Time Settings; Managing The Machine - formlabs Form Wash L Manual

5.4

Time settings

For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit support.formlabs.com.
For the best results, use the recommended time settings tested specifically for use with the
Form Wash L.
Biocompatible materials are a speciality product, developed for use by medical professionals,
and should be used in accordance with the instructions for use.
5.5

Managing the machine

Between wash cycles, perform maintenance, manage your solvent usage, track the machine's
history, or turn the machine off. For detailed guidance and visual assistance, visit
formlabs.com.
5.5.1 Extending solvent lifetime
The solvent in the Form Wash L builds up a higher concentration of resin after each wash,
as liquid resin from each wash cycle accumulates over time. As the solvent becomes
more resin-concentrated, a layer of diluted resin coats the outermost surface of printed
parts after washing. As the solvent dries, a thin layer of liquid resin is left behind on the
part's surface, causing the surface to feel tacky. Thus, the part is only as clean as the
cleaning solution.
When washing parts on the build platform, scrape excess liquid resin back into the resin tank
before placing the build platform in the Form Wash L. To achieve the cleanest parts, replace
used solvent with fresh solvent frequently or consider a multi-step washing process. As solvent
evaporates, add fresh solvent to keep the fill level between the minimum and maximum lines.
Maintain separate wash buckets for each resin type or similar colors to preserve the best
possible surface quality and performance. For example:
• Biocompatible resins – to comply with biocompatibility regulations
• Castable Wax 40 Resin – to avoid color transfer
• Castable Wax Resin – to avoid color transfer
• Rigid 4000 Resin – to prevent glass particles adhering to parts printed with other resins
• Rigid 10K Resin – to prevent glass particles adhering to parts printed with other resins
• Ceramic Resin – to prevent ceramic particles adhering to parts printed with other resins
Solvent lifetime depends in part on the chemical properties of the solvent. Visit
formlabs.com
5.5.2 Measuring the resin concentration of solvent
As more parts are cleaned, the solvent gradually becomes more concentrated with liquid
resin and reduces the effectiveness of the Form Wash L . Replace solvent when the wash is
no longer effective and when parts have tacky surfaces after washing.
To significantly prolong the lifetime of the solvent before replacement, consider implementing
a preliminary rinse with a small volume of solvent before inserting printed parts into the Form
Wash L.
To measure the resin concentration of solvent with the solvent monitor:
1. If you are currently viewing a submenu on the touchscreen, tap the < arrow until you return
to the Home screen. The home screen lists your current wash settings and the status of
the Form Wash L.
2. The current solvent type and resin concentration are listed under Solvent.
for detailed information about different solvents and solvent performance.
support.
support.
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