Best Wash and Cure Stations of 2024

Optimal Post-Processing: Essential Cleaning & Curing Solutions for Resin 3D Prints

The journey of creating a 3D part extends far beyond the print button, especially with resin 3D printing. It involves meticulous model preparation, precise printer setup, and selecting the perfect material. However, for most resin-based additive manufacturing processes, the critical phase of post-processing is indispensable. Once a resin 3D printer completes its build, the freshly printed part is often soft, tacky, and covered in uncured resin. This necessitates several subsequent steps, including cleaning, de-supporting, and curing. Other optional steps might include heat treatment, smoothing, painting, or tinting, depending on the desired final properties and application. The specific post-processing workflow and its duration are heavily influenced by the 3D printing technology used. For instance, photopolymerization processes, such as SLA, DLP, and LCD, require printed parts to be thoroughly cleaned to remove excess uncured resin, followed by a crucial curing stage. This post-curing step is vital for the material to achieve its full mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and aesthetic finish, preventing potential deformation and ensuring the part’s longevity.

To effectively manage these post-printing requirements, users must invest in appropriate post-processing equipment. While some industrial-grade solutions are fully automated and designed for high-volume production, a wide array of compact, desktop-friendly machines are available for integration into various work environments, from hobbyist workshops to professional studios. This article focuses primarily on the latter category, showcasing a comprehensive list of cleaning and curing solutions specifically designed for resin 3D printing. These innovative systems, presented alphabetically by manufacturer, streamline the post-processing workflow, making it more efficient and yielding higher-quality results for your 3D printed resin parts.

3D Systems Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350

The Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350 from 3D Systems, while sold separately from the Figure 4 Modular System, offers an ideal post-curing solution, especially for taller parts exceeding 200 mm (7.9 inches) produced on that platform. This specialized unit is dedicated solely to the curing process, capable of handling a single part up to 350 mm (13.8 inches) in height – matching the maximum build height of the Figure 4 Modular System. Alternatively, its generous internal volume allows for the simultaneous curing of numerous smaller parts on a multi-tier rack, significantly boosting throughput. A detailed user guide accompanies the unit, providing precise curing parameters tailored for each resin type. This ensures that every part achieves optimal material properties, superior surface finish, and consistent quality, making it a robust solution for professional resin 3D printing applications where precise and reliable curing is paramount.

3D Systems Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350 for post-curing large resin prints

Photo Credits: 3D Systems

Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 Plus

Anycubic has firmly established itself as a leading manufacturer of accessible desktop resin 3D printers, making advanced additive manufacturing more attainable for a broad audience. Complementing their popular printers, Anycubic offers a comprehensive range of integrated cleaning and curing solutions, exemplified by the innovative Wash & Cure 3 Plus. This all-in-one machine efficiently combines both essential post-treatment stages within a single unit, optimizing workflow and conserving space. Boasting an impressive 8.4-liter volume, the Wash & Cure 3 Plus offers 25% more capacity than its predecessor, with a cleaning tank measuring 230 x 140 x 260 mm, allowing for larger prints or multiple smaller parts to be processed concurrently. The post-processing machine features a double-tray system for enhanced versatility during the curing stage. Its newly designed gooseneck lamps deliver increased energy, ensuring that even intricate details on 3D printed parts are thoroughly hardened. Operation is remarkably straightforward, thanks to an intuitive touchscreen interface that allows for rapid selection of modes, whether it’s for cleaning, hardening, or simply activating the curing lamps, making it a user-friendly choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.

