Removing the Support Material

After printed models have cooled, the Support material must be removed. This can be done by different methods, depending on the size of the model, 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 models, for most printing applications. Use this information as a guide, and adapt the methods (or a combination of them) for cleaning your models.

For special printing applications, refer to documentation on the Stratasys Support Center or consult a Stratasys 3D printing expert.

SUP705 (FullCure705) can be removed from printed models 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)

Removing Excess Support Material by Hand

While wearing protective gloves, break away excess Support material on the outside of the model. For delicate models, use a toothpick, pin or small brush after dipping the model in water.

Removing Support Material with Water Pressure

For most models, the most efficient way to remove Support material is by using a high-pressure water jet. Consult Stratasys Customer Support for advice on purchasing and using suitable cleaning units for your printer and requirements.

Use caution when cleaning delicate models with high-pressure water systems.

Removing SUP705 with Caustic Soda

Soak models in a 1-percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove Support material from difficult-to-reach areas and to give the model a smooth, clean finish. The amount of time you soak the model 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 model thoroughly (with a water jet) 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 models soaked in it.

Caustic soda causes corrosion of the build tray.
Remove models from the build tray before treating them with caustic soda. Do not immerse the build tray in the caustic soda solution.