ShapeWays Parts : What is the best way to prep/paint/etc... I am new to these 3d parts and don't want to muck them up. They seem to ship with some sort of greasy goo...whats the recommended why to clean/prep/paint? Thanks...
Tron.
This is was I got from Shapeways and from my short experience cleaning 3D printed FUD parts:
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How to clean the FUD parts?
In order to paint correctly the Frost Detail and Frost Ultra Detail parts, you need to clean them. The SLS printer uses wax as a support material, so you must eliminate all the wax.
You can use several solutions, or all together:
Use an ultrasonic bath, like the ones used by the jewellers.
Use a degreaser; soak the part thoroughly and rinse. You can repeat the process several times (make a test with an expendable part).
You can use a hair dryer to melt down the wax, but be careful to avoid melting the plastic too!!! Be careful. After that you can soak the part on a degreaser.
I’ve tested also using a contact cleaner spray, but I recommend doing a test with an expendable part.
Some people use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean FUD or FD parts. They soak them for about a minute, gently go over them with a soft toothbrush, rinse them in the alcohol bath, and set them aside to dry.
Other solution that you can read on the Shapeways forum:
“To clean the parts I use a product called Bestine (chemical name heptane) to clean any wax off the surface of the material. The process turns the surface of FUD an opaque white. What is interesting is that it seems that in this condition, acrylic paint will adhere much better to FUD (as though it had been given a coat of primer paint). At the same time, it doesn't suffer from loss of detail created by a thick coat of paint.
Bestine is a noxious chemical and should be used only in a well ventilated environment. I have heard of other people who swear by Acetone, FurniturePolish, ultrasonic cleaners, dishwashing soap, and several other choices”.
More information:
Clean the parts thoroughly with dish washing liquid. Use warm water (max 70ºC/max 158ºF)). Let the parts soak for quite some time (3 – 6 hours). Meanwhile the water will turn cloudy. That’s the wax. Repeat this procedure if needed. In the end the kit won't feel greasy anymore and show an almost complete white colour. It is of utmost importance that the models are properly degreased – otherwise the paint will not stick! Small remainders can be removed with a swab or toothpick.
A better alternative is to use a hydrosonic cleaning machine. It is also possible to clean the models in acetone (max. 5 minutes). Please clean the model afterwards with water.
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I hope this helps
Then again...the mount is the simplest part on the entire falcon..so if one was to make a new part...this is the part to do