ApexMaker Curing and Cleaning Platforms

ApexMaker introduces a duo of specialized stations, the ApexMaker UV Resin Curing Light and the ApexMaker Cleaning Platform, meticulously engineered to refine and accelerate the post-processing of resin 3D printed parts. The ApexMaker UV Resin Curing Light is equipped with a powerful UV lamp featuring six high-intensity 405 nm LEDs. This robust curing station is versatile, compatible with parts produced using LCD, DLP, or SLA 3D printing technologies. It rapidly cures 3D models in mere minutes, and ApexMaker asserts that this process eliminates any residual resin and significantly enhances the strength and durability of the finished parts. To ensure uniform exposure and comprehensive curing from all angles, the unit incorporates a 360° rotary table system, operating at 10 revolutions per minute. Complementing this, the ApexMaker Cleaning Platform serves as a robust cleaning station, featuring a substantial 50-liter drum. It offers a maximum processing capacity for models up to 400 x 380 x 280 mm, making it exceptionally well-suited for streamlining the cleaning process of large-format resin prints, which often present challenges for smaller desktop washers. Together, these platforms offer a powerful and efficient solution for professional-grade resin print finishing.

ApexMaker UV Resin Curing Light and Cleaning Platform for resin 3D printing post-processing

Photo Credits: ApexMaker

atum3D’s Solutions for Industrial-grade Parts

Hailing from the Netherlands, atum3D is at the forefront of advancing DLP technology, and their post-treatment solutions are no exception, aiming for industrial-grade performance. Among their offerings is a sophisticated parts cleaning station that leverages the cavitation effect, generated by high-frequency ultrasonic shock waves in ethanol. This advanced cleaning method ensures thorough removal of uncured resin, reaching even the most intricate details of printed parts. Built for durability and reliability, the machine features a robust stainless steel housing and basket. Users benefit from precise control, as the washing power and frequency can be digitally adjusted to suit various part geometries and resin types. Furthermore, atum3D provides an industrial-grade curing station that sets itself apart with exceptional performance. This unit combines a powerful 45-watt UV light source with radiant heat, all integrated within a vacuum chamber. This innovative combination not only accelerates the curing process but also optimizes both the accuracy and final mechanical properties of the parts. With a substantial capacity of 282 x 395 x 275 mm, the curing station can accommodate large parts, significantly increasing processing speed and contributing to the overall optimization of print quality and material performance.

atum3D industrial-grade cleaning and curing stations for advanced resin post-processing

Photo Credits: atum3D

Creality’s UW-02 All-in-One, Large-Format Washing and Curing Machine

The Creality UW-02 stands out as a comprehensive, all-in-one wash and cure solution, meticulously engineered to accommodate larger 3D printed resin parts. This versatile machine boasts a generous curing volume of 200 x 200 x 300 mm, capable of curing parts up to 10.1 inches tall. A key feature is its 360° all-around curing capability, achieved through a rotating platform and an array of dual-band LED beads (385 nm and 405 nm), ensuring uniform and thorough hardening of every surface. For cleaning, Creality highlights the UW-02’s powerful performance, thanks to a customized magnetic large fan blade that generates a super large vortex. This high-speed cleaning action efficiently removes excess uncured resin from the part’s surface. Users can customize the washing experience by adjusting the wash speed and time, with flexible settings ranging from fast or medium speeds and durations of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes. The washing tank provides a sizable working area of 250 x 160 x 200 mm, making the UW-02 an excellent choice for users seeking an integrated and efficient post-processing solution for their large-format resin prints.

Creality UW-02 all-in-one large-format washing and curing machine for resin 3D prints

Photo Credits: Creality

ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle

From ELEGOO, a highly popular Asian manufacturer renowned for its resin 3D printers, comes the Mercury XS Bundle – a robust and versatile post-processing system. This bundle thoughtfully comprises a dedicated washing station and a separate curing station, offering dual functionalities for thorough cleaning and effective post-curing of 3D printed parts. Emphasizing comprehensive exposure, the curing station boasts 360° all-round curing, achieved through two adjustable L-shaped light bars and an enhanced array of four LED lights positioned beneath a rotating turntable. This configuration ensures that UV light with a uniform wavelength of 405nm is emitted, providing even exposure from all angles and resulting in consistently cured parts. The curing station accommodates a maximum cure size of 200x260mm. An ingenious additional feature is the inclusion of a handheld UV lamp, allowing users to precisely target and cure hard-to-reach interior spaces, intricate details, and hidden nooks and crannies of complex models. Concurrently, the washing station features a substantial 7-liter sealed water tank, providing ample capacity for cleaning large-format parts or efficiently handling batch cleaning operations. For users preferring to clean parts directly on the build platform, it supports a maximum wash size of 180 x 121 x 153 mm. When parts are removed from the platform for cleaning, the capacity expands to 201 x 124 x 255 mm, offering flexible cleaning options for diverse printing needs.

ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle with separate washing and curing stations for resin 3D prints

Photo Credits: Elegoo

EMAKE3D’s Washing Machine and Curing Box

EMAKE3D provides a dual solution for the essential post-processing of resin 3D prints: a dedicated washing machine and a separate curing box. Notably, these machines are designed with different capacities to optimize their respective functions. The curing box offers a spacious interior of 400 x 400 x 400 mm, ideal for accommodating larger models, while the washing machine is more compact at 385 x 385 x 250 mm. The washing machine is engineered for efficiency, offering two rinse speeds—a slow gear for delicate parts and a fast gear for more robust cleaning—along with customizable timing settings. This allows prints to be thoroughly cleaned within a flexible range of three to twenty minutes. Its user-friendly interface ensures ease of operation, giving users the freedom to pause or restart the cleaning cycle at any point. By employing a powerful vortex washing mechanism, residual resin is effectively removed from the prints, preparing them perfectly for the subsequent post-curing process.

The EMAKE3D curing box boasts a powerful curing wavelength of 403nm and an impressive curing power of 120W, enabling rapid post-curing of prints, typically within five to ten minutes. Flexible timing settings empower users to precisely cure prints according to the specific characteristics and requirements of different resin types. To guarantee uniform and comprehensive hardening across the entire print, the box features a 360-degree rotating platform. Furthermore, three independent sets of LED curing lights are strategically positioned to provide consistent illumination from multiple angles, ensuring no part of the print is left uncured. Designed for longevity and reliability, each lamp bead in this curing machine offers a remarkable lifespan of over 20,000 hours, promising years of consistent performance for demanding users.

EMAKE3D's washing machine (left) and curing box (right) for efficient resin post-processing

EMAKE3D’s washing machine (left) and curing box (right). (Photo Credits: EMAKE3D)

Formlabs Wash L and Cure L

Formlabs, a pioneer in professional SLA 3D printing, offers a premium post-processing ecosystem with its Wash L and Cure L units, designed to seamlessly integrate with their printer line. The Formlabs Wash L washing machine is engineered to deliver smooth, impeccably clean parts while automating the cleaning process for an optimal user experience. A key intelligent feature is its automated lifting mechanism: once washing is complete, parts are automatically raised out of the solvent to air dry, preventing over-soaking and potential damage to the print. Additionally, an embedded solvent monitor provides real-time alerts, informing the user precisely when the cleaning solvent needs replacement, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing guesswork. This washing machine is exclusively compatible with Formlabs SLA 3D printers. Its design allows for the simultaneous cleaning of either one Form 3L build platform or two Form 3 build platforms, facilitated by the included build platform adapter, making it highly efficient for batch processing.

Complementing the Wash L, the Formlabs Cure L is a robust curing unit vital for enabling SLA 3D printed parts to achieve their maximum mechanical properties and peak dimensional accuracy. This powerful machine utilizes two 500W heaters in conjunction with high-powered UV lights, all housed within a highly reflective inner cavity, ensuring rapid and uniform curing in less than ten minutes. A continuously rotating turntable guarantees even exposure to the UV light across all surfaces of the part. Like the Wash L, the Cure L is optimized for Formlabs materials, featuring pre-programmed cure settings specifically tailored for the company’s extensive range of resins. With substantial dimensions of 690 x 540 x 445 mm, the Cure L represents a large-format curing solution, capable of handling significant part volumes and sizes, making it an essential tool for professional applications requiring precise and reliable part performance.

