Blog Stratasys 3D Printing: Soluble Support for V3 Polyjet Desktops
Soluble Support for V3 Polyjet Desktops
Soluble Support has been released for all V3 Desktop Polyjet machines.
SUP706 is a Support material that dissolves in a solution of caustic soda and sodium metasilicate and can be removed easily. To run Support 706, you will require an upgrade. This is free of charge and can be done by users.
The easiest way to tell if you have a V3 machine will be to check to see if you have a pull tab to lift the roller bath suction straws (see below).
Once you determine that you are eligible for the upgrade, simply place a material order and request soluble support 706. Inform the order team that you require the upgrade. Once the material arrives, it includes a USB with new Objet Studio and printer software. Simply follow the instructions and install the new software. You are now able to run soluble support.
When changing from 705 standard support to 706 soluble it will require you to do a material change wizard. The same as if you were to change model material.
706 SOLUBLE SHOULD ALWAYS BE RUN USING HEAVE GRID.
It is not recommended to run 706 with Tango material.
Support Removal Methods
There are three methods for removing SUP706 Support material.
Method 1: Dissolve Support Material
- a) Prepare a base solution of 2% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 1% sodium Metasilicate (Na2SiO3) in a cleaning station.
| Caution: Never pour water onto caustic soda. Mixing it with water generates heat that could ignite other materials. Always add caustic soda to water. Always take adequate safety precautions; always use nitrile gloves and protective goggles when handling caustic soda and models soaked in it. |
b) Soak the printed model in the cleaning station until the Support material has dissolved.
Important: Before removing the printed model, drain all liquid from the basket.
SUP706 dissolves into the solution and eventually saturates it, reducing its effectiveness. Replace the solution when the Support material comprises 15% of the solution, typically after several weeks of use.
- c) Rinse the printed model under running water and gently rub the surface with a sponge.
- d) Optional: Dip the printed model in a 15% glycerol solution for 30 seconds, and then place it on a mat to dry. This strengthens the printed model.
Method 2: Break-Away and Dissolve Support Material
Carefully break away the Support material from the printed model by hand, and then use the “Dissolve” method described above.
To prevent deformation in delicate models, hollow models, and models with thin walls—
Use relatively short cleaning cycles when dissolving.
Remove from the cleaning station soon after the cleaning cycle is complete.
Method 3: Remove Support Material with Water Pressure
This method requires a WaterJet unit. Cleaning time depends on the complexity and dimensions of the printed model.
Generally, you can use any of the above Support removal methods that best suits your needs. However, in some cases, to ensure optimum results, a specific method is preferred. Follow these recommendations when for selecting a SUP706 Support removal method.
Models printed with RGD450 or Rubber-like materials—
For models printed with these materials and their digital materials, use the Support Removal with Water Pressure method (see Method 3, above) and follow the Support removal instructions in the relevant material Application Note.
Hollow models, delicate models, and models with thin walls—
For hollow and delicate models, use the Break-Away and Dissolve Support Material method
Here is the MSDS sheet:
Support SUP706 US MSDS
Dave Murawski
Application Engineer
Computer Aided Technology