Re: Summary of ThermoJet wax removal

From: Tom Richards (tomr@aicasting.com)
Date: Tue Feb 06 2001 - 16:15:08 EET


Stephen, You wrote "The accuracy of my RTM system creates a superior
surface finish that can be
invested and/or molded with little or no clean up." What is you"RTM
system"? It would be helpful to all of us who occasionally use Thermojet
patterns to know.

At 01:06 PM 2/2/01 -0500, you wrote:
>Glenn
>
>I just saw photos of jewelry models made on a Thermo-Jet that look really
>rough. I am sure that it would take quite a bit of work to get them cleaned
>up. The Solidscape ( Sanders Prototype ) MMII also leaves a generally
>unsuitable surface finish for a jewelry master model as well. Both of these
>machines are great...to a point. If you are willing to put in the extra man
>hours in post processing and can tolerate the inherent imperfections that
>the human processes create.
>
>The accuracy of my RTM system creates a superior surface finish that can be
>invested and/or molded with little or no clean up. The models that I produce
>might cost a little more up front but, I am sure that it saves hours of hand
>labor that costs too that are rarely calculated.
>
>As for methods, may I suggest also that you try the following materials for
>clean up as well
>
>bronze wool ( never steel )
>nylon stockings ( great light abrasive )
>Glazing technique using a Wax Pen with a small wire insert
>
>good luck
>
>Steven Adler CEO
>Automated 3D Modeling
><mailto:adler@a3dm.com>adler@a3dm.com
>www.a3dm.com
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "SiderWhite"
><<mailto:siderwhite@worldnet.att.net>siderwhite@worldnet.att.net>
>To: "Rapid Prototype Mailing List"
><<mailto:rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi>rp-ml@bart.lpt.fi>
>Cc: <<mailto:c.j.sutcliffe@liv.ac.uk>c.j.sutcliffe@liv.ac.uk>
>Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 9:28 PM
>Subject: Summary of ThermoJet wax removal products
>
>
> > Thanks again rp-ml!
> > I've summarized the responses I've received for everybody's benefit.
> > -Glenn
> >
> > ThermoJet Wax removal tip summary:
> >
> > 1. I assume you are referring to removal of the rough surface left by the
> > supports. Have you tried a little bit of Johnson's paste wax on a
> > Scotchbrite pad?
> >
> > 2. Johnson's Paste Wax smoothes out the surface.
> >
> > 3. 3DSystems recommends Orange Clean Supper Concentrate
> > <http://www.greatcleaners.com>http://www.greatcleaners.com> to clean
> parts up after supports have been
> > knocked off. We use a similar product called Citrol from National Chemical
> > Laboratories, Inc. (1-800-Nat-Chem) It seems to be a little stronger and
> > works well on parts and floors that have had support material ground into
> > it.
> > Note: this seems like a good lead to follow - also there's that cleaner
> > called "Orange-Glo" which has been on a lot of infomercials lately.
> >
> > 4. I am a reseller for The Thermojet. Recently I worked on waxes to be
>cast
> > as samples for several jewelry trade shows. I found that "Wax Kleen,"a
>Vigor
> > Product, made by B.Jadow and Sons, Inc., works very well. It is 100%
> > organic.
> > I also used xylene solvent also worked very well but, was a little more
> > aggressive and it is a solvent of questionable carcinogenic properties. I
> > also used a rotary file from Matt Wax (Adolfo Mattiello) that did not
> > clog, as most wax paddles or rotary files do. I found not only can a
> > Thermojet do parts a Sanders MM2 can't do, it can do them 40 to 50 times
> > faster, with
> > a 10 minute clean up (352 jets as apposed to 2). A part could be in
> > production (built, cast the master, finished, rubber mold, cast for
> > production) before a Sanders could build one part. I had to experience it
> > myself, before I would comment on this. I admit some parts are better
> > executed on the Sanders, but I saw parts that a Sanders could not build.
> > This was with up facing surfaces,and lettering and thin parts (usually
> > dissolved in the support layer
> > removal on the Sanders). I have used both and as performs in my industry,
>I
> > feel it's a outstanding output device. I am partial to CNC Mills, but
>thats
> > me. I
> > hope that this helps, beside Wax Kleen smells of Oranges, cool stuff
> > (available through jewelry tool suppliers). Have Fun!!
> >
> > 5. 3D Systems has desribed a "citrus" degreaser, often sold by bike
>stores
> > to remove chain residue. I have never tried it, we use unfriendly
> > lighter-fluid
> > for this.
> >
> > 6. Have you tried the "All Citrus" Cleaner/Degreaser from Stoner? I used
> > this
> > before I came to work for 3D and continue to this day.
> >
> >
> >
> > For more information about the rp-ml, see
> <http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/>http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
> >
>Steven Adler CEO
>Automated 3D Modeling
><mailto:adler@a3dm.com>adler@a3dm.com
>www.a3dm.com

For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/



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