How to Clean 3D Printed Models
3D printing technology has seen widespread application in recent years, from hobbyists to professional manufacturing. However, 3D printed models often come out with rough and uneven areas that require cleaning and finishing. This article will guide you through the process of cleaning 3D printed models to achieve better appearance and functionality.
Preparation
Before you begin cleaning your 3D printed model, you need to gather some basic tools and materials:
1. Cutting Pliers: For trimming support structures and excess material from the model.
2. Sandpaper: Different grits for sanding the model's surface to make it smoother.
3. Scraper: To detach the model from the build platform.
4. Needles and Tweezers: For cleaning small parts and holes in the model.
5. Chemical Solvents: Such as acetone, for smoothing ABS models.
6. Protective Gear: Gloves and safety goggles to ensure safety during the process.
Removing Support Structures
Support structures are essential during the 3D printing process as they help maintain the model’s shape and stability. However, they need to be removed once printing is complete:
1. Using Cutting Pliers:
- Carefully trim the support structures from the model's surface. Try to cut as close to the surface as possible to minimize the need for additional sanding.
- For hard-to-remove parts, use tweezers and needles for precise work.
2. Using a Scraper:
- When detaching the model from the build platform, gently pry it off with a scraper.
- Be careful not to damage the bottom of the model.
Sanding the Model Surface
After removing the support structures, the model surface may still have rough spots that need sanding:
1. Choosing Sandpaper:
- Start with coarse sandpaper (e.g., 400 grit) for initial sanding to remove noticeable bumps and rough areas.
- Follow up with finer sandpaper (e.g., 800 grit or finer) for detailed sanding to achieve a smooth surface.
2. Sanding Techniques:
- When sanding, use circular or straight motions to evenly work on the model’s surface.
- For hard-to-reach details, cut the sandpaper into small pieces for easier handling.
Chemical Treatment
For ABS models, chemical solvents can be used to further smooth the surface:
1. Acetone Treatment:
- Place the model in acetone vapor. The vapor will slightly dissolve the surface layer of the plastic, making it smoother.
- Control the exposure time, usually a few seconds to a few minutes, as too long can damage the model.
2. Using Protective Gear:
- Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling chemicals.
- After treatment, place the model in a well-ventilated area to allow the solvent to evaporate completely.
Filling and Repairing
If there are larger defects or holes in the model, use filling materials for repair:
1. Filling Materials:
- Use specialized 3D print fillers or epoxy to fill in defects.
- Apply the filler evenly with a small spatula or needle.
2. Drying and Sanding:
- Once the filler is completely dry, sand the filled areas to match the smoothness of the surrounding surface.
Painting and Finishing
After cleaning, you can paint and finish the model for a more polished look:
1. Priming:
- Apply a layer of primer to the model's surface to improve paint adhesion.
- Once the primer is dry, lightly sand it to smoothen the surface further.
2. Painting:
- Use professional model paint or spray paint to color the model. Apply multiple layers as needed, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
- For added shine and protection, finish with a coat of clear protective varnish.
By following these steps, you can clean and perfect your 3D printed models, enhancing their appearance and functionality. If you need high-quality 3D textures and HDRIs for creating models and virtual scenes, or want to download 3D models, you can get them from Relebook and directly import them into your model. This guide aims to help you master the techniques for cleaning 3D printed models effectively.
