isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
I have always used alcohol wipes to ensure good adhesion but it never worked well so I always used glue stick in addition. Then I looked at the package and noticed it said 70%. I had a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol so poured some on paper towel and after using that noticed much better adhesion. I don't need to use glue stick as often. Something to keep in mind.
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
Interesting. I never used Isopropyl on my other printers (a DaVinci and a TAZ5). So, after completing my MK2 kit, I used 91% (which I had) on a paper towel and it worked great. So, I ordered a bunch of cheap Curad ISO Prep pads from Amazon. They DIDN'T work! They are specified as "70%". I didn't yet try the 70% pads supplied with the kit. I have purchased cotton "makeup" pads from the Dollar Store, about $1.00 for a hundred, and plan to use the 91% from Walmart.
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
I use these: " https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001D02UWC/ " Romed Alcohol Preps. They are 70% IPA and do a wonderful job. So far, one quick wipe with them and everything sticks first time!
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
I had adhesion problems with a bottle of 70% Rubbing alcohol. There was camphor in the other 30%. I am now using wipes with only alcohol and water. I printed parts with white ABS and a 2mm brim now the part was difficult to remove.
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
Huh... everyone seems to be using IPA. I use windew cleaner, (the blue stuff) and have no problems with adhesion. (much cheaper than buying the pads :P) anyone else?
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
I bought a litre of Iso Propyl Alcohol on Amazon 98% . Cheap and serves me well. I wipe down and clean the print surface every 3 or so prints.
Iso Propyl Alcohol is cheaper then Windex here in the UK.
Nigel
Life is keeping interested and excited by knowledge and new things.
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
I can confirm this. I bought 70% IPA pads and could not get my PLA to stick to the PEI. I bought 99.8% IPA in a litre bottle, and that works a treat!
Re: isopropyl alcohol percentage affects adhesion
It must be the other ingredients then. I started using 70% rubbing alcohol, and it sticks too well. It is very difficult to get those prints off! I may need to stop cleaning it every time.