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 type of support material, 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, 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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SUP705/705B, a gel-like support material.

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SUP706/706B, an easily removed support material that dissolves in a solution of caustic soda and sodium metasilicate.

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

by hand

water pressure (in a suitable cleaning unit)

SUP706/706B: 2% caustic soda and sodium metasilicate solution.
SUP705/705B: 1% caustic soda solution (recommended for a smooth finish)

Removing 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.

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For SUP705/705B, after breaking away excess support material, soak the 3D print in a 1% caustic soda solution (see Removing SUP705/705B with Caustic Soda).

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For SUP706/706B, after breaking away excess support material, soak the 3D print in a 2% caustic soda and sodium metasilicate solution (see Removing SUP706/706B with Caustic Soda and Sodium Metasilicate).

Removing 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. One suitable system is the Objet WaterJet cleaning 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 SUP705/705B 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 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 3D prints soaked in it.

Removing SUP706/706B with Caustic Soda and Sodium Metasilicate

Soak 3D prints in a 2-percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and sodim metasilicate (Na2SiO3) to remove support material. 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. Rinse the 3D print thoroughly under running water afterwards.

SUP706/706B will dissolve into the caustic soda and sodium metasilicate solution and saturate it, reducing its effectiveness. Replace the solution when the support material reaches 15% of the solution (after approximately one month of average use).

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.