Formlabs Wash L (left) and Cure L (right) for automated resin 3D print post-processing

The Wash L (left) and the Cure L (right). (Photo Credits: Formlabs)

HeyGears’ UltraCraft Cure and UltraCraft Wash

HeyGears offers a synergistic pair of post-processing tools, the UltraCraft Cure and UltraCraft Wash stations, specifically engineered to optimize the production workflow for their Reflex and Reflex RS series of 3D printers. The UltraCraft Cure is a sophisticated desktop curing machine distinguished by its dual UV wavelength technology, which ensures thorough and complete curing from every conceivable angle. Beyond its fundamental curing function, it integrates advanced features for enhanced user control and performance, including automatic cure time calculation, an supplementary heating system for optimized material properties, and two distinct curing modes that can be adjusted to meet specific user requirements or resin characteristics. Conversely, the UltraCraft Wash stands out with its innovative vibration-based cleaning system. This method significantly boosts cleaning efficiency by an impressive 15%, allowing for deep and comprehensive cleaning with minimal direct contact between the operator and uncured resin, thereby improving safety and ease of use. Together, these UltraCraft stations not only guarantee high-quality results for 3D printed parts but also contribute to a streamlined and more efficient production experience for professionals.

HeyGears UltraCraft Cure and UltraCraft Wash for optimized resin 3D printing workflow

Photo Credits: HeyGears

MTC3D’s BB CURE N and BB Wash Stations

MTC3D presents the BB CURE N and BB Wash stations as advanced and professional-grade solutions for the post-treatment of resin 3D prints, each bringing unique benefits to the workflow. The BB CURE N curing station is engineered to accelerate polymerization through an inert gas system, a feature that significantly enhances UV penetration up to 3 mm deep into the part. This ensures a more complete and uniform cure, crucial for achieving maximum mechanical properties and, importantly, guaranteeing biocompatibility through a certified workflow, making it ideal for medical or dental applications. Meanwhile, the BB Wash station revolutionizes the cleaning process with its dual baskets and an efficient orbital system that ensures thorough removal of uncured resin. A significant innovation is its use of a non-flammable liquid cleaning solution, offering a safer and more convenient alternative to traditional IPA, while maintaining excellent cleaning performance. For complete process control and data management, the BB Wash can be operated via WiFi or Ethernet, enabling it to store detailed reports of each cleaning cycle. Together, these MTC3D stations provide a robust and professional workflow for high-quality resin 3D printing post-processing.

MTC3D BB CURE N (left) and BB WASH (right) for advanced resin post-treatment

BB CURE N station (left) and BB WASH station (right). (Photo Credits: MTC3D)

Nexa3D

Nexa3D, a prominent name in high-speed resin 3D printing, extends its innovative philosophy to post-processing with solutions designed for both desktop and industrial-scale applications. A prime example is their Wash+Cure station, a highly efficient 2-in-1 post-processing unit crafted to simplify and expedite the finishing of resin 3D prints. This versatile station offers broad compatibility, working seamlessly with Nexa3D’s XiP printer as well as most other resin 3D printers on the market. Its substantial 5.5-liter capacity allows parts to be immersed and thoroughly cleaned in an IPA or xCLEAN solution. The integrated magnetic stirrer ensures uniform cleaning by constantly circulating the cleaning agent, reaching all surfaces of the part. For curing, the unit features a rotating base that provides even light exposure, complemented by an adjustable LED arm and a reflective cover to maximize UV light distribution. This combination of features makes the Nexa3D Wash+Cure station an ideal tool for users seeking professional-grade results from a compact, practical, and highly efficient desktop unit, ensuring optimal material properties and surface finish for their 3D printed models.

