Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a commonly used cleaning agent for photopolymer resin 3D printing, mainly employed to remove excess resin and support structures. It has become the default cleaning solvent for resin 3D printing because it strikes a balance between cost, availability, and cleaning power. IPA dissolves uncured resin quickly and evaporates without leaving a residue, making it convenient for post-processing workflows.
What IPA should I use for resin printing?
For optimal resin cleaning you want to use 91-99% IPA.
Applicability
IPA has strong dissolving power for resin and effectively removes sticky residue left during SLA printing, making it especially suitable for post-processing transparent and standard resins.
Cleaning Performance
Compared to 95% ethanol, IPA delivers better cleaning results, although it is relatively more expensive.
Precautions
- Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation when handling IPA to avoid inhaling irritating vapors.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat or open flames.
- Alternatives: If IPA is unavailable, 95% ethanol can be used as a temporary substitute, though the cleaning performance may be slightly reduced.
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