Removing the Support Material

After the 3D prints have cooled, the support material must be removed. This can be done by different methods, depending on the size of the 3D print, how delicate it is, the amount and location of the support material, and other factors. The methods described in this section refer to removing general-purpose support materials from 3D prints, for most printing applications. Use this information as a guide, and adapt the methods (or a combination of them) for cleaning your 3D prints.

For special printing applications, including Digital Anatomy models, refer to documents on the Stratasys Support Center or consult a Stratasys 3D printing expert.

The following types of support material available:

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TrueDent/TrueDent-D, biocompatible support materials for dental appliances (J5 DentaJet Only).

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WSS150, a water soluble support material available for J55 Prime and J5 MediJet printers only.

This support material dissolves easily in water and can be removed by soaking in a still water bath, in a dishwasher, or a sous vide device.

•

SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S, a gel-like support material.

This is a breakaway support material that can be removed manually by hand, water pressure, brushing, or other mechanical means.

SUP711/SUP711S are available for J5 DentaJet and J5 DentaJet XL.

SUP710S is available for J5 Digital Anatomy.

Removing TrueDent/TrueDent-D Support Materials (J5 DentaJet Only)

Important:

For support removal and post-processing instructions for dental appliances, refer to TrueDent and TrueDent-D Best Practice Guides on the Stratasys Support Center or consult a Stratasys 3D printing expert.

Removing WSS150 Support Material (J55 Prime and J5 MediJet Only)

WSS150 support material can be dissolved in water using one of the following methods, or a combination:

•

Using tap/still water

While wearing protective gloves, place the printed parts in a container filled with tap water, at room temperature, and wait until the support material dissolves completely. Soaking time depends on the printed part and the amount of support material.

•

Using dishwasher

While wearing protective gloves, place the parts in the dishwasher on a flat, rigid surface, such as a cooking grate, in the same orientation as they were printed to prevent bending or curling.

•

Using a sous vide device

While wearing protective gloves, place the parts in a container filled with tap water on a mesh in the same orientation as they were printed to prevent bending or curling. The temperature can be precisely controlled/optimized for complex and delicate geometries. It is faster than using static water and slower than a dishwasher on simple geometries.

Printing, Post Processing and Waste Handling for WSS150:

For detailed support removal guidelines and more information on a suitable dishwasher, refer to the "WSS150 Best Practice".
The solution of WSS150 dissolved in water can be solidified using the Stratasys L2S (Liquid to Solid) solidifying powder. For detailed instructions on waste handling and the solidification process of the WSS150 wastewater, refer to "WSS150 Wastewater Processing and Handling Using L2S".

These documents are available for download on the Stratasys Support Center . If necessary, consult a Stratasys 3D printing expert.

Removing SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S Support Material

The SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S support material can be removed from 3D prints using the following methods, in this order:

by hand

water pressure (in a suitable cleaning unit)

1% caustic soda solution (recommended for a smooth finish)

WSS150 cannot be removed using the methods listed above.

Removing SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S Support Material by Hand

While wearing protective gloves, break away excess support material on the outside of the 3D print. For delicate 3D prints, use a toothpick, pin or small brush after dipping the 3D prints in water.

Removing SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S Support Material with Water Pressure

For most 3D prints, the most efficient way to remove support material is by using a high-pressure water jet. A few suitable systems are the Balco and Object WaterJet, and the Effegi Brega Soft Relax Dental cleaner unit. This device is marketed by Stratasys.

To clean a 3D print using this device, you manipulate it and the water using the built-in, waterproof sleeves. A pump turns ordinary tap water into a high-pressure jet. A wiper keeps the window clear.

Use caution when cleaning delicate 3D prints with high-pressure water systems.

Removing SUP710S/SUP711/SUP711S Support with Caustic Soda

Soak 3D prints in a 1-percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove support material from difficult-to-reach areas and to give the 3D print a smooth, clean finish. The amount of time you soak the 3D prints in the solution depends on how delicate it is and how much support material needs to be removed, but it is typically between half-an-hour and several hours. In any case, you should remove as much support material as possible before the caustic soda treatment, and rinse the it thoroughly (with a waterjet) afterwards.

Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness. Mixing it with water generates heat that could ignite other materials. Never pour water into caustic soda. When diluting the solution, always add caustic soda to water. Take adequate safety precautions; always use nitrile gloves when handling caustic soda and 3D prints soaked in it.