PostProcess Develops Resin Removal System for Composites, Ceramics

PostProcess Technologies says its PLM-405-SUB solves postprinting challenges for composite and ceramic-filled resins by removing both excess resin and ceramic filler residue from 3D printed parts simultaneously in one detergent. The company developed this new solution for resin removal as a part of its offering of automated and intelligent additive manufacturing (AM) postprocess solutions.

The company says traditional resin removal for composite-filled resins, such as processing in IPA, results in a white chalky residue left on side walls and feature surfaces of the 3D printed part. That is said to typically require significant manual labor to scrub excess residue from parts after the initial resin removal step, which may inhibit the ability to scale up to production-level operations.

The PostProcess automated solution, including the new PLM-405-SUB chemistry formulation utilized in the DEMI 400 and DEMI 800 Series, is said to reduce the reliance on manual labor and ultimately reduce cycle times, process steps and typical operational risk factors associated with other solutions. 

The company says the benefits of using PLM-405 in the resin removal workflow include deeper ultrasonic cleaning on intricate parts with fine features and crevices that are not suitable for cleaning with alternative methods. Also, as a part of PostProcess’ hardware, software and chemistry approach, its newest resin removal solution is said to achieve improved processing times and end part consistency.