SolusWax Tips and Tricks
Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2018 5:51 pm
Here are some helpful tips for the SolusWax resin:
Software and Resin Profile
Download the latest software update in order to access the SolusWax resin profile. Inside Contour, under the HELP menu, check for the latest update, install it and restart Contour. The new resin profile for SolusWax should be selectable. You may need to enable Beta software downloads from inside the Preferences in order to get the latest Beta version of the software.
Resin Handling
Warm up the bottle of SolusWax by submerging into hot water for about 5 minutes, and then shake the bottle really well to mix in any wax that may have settled on the bottom. Shake for 1-2 minutes before pouring some into the resin tank. Repeat this process if the resin bottle has been sitting unshaken for about 5 days or longer. If the bottle was already mixed a few days before, then just shaking well before pouring is enough.
For the resin that’s been sitting in the resin tank, simply mixing it well with the soft spatula is enough. No heating is required. Make sure to mix in the settled wax from the bottom of the tank.
If you're located in a high humidity area, we do not recommend leaving the resin in the tank after you're finished printing, because the resin can pull in moisture from the air and that can affect the printing and casting. Pour it into another container (preferable a dark glass jar or HDPE container) for storage. Then mix and shake really well before pouring back into the vat for printing. https://www.amazon.com/bottles-Lids-Gla ... 077ZRTHPK/
If you you prefer leaving it in the VAT, you can also wrap the vat carefully using plastic wrap and store it somewhere dark. Use fresh plastic wrap every time.
Supports
Use 0.3 and up supports for SolusWax. The wax content makes the resin soft for thin parts like support tips. When anchoring down the models, use thicker supports to hold it in place securely. For finer detail areas, 0.3 can be used. Do not use sphere support tips with SolusWax. They may separate while printing.
Post-cleaning and Curing
Clean the prints using 91% IPA alcohol for not more than 15 seconds. Use two separate containers of alcohol for proper cleaning. Dry the prints using compressed air or hair dryer. Cure the prints for no longer 20-30 minutes under UV lights. Curing is not required for casting, but will make the prints easier to handle and will make the resin stronger if you have very delicate parts that may break during investing.
Casting and Investment Types
We recommend R&R Plasticast or Optima Prestige investments, but others may work well also. Follow the manufacturer recommended mixing instructions and ratios.
No special burnout schedules are required for SolusWax. We do recommend a quick ramp up from 0F to 1450F and to hold for 2-3 hours at 1450F before ramping down to casting temp, hold for 1-2 hours and cast.
For thicker items, it may be necessary to hold longer at the high end or to slow down the ramp speed a little.
Software and Resin Profile
Download the latest software update in order to access the SolusWax resin profile. Inside Contour, under the HELP menu, check for the latest update, install it and restart Contour. The new resin profile for SolusWax should be selectable. You may need to enable Beta software downloads from inside the Preferences in order to get the latest Beta version of the software.
Resin Handling
Warm up the bottle of SolusWax by submerging into hot water for about 5 minutes, and then shake the bottle really well to mix in any wax that may have settled on the bottom. Shake for 1-2 minutes before pouring some into the resin tank. Repeat this process if the resin bottle has been sitting unshaken for about 5 days or longer. If the bottle was already mixed a few days before, then just shaking well before pouring is enough.
For the resin that’s been sitting in the resin tank, simply mixing it well with the soft spatula is enough. No heating is required. Make sure to mix in the settled wax from the bottom of the tank.
If you're located in a high humidity area, we do not recommend leaving the resin in the tank after you're finished printing, because the resin can pull in moisture from the air and that can affect the printing and casting. Pour it into another container (preferable a dark glass jar or HDPE container) for storage. Then mix and shake really well before pouring back into the vat for printing. https://www.amazon.com/bottles-Lids-Gla ... 077ZRTHPK/
If you you prefer leaving it in the VAT, you can also wrap the vat carefully using plastic wrap and store it somewhere dark. Use fresh plastic wrap every time.
Supports
Use 0.3 and up supports for SolusWax. The wax content makes the resin soft for thin parts like support tips. When anchoring down the models, use thicker supports to hold it in place securely. For finer detail areas, 0.3 can be used. Do not use sphere support tips with SolusWax. They may separate while printing.
Post-cleaning and Curing
Clean the prints using 91% IPA alcohol for not more than 15 seconds. Use two separate containers of alcohol for proper cleaning. Dry the prints using compressed air or hair dryer. Cure the prints for no longer 20-30 minutes under UV lights. Curing is not required for casting, but will make the prints easier to handle and will make the resin stronger if you have very delicate parts that may break during investing.
Casting and Investment Types
We recommend R&R Plasticast or Optima Prestige investments, but others may work well also. Follow the manufacturer recommended mixing instructions and ratios.
No special burnout schedules are required for SolusWax. We do recommend a quick ramp up from 0F to 1450F and to hold for 2-3 hours at 1450F before ramping down to casting temp, hold for 1-2 hours and cast.
For thicker items, it may be necessary to hold longer at the high end or to slow down the ramp speed a little.
