Ultimaker has announced a wash machine for removing water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol support structures from FDM/FFF 3D printed products.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a specialized support material soluble in water. Filaments made of this polymer are expensive, but they allow printing the most complex products in terms of geometry and detail. PVA can be utilized on dual extrusion 3D printers such as the QIDI Tech i-FAST. Once 3D printed, supports can be washed out of internal cavities and delicate structures. Simple as it may sound, the process takes quite a while — from a few hours to a full day or even longer, since the supports are usually washed out in plain containers with warm water.
Ultimaker decided to save users time with a dedicated wash machine tentatively called the Ultimaker PVA Removal Station. There is little information about the device so far. The station with a capacity of 13.5 liters is filled with ordinary tap water and is equipped with a device that agitates the solution with a periodic change in the direction of circulation. The agitating speed is set by the user. A special indicator shows the saturation of the solution, prompting you to change the water when needed, and the transparent casing enables you to track the process by eye. It is yet unknown whether the machine will be equipped with heating elements and how much it is going to cost.
The manufacturer claims that the wash station will reduce time costs by 75%. The new equipment is still in the final stages of development, being expected to go on sale in the first half of next year.
