We’re launching a new safe washing solution for SLA prints. The Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM (Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether) is an effective organic solvent with low flammability and the lowest possible toxicity. Because of its high safety profile, we can ship it worldwide, unlike isopropyl alcohol (IPA). We would like to introduce you to the general properties of this extraordinary washing solution, and also discuss the downsides (and even dangers) of using isopropyl alcohol, which is still among the most popular choices for washing SLA prints.

 

Better in everything

We know that most of the SL1S users work with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). After all, we recommend it in our handbooks and other guides. It offers a few advantages: it is relatively common and cheap, and quite effective when it comes to washing. But there are several red flags when it comes to user safety (see below). And we believe that today’s resin washing solutions should be much safer.

You already know how the story continues. We were not happy, so we made our own cleaner. And you can trust us when we say that the Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM (Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether) is safer than IPA in every way and works just as great.

  • It’s much less flammable than IPA. The DPM’s ignition temperature is significantly higher and starting a fire with improper electric installation or other sources of spark is much more difficult.
  • It’s much less volatile than IPA. This significantly reduces levels of VOCs present in the air. Plus, you don’t lose it as fast as IPA when accidentally left open.
  • You won’t accidentally make any explosives out of it. Not enough people are aware that IPA can form into a highly explosive substance (see below).
  • It’s significantly less toxic! Really, it’s as safe as it could be. It doesn’t need any pictograms like IPA.

High efficiency

The Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM lasts multiple cycles before it gets saturated with liquid resin leftovers. We did a thorough testing with CW1S and Prusament Resin and found that 2L of the cleaner works perfectly until saturated with 100ml of liquid resin. Then it gradually loses its efficiency.

Easy to use

The process is easy, really. It takes several minutes and doesn’t differ much from washing in IPA:

  1. Fill the CW1S vat with the cleaner and put the 3D-printed models inside
  2. Run the washing cycle for 5-15 minutes (time may differ according to the model complexity)
  3. Wash the model in another vat filled with water after the first washing cycle. You may use water with dish soap for more effective cleaning from the Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM.
  4. (optional) You may use compressed air for drying the print
  5. Dry the model in the CW1S before curing (drying temperature and time are specified in the resin technical sheet)

Price and weight

You can get the Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM packed in 1L and 5L canisters. The 1L canister will cost you 17.99 USD (import duties included) / 16.99 EUR (VAT incl.), and the 5L canister for 64.99 USD (import duties included) / 64.99 EUR (VAT incl.).

Just a side note: we never sold IPA canisters in our e-shop. The high flammability prevented us from shipping it worldwide. But now, the Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM’s safety profile allows us to ship it without any concern or need for difficult paperwork!

Is isopropyl alcohol really THAT unsafe?

Now, let’s discuss the IPA safety. We all use it frequently and recommend it for both SLA and FFF 3D printing. Generally speaking, the IPA is relatively safe if you follow some basic rules for handling and storing. And the smaller the amount, the safer it is. But you need a lot of washing agent when working with SLA materials, and that’s where it becomes dangerous. And while we already addressed this issue for resins, we didn’t give much attention to the commonly used isopropyl alcohol. Until now.

First, we’ll start with the most obvious fact: Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable. The risk of ignition is low when handled properly, but still, storing a large canister of highly flammable liquid in a common household always increases the potential fire hazard. For example, we store all canisters in a fireproof closet to keep the workplace safe.

Second, IPA is not perfectly stable. There’s a small risk of explosive Peroxide formation, which may cause occasional accidents. These peroxides form when exposed to air, heat, light, or long periods of time. So, in layman’s terms: when you leave an IPA vat open or the canister stored somewhere in the corner for several years, clear crystals may form inside. That’s when you know you’re in danger: high concentrations of peroxides may become sensitive to heat, friction, or shock and become explosive. Should this happen to you, do not touch the canister under any circumstances. Contact local authorities to dispose of it safely. You can learn more about this whole issue in this article.

Third, the IPA is volatile. This introduces two problems: You constantly lose your washing medium when storing it improperly, and you breathe the vapors unless you’re working in an especially well-ventilated area.

This gets us to the fourth downside: IPA is toxic. Not extremely, but still, breathing a large volume of vapors can irritate your nose and throat. Prolonged or repeated contact can cause a skin rash, itching, dryness and redness. Repeated high exposure can even lead to more severe damage to your body. More information can be found in this factsheet.

Safety and waste disposal

Finally, let’s have a word or two about safety and waste disposal. Generally, the rules are very similar, if not the same, for every SLA-related chemical you come in contact with, even the Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM.

Please keep in mind that while we maintain the lowest possible toxicity of our products, it is still recommended to protect yourself. Use rubber gloves and protective eyewear every time you work with SLA technology. Also, keeping a clean workplace prevents accidents, such as spills.

Anything contaminated with liquid resin is considered a toxic waste, and you should dispose of it accordingly. This includes liquid resin leftovers, cleaner, water, paper towels, used gloves, etc.

That’s all, folks! We’re really happy that the SLA 3D printing is once again one step closer to safe and comfortable use. Let us know what you think about it.

Happy printing!