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Cleaning and maintaining the Form Wash

Cleaning and maintaining the Form Wash

Formlabs products perform best when they are well-maintained and properly cared for. For the best results, observe these Formlabs guidelines to clean and maintain your Form Wash.

Best practices

Materials for cleaning

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is suitable to clean most surfaces, including cured and uncured resin. When wiping the outer surfaces, use a non-abrasive cloth and a general purpose cleaner. Other materials may scratch the outer lid.

Danger:

Always consult the safety data sheet (SDS) from the IPA supplier as the primary source of information. IPA is flammable and should be used and stored away from ignition sources. Store small quantities of IPA in appropriately labeled and sealed containers.

Notice:

Wear gloves when handling printed parts and surfaces that are contaminated with solvent or liquid resin to prevent skin contact.

Cleaning the wash bucket

Dissolved resin accumulates on the walls of the wash bucket. Periodically, while replacing the solvent, clean out the wash bucket to remove these resin deposits. Rinse the wash the bucket before refilling it with fresh solvent, then wipe the wash bucket with a paper towel.

Cleaning the outer lid

To maintain the outer lid:

  • Visually inspect the outer lid for traces of resin, cracks, or other damage.
  • Clean the outer lid with a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and soapy water or a general purpose cleaner, such as glass cleaner.

Cleaning the display

To maintain the display:

  • Visually inspect the display for any traces of resin.
  • Check that the knob turns easily and that the display responds to inputs.
  • Clean the display with a non-abrasive microfiber cloth and general purpose cleaner, such as glass cleaner.

Cleaning up a resin spill

If any liquid resin spills on the display or knob, promptly clean and inspect the Form Wash to minimize any cosmetic or functional damage to the device. If you experience a resin spill, document the problem with photos and clean the unit as best as possible. Contact Formlabs Support or your authorized reseller as soon as possible.

Maintaining the solvent volume

Form Wash (1st Generation)

Before starting a wash cycle, ensure that the solvent level in the wash bucket is between the minimum and maximum fill lines. If the solvent level is below the minimum fill line, parts washed on the build platform may not be fully immersed in the solvent during the wash.

Form Wash (2nd Generation)

The Form Wash (2nd Generation) features a maximum fill line of 15 L and three different solvent fill levels (7 L, 10 L, and 14 L) that correspond to the three build platform mount arm positions. When using the Form Wash (2nd Generation) make sure that the solvent volume reaches the build platform surface.

Note:

To decrease the rate of solvent evaporation, especially for volatile solvents, such as IPA, lower the basket and keep the outer lid closed when the Form Wash is not in use.

Measuring the resin concentration of the solvent

The level of resin concentration of the solvent will increase gradually as more parts are cleaned in the solvent, reducing the effectiveness of the wash. Measure the resin concentration of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) with a hydrometer.

The hydrometer packaged with the Form Wash does not measure the correct range of specific gravity for use with Formlabs Resin Washing Solution. A hydrometer that can measure a specific gravity of 0.900–1.000 should be used instead. The specific gravity of fresh Formlabs Resin Washing Solution is 0.94. When the specific gravity of the used Resin Washing Solution is above 0.975, it will not be fully effective as a final wash.

Disposing or recycling of used solvent

For printing operations without access to a solvent recycling system, note that safe and appropriate disposal methods of used solvent will vary by location. Whether replacing IPA or TPM, consult the safety data sheet (SDS) from the solvent supplier as the primary source of information.

Notice:

Do not pour liquid or partially cured resin into drains or dispose of it with household waste. Do not pour solvent that contains dissolved resin into drains or dispose of it with household waste.

Updating the Form Wash firmware

Formlabs occasionally releases new firmware versions for the Form Wash to introduce features and critical updates. Keep the firmware of your Form Wash up to date to ensure optimal performance.