Nexa3D Wash+Cure station for efficient resin 3D print finishing

Photo Credits: Nexa3D

Photocentric and Its Post-treatment Solutions

Photocentric is a well-recognized innovator in the 3D printing industry, particularly celebrated for its resin 3D printers, including the acclaimed Liquid Crystal series (Opus, Magna, Titan). Beyond their impressive additive manufacturing solutions, Photocentric also provides a robust range of post-processing stations specifically designed for resin parts, ensuring that printed models achieve their intended quality and performance. While they offer various stations tailored to different printer models, this overview will highlight their large-format solutions: the Wash XL and the Cure XL. The Wash XL is a highly efficient 3-in-1 system, ingeniously combining washing, rinsing, and drying functionalities. It is perfectly suited for thoroughly cleaning large and complex 3D printed parts, removing excess resin effectively and preparing them for the next stage. The Cure XL, on the other hand, is dedicated to providing uniform and powerful curing. It utilizes dual-wavelength light sources, optimized for large parts, ensuring comprehensive hardening. Furthermore, the unit features 360° platform rotation, which evenly distributes heat and UV light, resulting in parts that are consistently cured, free from tackiness, and maintain excellent dimensional accuracy. These large-scale post-processing units underscore Photocentric’s commitment to delivering complete, high-quality solutions for professional resin 3D printing applications.

Photocentric Wash XL and Cure XL for large-format resin 3D print post-processing

Photo Credits: Photocentric

Wash and Cure Station Kit from Phrozen

The Phrozen Wash and Cure Station Kit presents a comprehensive and integrated system designed for the washing, drying, and curing of large resin 3D prints, streamlining the entire post-processing workflow. The kit comprises two distinct units: the Washing Station – Post Printing Cleaner, which measures 277x207x467 mm, and the Curing Station – UV Cure Lamp, with dimensions of 354x309x368 mm. The washing station boasts a generous 8-liter wash volume, enabling it to process models with a maximum size of 218x123x235 mm. This capacity makes it particularly suitable for 3D prints created with Phrozen’s Sonic Mighty 8K resin printer or other machines featuring a ten-inch print bed. It is equipped with a powerful helix mechanism that ensures gentle yet effective washing, preserving fine details without damage. The curing station, utilizing UV lights at 405 nm, guarantees uniform and effective post-curing. A standout feature is the integrated drying function, which allows printed models to be transferred directly from the washing station to the curing station for a seamless dry-and-cure process. The dual-fan drying system efficiently prevents surfaces from remaining sticky, ensuring a clean finish. Despite its large capacity, the kit maintains a compact design, making it a practical choice for small workspaces while delivering professional-grade results.

Phrozen Wash and Cure Station Kit for comprehensive resin 3D print post-processing

Photo credits: Phrozen

Prusa’s Curing and Washing Machine (CW1S)

Prusa Research, renowned for its open-source FDM printers, also offers an advanced solution for resin 3D printing post-processing with its CW1S machine. This multifunctional device ingeniously combines four essential functions into a single unit: preheating, washing, drying, and UV curing, all designed to optimize the post-processing workflow for resin prints. Measuring a compact 218 x 232 x 345 mm, the CW1S is a versatile addition to any workshop. The preheating function is particularly beneficial for preparing resin to its ideal temperature, ensuring higher quality prints, especially when used in conjunction with the Prusa SL1S printer. For cleaning, the CW1S employs a stainless steel reservoir and a magnetic propeller that creates a gentle yet effective vortex, efficiently removing uncured resin residue without compromising the delicate details of even the smallest 3D prints. Following the wash cycle, the model undergoes a drying phase, preventing unsightly resin stains and thoroughly preparing it for the final, critical stage of UV curing. This curing step is essential for imparting optimum solidity and enhancing the mechanical characteristics of the part surfaces. The CW1S features four powerful 405 nm UV LED strips, delivering a uniform curing experience with a total power output of 52.8 W. Further enhancing its user-friendliness, the machine is equipped with an intelligent IR sensor that detects the presence of the liquid container, automatically adapting the available options for an even more intuitive and safe user experience.

Prusa CW1S multifunctional resin 3D print post-processing machine

CW1S (left) and the machine with its components (right). (Photo credit: Prusa)

