outsource when it came time to develop more intricate pieces.

Though the Figure 4 printer allowed Splitvision to develop more intricate builds in-house, the time it took them to manually clean resin off of fine feature detail parts drove up unit costs. They were also troubled by the strong smell of IPA, and its flammability risk. These issues drove them to incorporate an automated PostProcess solution into their additive workflow. In addition to enjoying a safer working environment, they’re able to be more efficient, as the resin removal cycle time never exceeds 10 minutes, and upholds the integrity of fine details. Learn more about the benefits of this new approach with a safer and more sustainable technology in this Application Note.

Print Parts
Primary Pain Point – Throughput
When Print Parts was contracted by New York State to rapidly develop 1 million nasal swabs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, they found themselves expanding their lab with 10 new Digital Light Processing (DLP) printers. To meet their production goal of 250,000 swabs per week, cleaning swabs in multiple IPA baths with just two technicians working at a time wasn’t going to cut it.

Print Parts realized they needed to process multiple batches simultaneously, and that the PostProcess™ DEMI 800™ was the only solution that would let them do it. Thanks to the effectiveness of the ultrasonics and proprietary chemistries, resin could be removed from the swabs in as quickly as 90 seconds, compared to 12 minutes in IPA.

By switching gears to emergency supply production, Print Parts was able to realize the continuous benefits of the SVC technology and automated resin removal capabilities. The service bureau was in the midst of a scale-up, so enabling throughput has remained invaluable to the growing company.

Empire Group
Primary Pain Point – Integrity of Fine Feature Details
As experts in rapid prototyping for more than 20 years, Empire Group was an early adopter of stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing. While Empire Group underwent rapid scaling with the addition of several new printers, they feared that the time spent to manually finish the escalating number of printed parts would slow down their workflow.

Instead of letting post-printing times get the best of them, Empire Group utilized the PostProcess DEMI 800 to reduce their SLA resin removal times by as much as 50%. Plus, thanks to the impressive longevity of the PostProcess detergent used in the DEMI 800, Empire Group wastes less time on chemical changeouts, too.

Want to learn more? Check out a recent article in Additive Manufacturing Media exploring how this technology achieves heightened safety and sustainability for resin removal.

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