PVA filament questions
Hello, I am just starting to use PrimaSelect PVA filament with my MMU2S. I am currently printing a miniature out of PLA with PVA at the support interfaces. I just had some questions about it.
- How long should I leave the print in water to let the PVA dissolve, is there a certain amount of time where it will start to affect the PLA if left in water for too long?
-What temperature of water should I use when dissolving?
-Any other general advice/tips?
Thanks in advance!
RE: PVA filament questions
> - How long should I leave the print in water to let the PVA dissolve, is there a certain amount of time where it will start to
> affect the PLA if left in water for too long?
That's an open ended question:
If the water can get into the PVA easily and if the print section is a fine strand then it will dissolve in seconds.
If the water must first dissolve its way through multiple outer layers and if access is constrained so that dissolved PVA cannot easily disperse then it might be a long time - a solid block might take days.
PLA will survive in cold water for years and though there might be slight distortion it will probably go once it dries.
> -What temperature of water should I use when dissolving?
Cold is fine, add a dash of warm if it looks likely to take a while and you fingers go numb.
> -Any other general advice/tips?
Don't forget that PVA is glue - If you save the first wash water and allow it to evaporate you will evenually make your own pot of glue. In theory you could even use it on the print bed as seperator when printing PETG but I doubt you'd be able to keep it clean enough.
RE: PVA filament questions
I do save my PVA leftovers from failed runs and mix water to create my own bed adhesion glue. Highly recommended. It works nicely on PLA and PVA parts buildplate adhesion.