3D Printers for Jewelry
6 Best Methods to Clean 3D Printer Tray and Optimize Machine Productivity
Hello, jewelry marketers! Do you also encounter problems when cleaning your 3D printing tray?
The issues might be surface imperfection, contamination, nozzle damage or clogging.
We know you would be clueless about what actions need to be taken. We know the feeling!
But have you ever wondered about the methods you can follow regularly to ensure the longevity of your 3D printer? The answer lies in using techniques such as microfiber cloth, scraper, acetone and many others that will help you increase your 3D printer’s longevity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the problems jewelry marketers face when a 3D printing tray is not properly cleaned and discuss various methods for cleaning a 3D printer.
Let’s get started!
What is a 3D printing tray?
A 3D printing tray or build plate provides a stable and flat surface for printing objects. It holds the base material, such as plastic filament or resin, during the printing process to ensure no discrepancy is caused during printing.
It serves several purposes, such as:
1 Adhesion
To facilitate proper adhesion of the printing material. Different trays have specific textures or coatings to enhance adhesion and prevent the printed object from warping during printing.
Also Read: Best 3D Printing Material for your Jewelry Business
2 Leveling
The leveling process ensures the printing surface parallels the printer’s nozzle or laser. It also helps maintain accurate layer alignment and precise printing.
The proper leveling of the tray is done when each layer of the printed object is deposited at the correct height and position, resulting in a high-quality and accurately dimensioned print.
3 Distribution of heat
The heated tray helps with material properties and printing performance. Heating the tray aids in improving the flow of resin in resin-based 3D printers and reducing warping in certain plastics.
The tray ensures consistent temperature conditions throughout the printing process to ensure successful print outcomes.
4 Removal of the printed object
The 3D printing machine's smooth surface or specialized coatings make it easier to remove objects without getting damaged.
Depending upon the tray, you may also require additional tools and techniques, such as a scraper that helps remove.
When to clean a 3D printing tray?
Before cleaning a 3d Printing tray, several factors are to be considered, such as the type of build plate, how much adhesive you’re using on your tray, the different types of material you’re using while printing and the frequency of using the 3D printing machine.
Generally, it’s recommended to give the tray a quick wipe after every print and perform it more thoroughly, depending on its condition.
Some marketers may not clean it frequently or opt for a 3D printing service monthly or quarterly, depending on the requirement. Regularly cleaning the DLP resin tray helps you ensure consistency and high-quality prints and prevent the deterioration of 3D printing model quality.
There are different methods to clean the bed, but the best one depends on how contaminated the tray is and the tray material.
Different Methods to Clean your 3D Printer Tray
1 Scraper
It is a flat, rigid tool with a thin edge that allows for scraping without damaging the 3D printing tray. The main usage of it involves removing residual material like filament or adhesive substance from the surface of the printing tray.
It is very effective for popping off 3D prints from the print surface. You can begin with the method by running warm water on the DLP resin tray and then wedge the sharp side of the tool against the surface, scraping away excessive material. The technique is useful because it removes excess material from the print bed.
Dry the plate with the cloth before reattaching it to the printer. Remember that scraper material shouldn't be used for a 3D printer tray with tape, as the quality of the tape degrades with water, and scrapping might lead to peeling off the build plate.
2 Microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloth is made of tiny synthetic fibers, usually polyester or polyamide, that help clean 3D printer trays and laptop screens. Its quick drying and super absorbent quality make it a popular choice among jewelry marketers. Moreover, they’re most effective when removing residue, dust, and other small particles from contaminated 3D printer trays is possible.
They can be used for both cleaning dry or wet bed purposes. A dry microfiber cloth is suitable when you need to quickly remove dust. Dampen the cloth with water or a cleaning solution for more effective cleaning.
Additionally, the cloth is washable and reusable, making the process a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for future cleaning tasks. Also, clean the 3D printer with a microfiber cloth that helps you maintain the printing cleanliness and extend its lifetime.
