Refining the Wax Castable resin processing
Due to the high wax content, Liqcreate Wax Castable will solidify at approximately 17 – 18˚C. It is not recommended to utilize this product in environments where temperatures dip below 18˚C. However, it is feasible to store or transport Liqcreate Wax Castable in temperatures below 18˚C. Prior to usage, it is imperative to raise the product’s temperature to its liquid state. This can be achieved by allowing the product to sit at room temperature for 5 hours or by placing the packaging in a warm environment (ensuring no direct exposure to light) at temperatures of up to 50˚C for a duration of 20 minutes.
Post-processing
After printing, remove the parts from the platform and proceed to wash them. Submerge the parts in alcohol or IPA, ensuring that the temperature is not below 18°C / 64°F, and wash them for two cycles lasting three minutes each. It is preferable to wash the parts under agitation or with the assistance of an ultrasonic cleaner. For the second wash, use fresh solvent to achieve a clean and crisp surface. Following the second wash, allow the parts to sit on a desk for 10 minutes and inspect them. The parts should appear clean, with a matte finish, and free from any residual resin or contamination. If this is not the case, repeat the second washing cycle using fresh solvent.
After the washing process, allow the parts to rest for 10-15 minutes before proceeding to post-curing. Post-cure the parts for a minimum of 15 minutes to ensure that the surface is fully cured and ready for casting. In perfectly printed and washed parts where no Anti-aliasing or blurring settings are applied, the individual layers should be clearly visible. An example of a correctly printed and washed part can be seen in the image below. It is important to note that the investment material and subsequent cast metal parts will also exhibit these visible layer lines. If this effect is undesirable, grinding the parts before casting or utilizing Anti-aliasing or Blur settings can help minimize the appearance of layer lines.
Investment material
Selecting the appropriate investment material is crucial when utilizing 3D-printed wax resin patterns. Both resin and wax-based resins exhibit greater thermal expansion than conventional wax. It is imperative that the chosen investment material possess sufficient strength to withstand this expansion without fracturing.
Solve printing issues
The investment material captures every aspect of the printed piece, necessitating impeccable quality in the 3D-printed wax-like model. Printing with Wax Castable resin may pose slightly greater challenges compared to other resins due to the presence of wax. At temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius / 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the resin solidifies, underscoring the importance of maintaining complete liquidity during printing. Additionally, the ambient room temperature for utilizing Wax Castable resin should be at least 20°C to prevent solidification during printing. While the resin typically remains liquid throughout the printing process, printing in a cold environment can cause droplets left on the platform to solidify, complicating the washing process. It is essential for washing solvents to also be at least 20°C to prevent solidification during washing.
Many 3D printers have been optimized for use with Liqcreate Wax Castable resin. Please check if your printer is included in the list provided. Most settings are optimized for delicate designs, which often require longer exposure times. However, if you have bulkier designs, exposure times can be reduced for your parts.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.