[Sonic Mini 4K] Post-processing Guide

Once you have finished printing out 3D models from your Sonic Mini 4K, your prints need to be cleaned and post-processed thoroughly. In this article, we'll demonstrate how to thoroughly clean your 3D models: 

Step 1: Getting Prepared

Please prepare a bottle of Phrozen Wash or 95% alcohol, IPA, paper towels, and a cardboard box for discarding post-processing waste materials such as: failed prints, supports, rafts, and/or paper towels that contain uncured resin. 

Please handle it with care as the liquid may be flammable

Step 2: Clean the Building Plate

Remove the plastic cover of your LCD 3D printer. Loosen the building plate knob to remove the building plate. Then use a paper towel to wipe the edges and the top of the building plate. 

Step 3: Remove the 3D Model from the Building Plate

Place the building plate on a flat, stable surface. Then use the metal scraper included in your toolbox to remove the model.

If you’re having trouble with removing your 3D prints, use a utility knife.

Step 4: Clean the Model

If you are using Water-Washable resin, please refer to our previous blog post. For all other Phrozen resins, please follow the steps below:

Clean your Models with an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Make sure to prepare two basins and an Ultrasonic Cleaner with Phrozen Wash or 95% alcohol, IPA. Wash your 3D model in each basin and rinse for roughly 3 minutes. Then carefully place the 3D model into the Ultrasonic Cleaner and let it soak for 3 minutes.

Since liquids can be flammable and tend to evaporate quickly, it's important to store them in an airtight container after cleaning your 3D prints. This will help keep you safe and ensure that you have enough liquid for future use.

Clean your Models without an Ultrasonic Cleaner

If you don’t currently own an Ultrasonic Cleaner, please prepare two basins, and fill both with Phrozen Wash or 95% alcohol, IPA. Wash your 3D model in each basin and rinse for roughly 1-3 minutes. Continue to wash the model until its surface is clean. You may use a soft brush and slightly brush the model for better results. 

Using a toothbrush is not recommended, as it may cause scratches on the surface of your 3D print. We suggest using a soft-bristled brush or cloth instead to ensure that your print stays in top condition.

Step 5: Remove Supports from the 3D Model

If you haven’t printed out the Phrozen rook .ctb file, your 3D model may have supports attached onto it. You might need to remove the tree-like support structures attached to your model by carefully snipping off the supports with a snip cutter — without damaging the surface of the print. Click here to learn more about the importance of setting supports.

If you prefer, you can remove the supports from your 3D prints after post-curing. This is an optional step, but it may help you achieve a smoother surface finish.

Step 6: Dry the 3D Model

Before moving on post-curing, leave the model to dry in a shaded area for 30-60 minutes. Make sure there is no uncured resin left on the 3D print. You can also use a compressed air gun to fasten the process. 

Step 7: Post-Curing

After your model is completely dry, place it directly into a Phrozen Curing Unit or use direct sunlight to cure your 3D prints. If you cure your models under sunlight, you will need to turn it around every few hours so that every part of the model is exposed to sunlight.

Keep in mind that sunlight may not provide equal exposure of light to every part of your model as the direction of the sun changes throughout the day. This may cause your models to cure unevenly, which could result in discoloration. 

Step 8: Final Result