3 Acetone
A very commonly used solvent for cleaning and dissolving the plastic, residue and adhesives from the printing bed. Many 3D printer manufacturers in India use acetone to get rid of trays built with materials such as glass or acrylic. The material is an excellent solution for cleaning a 3D printer tray with glass and spring steel.
We recommend soaking a microfiber cloth or sponge in acetone for the cleaning process. Then, gently scrub the build plate's surface until no residue or contaminants are left. After cleaning with acetone, rinse with water to ensure no leftover residues.
Despite its benefits, certain limitations should be considered when using acetone to clean any printing tray. Firstly, make sure you use pure acetone instead of nail paint remover because it contains contamination that can cause hindrances in the 3D printer tray.
Secondly, never use acetone to clean printers with plastic-based trays because it causes damage to the surface.
Finally, if you’re using a 3D printer tray with a glass or metal bed, avoid using too much acetone because it destroys their adhesion.
One trick is to mix acetone with water in a 50:50 proportion that can be effective for cleaning.
4 Adhesive tape
It is not used for cleaning trays, but it is commonly used as a surface treatment for 3D printer trays to improve filament adhesion during printing.
The major advantage is that it will be super easy for you to clean the bed and get rid of any residue building up because all you have to do is peel off the existing tape and apply a new one.
There are different types of tapes, and their use depends on the printer and filament used. E.g., Blue Painter's tape is widely used because of the affordability factor. On the other hand, Kapton bed is used for high-temperature printing or when using material that requires a heated tray.
Points to be considered when applying adhesive tape:
Smooth application
Ensure that the tape is applied smoothly without any air bubbles, as it ensures proper adhesion of the printed tray.
Quality material
Make sure you use tape of good quality that can be easily removed and reapplied as and when required.
Levelling
To achieve consistency and an even surface while printing 3D objects, level the adhesive tape before using it.
Cutting and alignment
When cutting the tape, align it smoothly and cover the desired printing area. The tape should be attached securely without any loose edges.
5 Window cleaner
Also known as glass cleaner, it is used for cleaning 3D printer trays, windows, mirrors and glass tabletops. However, it is not very popular amongst jewelry marketers due to its limitations.
Window cleaner works very well in the following cases:
Heavy contamination
It is effective for removing glue, hair spray, dust and other residues from your print surface as long as it is heavily contaminated.
Glass trays
You can clean the printing tray with a window cleaner if the printing tray is glass. Just make sure that no residue is left behind that could affect the adhesion of the printed object.
However, It cannot be used in the following situations:
Heated beds with non-glass materials
Window cleaners are incompatible with heated beds with specialized coatings or build surfaces other than glass.
Chemical compatibility
The window cleaner contains chemicals such as alcohol and detergents that degrade the tray’s surface or cause undesired effects on the materials used in 3D printing.
Residue
It leaves residue or streaks on non-glass surfaces, indirectly affecting the prints' quality and printing adhesion.
6 Isopropyl alcohol
IPA, or Isopropyl alcohol, is a colourless and flammable alcohol compound with a strong odor. It is used to clean printing trays or build surfaces. It is similar to acetone as it helps remove and soften plastic. The most preferred cleaning option, especially when printing is done with filament material.
Why use Isopropyl alcohol
Effective cleaning
It is effective in removing oils, residues and fingerprints from the surface of a 3D printing tray. It evaporates quickly and leaves no residue behind.
Compatibility with different tray materials
It can clean trays of various materials such as glass, acrylic and aluminum.
Like acetone, soak a cloth with IPA until damp, then scrub the tray's surface. Remember not to over-apply and aim to avoid deformation on the print tray. Cleaning the tray can be used on all surfaces except tape material.
Key takeaways
In a competitive environment, effectively using a 3D printer is challenging. Many jewelry marketers lack the proper knowledge to maintain their printers over an extended period. With assistance from Sculptoris Innovation, one of the growing companies manufacturing the best 3D printer for jewelry, you can buy 3D printed trays online and 3D printers that best suit your business.
Furthermore, different methods are available to clean the 3D printer tray, such as using a microfiber cloth, scraper, acetone and other techniques with the help of which you can take your business to the next level.
