Stratasys FDM 2000, Manual

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A-7 Reference
Applications Manual
10MAY01
Chemical Finishing and Polishing
Chemical finishing takes very little physical effort, but is time-consuming, and —
as with any chemical use — precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the
user.
Stratasys and its customers have informally tried some solvents as
model cleaning/polishing agents, however STRATASYS DOES NOT
INTEND THIS INFORMATION AS A RECOMMENDATION OR
GUIDELINE FOR USE. This section is a report of experiences various
users have observed. If you use solvents, carefully observe all precau-
tions published by the supplier, including but not limited to the
following general warning.
Paint Thinner, Acetone, Heptane, Toluol, L&R Wax and Compound
Remover, and Other Solvents
Paint thinner, acetone, heptane, and toluol are all flammable sub-
stances which emit hazardous fumes. Keep them away from open
flames and hot surfaces. Use them only in well-ventilated areas and
avoid breathing the fumes. Store them in a safe place. DO NOT mix
with other chemicals. Avoid skin contact. Properly dispose of rags
and papers which have absorbed these substances.
Solvents such as paint thinner, acetone, heptane, and toluol smooth the surface of
the model by chemically dissolving the rough edges, and also bond the layers
together. All appear to work about equally well. However, acetone appears to
dry the wax, sometimes causing delamination.
Toluol is a very aggressive solvent and performs about twice as fast as heptane;
hence, care must be taken in its use. The fumes given off by toluol are extremely
strong. Use it only with a ventilation system which draws the fumes away from
the worker and the work area and exhausts them to the outside.
L&R wax and compound remover can be applied to smooth, and in some materi-
als, make a model shiny.
L&R Wax and Compound Remover - Product #234
L&R Manufacturing Company
577 Elm Street, Kearny, New Jersey 07032
(201) 991-5330
1-800-572-5326
Applications Chemical Finishing and Polishing