The revolutionary advent of 3D printing has opened a myriad of design and manufacture opportunities for the commercial sphere and beyond. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, allows us to build solid, three-dimensional objects from a digital file.
This three-dimensional object is formed through the computer-controlled process of depositing successive layers of a particular material. These objects can be of almost any shape or geometry, making this technology ideal for a variety of different industries.
Ultimately, 3D printers offer endless opportunity for growth and innovation, which is why it’s essential to keep all of its components clean. Ultrasonic cleaners will make sure the prototypes and parts produced by your 3D printer are precise and in perfect form so that you can make the most of this game-changing innovation.
3D Printed Parts Cleaning
To better understand why ultrasonic cleaning is an important part of the 3D printing process let’s go over exactly why 3D printed parts need cleaning. Fused deposit modeling (FDM), also known as the booming industry of 3D printed parts, allows for quick prototyping. This popular process uses equipment that slowly builds a product by layering deposits of resin material. These droplet-sized bead deposits fuse together to form a solid object.
In most cases, as the object is forming and hardening, support material is used to allow the product to keep its shape and to fill gaps and overhanging structures that would normally collapse during the printing process.
This is where ultrasonic cleaning comes into play. It provides an efficient solution to removing this support material in post-processing. Cleaning components by hand can be extremely time-consuming and next to impossible for more complex structures. Ultrasonic cleaning ensures rapid, accurate removal so malfunctioning and error can be avoided.
The Ideal Solution for FDM Printers
The most popular models of FDM printers are the Stratasys MC360 and MC400. Both printers can produce parts in a wide range of sizes and shapes, all the while managing to fit in a moderately-sized room. The larger the object, the more time, solvent and agitation required to dissolve the support material.
In order for parts created by these models to be properly cleaned, they need to be fully submerged into a solution. Omegasonics’ 1900BT ultrasonic cleaner is perfect for these popular FDM models. The customized submergible basket has a hinging lid and ensures complete submersion for the maximum amount of clean. No matter the size of the part produced by the MC360 and MC400, our cleaner’s tank is large enough to support it.
The 1900BT has an illuminated digital control panel, making it easy to remove support material quickly, accurately and thoroughly. Also, it’s the ideal size for office settings, so you can perform all functions of the printing process in one place.
Omegasonics is proud to offer this premier ultrasonic cleaner for all of your 3D printing needs. Stay ahead of the curve and browse our catalogue or contact us today to see how we can bring your innovations to the market in no time.
