The new toy in manufacturing is 3D printers. These specialized printers have become all the rage in both industry and private use. The question, however, is how can you clean the items once they are printed? Luckily for you, we have the answer… Ultrasonic cleaners.
What is 3D Printing?
This is literally bringing a digital file to life. The printer puts down successive layer after layer until the object in the digital file is created. It enables the creation of a final product using less material than what we would consider being traditional manufacturing methods.
Some examples of items for which 3D printers are regularly used are:
- Eyewear
- Small furniture
- Prototypes
- Dental products
- Prosthetics
- Scale models for architecture
- The reconstruction of fossils
- Movie props
- Reconstructing evidence for legal cases
- Small batch manufacturing
While they are only recently gaining significant popularity, this technology has been around for five decades, first appearing in the 1970s. While considered a novelty, 3D printing is now regularly issued in various industries, with the aviation industry among them. For instance, GE Aviation uses 3D printers to manufacture fuel nozzles for one of its engines, saving roughly $3 million per aircraft per year. It weighs less and is structurally stronger.
Using Ultrasonic Cleaners in the 3D Printing Process
As part of the 3D printing process, layer after layer is laid down to create a specific object. As the object is being made, support material ensures the object maintains its integrity. However, in post-processing, that support material will need to be removed, which can be a painstakingly slow operation if done by hand. Using ultrasonic cleaners in this process ensures the process is done correctly and quickly.
First, you will have to decide which Omegasonics ultrasonic cleaner will work best for your particular items. Our experts can consult with you to ensure you are buying the most effective tank to fit your cleaning needs. The most effective model we have in stock now is the 1900BT. We have found that this tank works best with the most popular 3D printers on the market today (Stratasys MC360 and MC400) and is large enough to hold any product printed from the printers.
We would also suggest discussing your particular needs with one of our experts before making the purchase. This will ensure that you are using the proper cleaning agent as well as the proper settings on the machine.
If you are ready to talk to one of our team members to purchase an Omegasonics ultrasonic cleaner for your 3D printed parts, give us a call at 888-989-5560 today. Our team members will work hand-in-hand with you to ensure you have the best possible setup to get the job done right every time!