Rayshape’s ShapeCure and ShapeWash Series

Rayshape offers a specialized series of systems dedicated to the complete post-processing of resin 3D prints, comprising the ShapeCure series for curing and the ShapeWash series for cleaning. The ShapeWash 020S and 040S machines are engineered for effective resin removal, compatible with both alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) cleaning solutions. These units are equipped with a durable stainless steel basket and utilize advanced ultrasonic cleaning technology, ensuring thorough and efficient removal of uncured resin from intricate part geometries. The two models cater to different scales of operation: the compact 020S is ideally suited for smaller parts or lower volume production, while the larger 040S is designed to handle substantial parts or large batches, offering versatility for various applications. Concurrently, the ShapeCure series focuses on delivering optimal post-curing. These curing units feature multiple high-intensity LEDs strategically arranged around a pivoting, 360-degree rotating platform that supports the part. This configuration ensures superior curing power and efficiency, providing uniform exposure across all surfaces to maximize material properties. The ShapeCure solution, in particular, is capable of processing full-size models, making it suitable for larger prints. Additionally, mini and ShapeCure+ versions are available to cater to either smaller or exceptionally large models, providing a comprehensive and scalable curing solution for diverse production needs.

Rayshape ShapeCure Series for efficient resin 3D print curing

The ShapeCure Series (Photo Credits: Rayshape)

FabWash and FabCure 2 from Shining 3D Dental

Developed by Shining 3D Dental, the specialized division of Shining 3D dedicated to the dental 3D printing industry, the FabWash and FabCure 2 offer comprehensive, user-friendly, and automated post-processing solutions tailored specifically for professionals in dental offices, laboratories, and dental technician practices. These systems are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing dental workflows, ensuring high-quality results for parts printed with 3D resin. The FabWash unit comes pre-programmed with specific protocols for various dental materials, featuring an automated process for releasing, washing, and drying parts. It boasts a substantial 9.5-liter volume and utilizes a magnetic turbine for its washing action, ensuring thorough and gentle cleaning of intricate dental models without causing damage. The FabCure 2 curing station is engineered for powerful, multi-surface curing, equipped with 30 high-intensity 70W LEDs. It offers rapid chamber heating, customized curing parameters for different resins, and intuitive operation facilitated by an OLED display. The manufacturer strongly recommends these stations as standard post-processing tools for all Shining 3D printers, establishing a reliable and efficient workflow for dental additive manufacturing, from initial print to final, biocompatible part.

Shining 3D Dental FabWash for automated dental resin print washing

FabWash from Shining 3D (Photo Credits: Shining 3D)

SprintRay ProWash S and ProCure 2

SprintRay provides an innovative and integrated ecosystem of 3D printing solutions tailored for the demanding field of dentistry. At the heart of their post-processing offering are the ProWash S washing system and the ProCure 2 post-curing system, both meticulously engineered for unparalleled speed and thoroughness. Within the ProWash S, 3D-printed dental parts undergo a rigorous two-stage cleaning process, followed by three distinct drying cycles. Patented mechanical nozzles ensure powerful and efficient drying, allowing the entire cleaning workflow to be completed in a remarkably swift nine minutes. This rapid process ensures that parts are immaculately cleaned and dried, perfectly prepared for the subsequent critical post-curing stage. SprintRay’s ProCure 2 system is the recommended unit for this essential step, equally impressive with its speed and efficiency. It eliminates the need for lengthy warm-up times, emitting heat directly for immediate action. More specifically, the ProCure 2 synergistically employs both heat and targeted light to achieve superior final mechanical properties in the 3D-printed dental parts. Its advanced light generator guarantees uniform post-curing across every surface, while the precise 385nm light beam delivers targeted heat. The entire SprintRay ecosystem – encompassing the printer, washing system, and post-curing system – is designed for seamless integration, creating a complete and highly optimized digital workflow for dental professionals.

SprintRay ProWash S and ProCure 2 for fast and thorough dental resin post-processing

