Shapeways print preparation

[delamaize]

Hey guys I am starting on my Milwaukee EF5 project, and had some shells and frames printed in Smoothest Fine Detail Plastics, and Smooth Fine Detail Plastic. I have not used a shapeway print in a long time, do I need to do a benzene bath still to remove the wax and such, or is there a better option/strategy now?

[sd45elect2000]

I have 100s of Shapeways prints, I'll stick with the Bestine FWIW.

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[peteski]

I think Mike meant "bestine" when he wrote "benzine". Naphta also works well (either VM&P Naphta from the hardware store, or Ronsonol lighter fluid). 

[Lemosteam]

I use Bestine in an ultrasonic cleaner.  The agitation seems to help remove much of the leftover artifacts.  For high detail parts like a truck frame, I then use an air eraser after. For smooth surface parts, I use a modified ultrasonic toothbrush in delicate areas and good old sandpaper on large smooth areas.

The material is VERY porous and will soak in much primer/paint. 

The material will NOT strip and any use of strong stripper chemicals will break down the material.

Thin walled areas require a light touch.

The material accepts CA well due to the porosity.

[delamaize]

I think Mike meant "bestine" when he wrote "benzine". Naphta also works well (either VM&P Naphta from the hardware store, or Ronsonol lighter fluid).

Yes, thats what I meant, Autospell on my phone got me....

[JMaurer1]

Autocorrect = evil

So does Apple...

[delamaize]

ok, I picked up something that is the same as Bestine it's called M-E-K Substitute, or at least it has the same ingredients. (https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-thinners-and-solvents/1474469?store=01848)
I'm going to soak a disposable, thin part, and make sure it will work, and not damage stuff. But I need to know how long do I soak the parts for. as of now, I do not have a Ultrasonic cleaner, so it would be probably a static soak.

[bbussey]

Bestine is heptane, so any pure heptane product will work.

I soak for 24 hours, as I do not own an ultrasonic cleaner either.  I never have any issues.

[nickelplate759]

I've read the suggestions regarding using an ultrasonic cleaner w/Bestine to clean up  Shapeways FUD, but haven't done it.


My can of Bestine indicates that it is flammable ('cause it's heptane, so, yeah), and my Branson ultrasonic cleaner has a warning label telling me not to put flammable liquids in it.   Heptane has a flash point of 25°F and it's vapor is heavier than air - that sounds iffy to me.

Maybe some day I'll get brave, but not indoors...

[Lemosteam]

I've read the suggestions regarding using an ultrasonic cleaner w/Bestine to clean up  Shapeways FUD, but haven't done it.


My can of Bestine indicates that it is flammable ('cause it's heptane, so, yeah), and my Branson ultrasonic cleaner has a warning label telling me not to put flammable liquids in it.   Heptane has a flash point of 25°F and it's vapor is heavier than air - that sounds iffy to me.

Maybe some day I'll get brave, but not indoors...

I never leave the UC unattended, and I only run it for 4 ten minute runs. I also keep the cover on to keep the fumes contained. I have done this hundreds of times without issue, and I do understand the concern.

[delamaize]

I think I'm going to take Mr Busséy's advice and do a 24 hour soak...

[sd45elect2000]

I've accidently soaked them for a week without issue.

[peteski]

ok, I picked up something that is the same as Bestine it's called M-E-K Substitute, or at least it has the same ingredients. (https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/chemicals-and-cleaners/paint-thinners-and-solvents/1474469?store=01848)
I'm going to soak a disposable, thin part, and make sure it will work, and not damage stuff. But I need to know how long do I soak the parts for. as of now, I do not have a Ultrasonic cleaner, so it would be probably a static soak.

Mike,
When you mentioned that MEK Substitute is Heptane, I was puzzled. MEKis a fairly strong solvent which dissolves polystyrene. In fact, Testors Liquid Cement *IS* MEK!  Heptane is a milder solvent.

I looked at the MSDS you linked to and it shows "141-78-6 Acetic acid, ethyl ester {Ethyl acetate}".  That is not Heptane!  While it will likely remove the waxy substance from 3D printed parts, It might also damage the resin itself.  I would be very careful.

[delamaize]

Thanks for the heads up, I will try it on a small, disposablepart first

Mike,
When you mentioned that MEK Substitute is Heptane, I was puzzled. MEKis a fairly strong solvent which dissolves polystyrene. In fact, Testors Liquid Cement *IS* MEK!  Heptane is a milder solvent.

I looked at the MSDS you linked to and it shows "141-78-6 Acetic acid, ethyl ester {Ethyl acetate}".  That is not Heptane!  While it will likely remove the waxy substance from 3D printed parts, It might also damage the resin itself.  I would be very careful.