Ultrasonic cleaners.

[Paddy]

I was thinking about investing in one of these - are they worth the money?  Do they simply save labour or are they more effective at cleaning than a toothbrush say?

Many thanks

Paddy

[njee20]

I really like mine for cleaning 3D prints, it's more gentle than a toothbrush on small detail and markedly more effective.

[Paddy]

Thanks @njee20

I may look to get one in the New Year then.

Many thanks

Paddy

[emjaybee]

Having 'unexpectedly' received one of the aforementioned cleaners for Christmas I've been having a bit of a play on some grubby/oily/greasy bits and bobs in the workshop.

But now down to the serious business of using it for paint stripping and 3D print cleaning, so I've a couple of questions to direct at forum members.

@RailGooner when you use yours for paint stripping, do you just use it in straight IPA? And do you strain the IPA and re-use it or just dump it.

@njee20 what solution do you use for cleaning 3D prints, and what sort of time do you leave it in for?

Cheers fellas!

[njee20]

I use neat IPA for post print cleaning - mine has a 3 minute timer, which seems to suffice. Then I rinse under warm water with a toothbrush. I've left models in there overnight before (not with the machine turned on, mind) with no ill effect.

[Trainfish]

I've used one in the past to clean my golf clubs and it was brilliant! I hope that helps 

[Railwaygun]

I've used one in the past to clean my golf clubs and it was brilliant! I hope that helps 

St Andrews or Trump international?

[Trainfish]

Erlestoke and Basset Down for me I'm afraid.

[emjaybee]

I use neat IPA for post print cleaning - mine has a 3 minute timer, which seems to suffice. Then I rinse under warm water with a toothbrush. I've left models in there overnight before (not with the machine turned on, mind) with no ill effect.

I didn't realise you could use IPA on 3D prints.

Do you recycle the IPA after or just dispose of it?

[njee20]

Yep, absolutely. I used to just swirl the print around in a jug of it for a while, but the ultrasonic cleaner is far better.

I re-use it until it's more resin than IPA 

The current batch has done probably 50 prints! You find after a quick scrub with a toothbrush they're perfectly clean. Fresh IPA is marginally more effective, but I'm just too tight!

[emjaybee]

Thanks for that.

I'm all for reusing chemicals, or anything else for that matter. It all costs money and consumes resources.