Photo Credits: SprintRay

Stratasys Post-Treatment Machines for Resin Technologies

Stratasys stands as a major and influential player in the additive manufacturing market, offering an extensive portfolio of technologies that includes various resin-based processes like PolyJet, P3, and stereolithography (SLA). As is customary with all resin printing methods, additional post-treatment is an absolute necessity to ensure parts meet desired specifications. Stratasys provides dedicated solutions for both cleaning and curing these 3D printed resin parts. For cleaning, they offer the PolyJet wash stations, specifically the CSIIP CleanStation and the DT3 CleanStation. The CSIIP CleanStation utilizes an alkaline cleaning solution to rapidly dissolve excess support material, streamlining the cleaning process. In contrast, the DT3 CleanStation employs a powerful flow of water to quickly and efficiently dissolve soluble support material from printed parts and models, making it ideal for geometries where water-soluble supports are used. For the crucial part curing stage, Stratasys presents the Origin Cure. This machine is precisely designed to ensure the accuracy, repeatability, and intricate detail of parts printed with the Origin 3D printer. To achieve this, it incorporates 360-degree LED curing technology, featuring multi-wavelength and high-intensity light sources. This advanced system guarantees exceptional uniformity in curing, which is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic fidelity of even the most complex design elements, thus ensuring superior final part quality.

Stratasys PolyJet wash stations and Origin Cure for resin 3D print post-treatment

Photo Credits: Stratasys

SUNLU’s Ultrasonic Cleaner and Curing Box RC-2

SUNLU offers accessible and efficient solutions for resin print post-processing with its Ultrasonic Cleaner and the UV Resin Curing Box RC-2. The SUNLU Ultrasonic Cleaner provides an affordable yet highly effective option, featuring multi-speed settings and precise time control to suit various cleaning needs. It includes three distinct gears of cleaning intensity, allowing users to select the appropriate power for delicate or heavily soiled parts. With a generous 2.7-liter capacity, it can accommodate large items or multiple smaller prints. While primarily designed for cleaning 3D resin models using photosensitive resin detergent, its versatility extends to cleaning other non-3D printed items, such as eyeglasses and jewelry, making it a valuable tool beyond the 3D printing workshop.

The UV Resin Curing Box RC-2 stands as an equally affordable and practical choice for the post-curing stage of resin prints. Once a user has completed the washing process, the print can be seamlessly transferred to the Curing Box for simultaneous drying and curing. A highlight of this machine is its patented air duct technology, which significantly accelerates the air-drying process, and internal fans offering three different wind speeds to optimize drying time. This second-generation curing unit provides a spacious curing volume of 200 x 200 x 250 mm and is equipped with a comprehensive array of 20 UV lamps. These lamps are strategically positioned: four at the top, four at the bottom, and twelve along the sides, ensuring an even distribution of UV light across the entire part. At its highest power, the unit delivers 42W of UV illumination, guaranteeing thorough and consistent curing for optimal part strength and finish.

SUNLU Ultrasonic Cleaner (left) and Curing Box RC-2 (right) for affordable resin post-processing

The Ultrasonic Cleaner (left) and Curing Box RC-2 (right). (Photo Credits: SUNLU)

UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2

UniFormation provides a complete and highly effective post-processing solution for 3D resin prints, featuring two specialized devices: the UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 and the UV Resin Curing Station 10.2. The Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 is designed for thorough cleaning, boasting a substantial 6.5-liter capacity and a washing volume of 228 x 128 x 200 mm. It leverages advanced 40kHz ultrasonic technology to efficiently remove uncured resin without compromising the intricate details of the printed models. This unit allows models to be washed directly on the build platform or placed within its fine mesh basket, which is ideal for treating even the smallest parts with care. With its compact size of 382x202x330 mm, it is a convenient addition to any workspace and offers broad compatibility with most DLP/SLA printers currently available on the market.

The UV Resin Curing Station 10.2 complements the cleaner with a robust curing solution. It offers a large working volume of 260×160 mm, capable of accommodating a wide range of print sizes. The station features 16 evenly distributed UV lights, further enhanced by an automatic rotating table, ensuring uniform and comprehensive curing from all angles. For user convenience and safety, it includes a flip-top lid and an intuitive touch screen interface, through which users can access preset functions, such as a quick 3-minute timer. This versatile curing station is compatible with LCD/DLP/SLA 3D printers and is well-suited for a diverse array of objects, including jewelry, intricate dental prosthetics, and functional industrial prototypes, guaranteeing optimal mechanical properties and a superior finish.

UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 (left) and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2 (right)

UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 (left) and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2 (right). (Photo Credits: UniFormation)

U Wash and U Cure from UNIZ

UNIZ introduces its U Wash and U Cure, a pair of compact and versatile devices meticulously engineered to simplify and optimize the crucial post-processing steps for resin 3D prints. According to UNIZ, the U Wash utilizes advanced ultrasonic technology to deliver rapid and exceptionally effective cleaning, capable of removing uncured resin in as little as six minutes, typically over two wash cycles. The U Wash’s ultrasonic system operates at a high frequency of 40,000 Hz and boasts an impressive power density of up to 2500 mW/cm², ensuring thorough cleaning even in intricate geometries. Its 2-liter stainless steel container can be filled with either water or isopropyl alcohol, offering flexibility in cleaning agents. A key advantage of the U Wash is its design with no moving parts, which contributes to its quick and easy maintenance, enhancing its longevity and user convenience.

The U Cure, on the other hand, is a high-performance curing station designed for speed and efficiency, capable of completing the entire curing process in as little as one minute. With a remarkable UV energy density of 120,000 mJ/cm² and an impressive 90% uniformity, it consistently produces non-sticky surfaces with optimal material properties. The unit features a multi-directional UV LED system coupled with a multi-angle reflector, which allows the 3D printed model to be placed in virtually any position on the work surface while still receiving comprehensive and even UV exposure. Both devices share the same compact design, measuring 280x280x250 mm, making them ideal for space-constrained environments. They are also equipped with intuitive touch screens, enhancing user interaction and ease of operation, thus providing a complete and efficient post-processing workflow.

UNIZ U Wash and U Cure for compact and efficient resin 3D print post-processing

Photo Credits: UNIZ

Cleaning and Curing Solutions from Zortrax

Polish manufacturer Zortrax, a recognized name in the additive manufacturing sector, offers a robust pair of solutions specifically designed for the cleaning and curing of 3D-printed resin parts. For the essential cleaning stage, the Zortrax Cleaning Station provides a generous 300 x 210 x 270 mm workspace within its substantial 18-liter tank. This unit is equipped with a powerful turbine engineered to ensure thorough cleaning while preventing any damage to delicate parts and preserving their intricate details. A complete cleaning cycle is remarkably swift, taking just five minutes. Upon completion, the machine lid automatically opens, and the tray is conveniently moved out of the liquid, simplifying part retrieval. The machine’s integrated filters are a key safety and efficiency feature, allowing isopropyl alcohol to be reused over multiple wash cycles, thus reducing waste and operational costs.

Complementing the cleaning station, Zortrax offers the Curing Station for the critical post-curing process. This unit features a 300 x 200 x 300 mm workspace and utilizes a powerful UV light source with a wavelength of 405 nm. The curing chamber is meticulously designed with polished metal sheets to ensure uniform UV exposure across all surfaces of the part, guaranteeing consistent and optimal material properties. Safety is paramount with the Zortrax Curing Station, which includes a soft-closing door and a sensor that instantly switches off the UV lamps if the door is opened during operation, protecting users from harmful UV exposure. Together, these Zortrax solutions provide a comprehensive and reliable workflow for achieving high-quality, fully post-processed resin 3D prints.

Zortrax Cleaning Station (left) and Curing Station (right) for resin 3D prints

Left, cleaning station; right, annealing solution (Photo Credits: Zortrax)

As the world of resin 3D printing continues to evolve, the importance of effective post-processing solutions cannot be overstated. From hobbyist applications to industrial demands, the right cleaning and curing stations are vital for transforming raw resin prints into durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing final products. The diverse range of wash and cure solutions highlighted above demonstrates the industry’s commitment to enhancing print quality, streamlining workflows, and ensuring that every 3D printed part achieves its full potential. Whether you prioritize speed, capacity, precision, or integration, there’s a solution designed to meet your specific needs and elevate your additive manufacturing experience. Which of these innovative cure and wash stations aligns best with your 3D printing aspirations? Let us know in a comment below or on ourLinkedIn,Facebook, andTwitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weeklyNewsletter here, to receive the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on ourYouTube channel.