Cloudy FEP
Hi all,
Third day with newly assembled SL1 kit. After second test print I cleaned the tank. I used the plastic spatula to gently wipe off resin from the film. Then dry paper towels.
Then I tried, according to the manual, to clean the film with water and dish soap. Dabbed the film dry after rinsing with clean water and it is all cloudy. Repeated water and dish soap and rinsing. Still cloudy.
Did I miss something? How to get a clean clear FEP film?
Do I actually have to??
Thanks for your input.
-Prusa i3 MK3 single extruder (kit) as intended by author
-Creality CR-10 modded beyond recognizabilitty 😀 Constantly sleep-deprived. General wisecrack of the benign kind. Knows he knows nothing.
RE: Cloudy FEP
I have had varied success with cloudy FEP. As well as my SL1, I have 2 x Elegoo Mars. On those first prints, I had that lovely crystal clear transparency, but a few prints later, after cleaning the tanks, the FEP went cloudy. As long as it's not too cloudy, it doesn't seem to be a problem. It's nigh on impossible to get 100% clarity, even on brand new FEP. Dust, fibres, all seem to find their way on to it. Just keep it as clean and clear as you can, then when you just can't get anything to print, try changing the FEP (as long as it is cloudy, bear in mind there could be a host of other reason for print failures). The one thing I would advise, rather than paper towel, which is inherently abrasive, use cleaning cloths such as Jeye Cloths or a cheap alternative.
RE: Cloudy FEP
My tip for cleaning the FEP is as above (warm water & dish soap) then when its dry I use a micro fibre cloth and give it a really good wipe. The cloth removes what the water & soap doesn’t and it seems to work well for me at least.
RE: Cloudy FEP
Honestly, I just use IPA. It's removes everything and from what I can see in three months it's done no damage at all.
I imagine the advice to not use IPA is in case you have any left in the resin tank when you put new resin in. Just use your loaf and properly clean or evaporate the IPA and Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt. Super clean, super easy.