3DWash - 2.88 kg Container

One of the main drawbacks of backing materials intended to be combined with materials such as ABS or polycarbonate is that they are only soluble in organic solvents such as D-Limonene. This generates a significant amount of waste when working with soluble substrates on a regular basis.

This is why in recent years new alkali-soluble backing materials have appeared, such as Polydissolve S2 filament, Stratasys backing materials such as SR-30 or SR-35 or Arburg armat21.

Image 1: PolyDissolve S2. Source: Polymaker.com

The main advantage of these new materials is that the waste solution can be easily neutralized or diluted and disposed of.

Unlike limonene and other used organic solvents that are purchased ready for use, alkaline solutions need to be prepared by adjusting the pH of a volume of water by adding an alkali. Substances such as sodium hydroxide or different types of carbonates are usually used for this purpose.

The preparation of a suitable alkaline solution can be laborious, as it involves adjusting the pH to a value of between 10 and 11 through the use of an alkali and a mild acid. In addition, it can pose a risk because a pH11 can easily be exceeded, resulting in highly corrosive solutions. This is why the use of materials soluble in alkaline solutions requires certain knowledge and precautions.

To facilitate this task and minimize the risks involved, the German company Traxer has developed a cleaning agent to prepare the alkaline solution simply and safely.

3DWash consists of a buffer composed of a mixture of alkalis and acids, optimized to provide a pH of 10.8.

3DWash is buffered, which means that a small excess when adding the product will not result in an excessive increase in pH. This makes it safe to stay below 11, making 3DWash a much safer alternative than other unbuffered products.

Image 3: Comparison of 3DWash and other competitive products. Source: 3dwash.traxer.de

Another great advantage of being buffered is that its pH will decrease less as the support material dissolves, so its action will be faster and will allow a greater amount of material to dissolve, being also one of the most efficient options.

It is also ecological and can be disposed of directly without risk once diluted in the same amount of fresh water*.

3DWash comes in a container with 2.88 kg and a handy dispenser: This container allows the preparation of 120 L of solution, sufficient to dissolve a maximum of 5 kg of support material.

For 3DWash to dissolve the support material correctly, it must be at a temperature above 65 ºC, being more effective between 75 ºC and 85 ºC.

Video 1: How 3DWash works Source: 3dwash.traxer.de

The most effective option to use 3DWash is to use it in combination with a thermostatized ultrasonic bath that allows heating up to 75 ºC.

3DWash is the best cleaning solution to remove new generation support materials. Compatible with Polydissolve S2 and Stratasys support materials.

* Although 3DWash does not contain any toxic or harmful substances, the support filament may contain them. Consult the manufacturer before disposal.