Hello print gurus. I find cleaning optical cassettes tricky to get perfect. I typically do a full build to print over a weekend with 2 fuses. So I clean cassettes every time. Very time consuming and stressful to me. But I came across a handy tool. The top up card that comes with powder is the same width as the bigger window so after cleaning card and checking for burrs, I wrap a pre wetted soft cloth around card which creates a flat blade and I go in cross hatch direction. The bump in window frame is a bit of a pain but I use less cloths this way and fairly happy with results. Has anyone got any handy tips?
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This guide exists, which includes this note: “…Small blemishes or color differences do not affect print success or quality.”. So we are not looking for perfection here.
I also found that the official recommended cloths and swabs are not the best quality. I have sourced higher quality cloths and swabs that are better suited for ethanol.
I do still loathe cleaning the cassette, however I have found a good rhythm that makes the process less than 10 minutes. I expect a cleaning in 5 days, I can film it to share my process with the community.
Another thing I noted is that a small amount of “fogginess” is acceptable for my prints, I end up cleaning about once every 2 full chamber prints or every 6 small prints.
I do inspect the glass every single time among other preprint checks for every single print.
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@Mrammills this is a great idea, I’m gonna give that a shot next time I clean my cassette.
@DL_Jon I second all this. Cleaning the cassette to perfection is a nightmare. Cleaning it in general is definitely my least favorite part of the printing process. If I see any little white “flares” on the cassette I clean it, but otherwise the little bit of fogginess or those small dot blemishes haven’t caused me any issues. I also purchased the recommended clothes/swabs and hated them. Funny enough, the clothes they sent with my new printer are perfect. Could you share where you’re purchasing your clothes/swabs?
Hi Jon! Could you please share the cloths and swabs you’ve found to work better, and what it is about them that you like? I’m happy to pass the feedback internally.
The company who trained us, said to clean it every time due to printer running a long as the fog can be etched into glass. The cloth I use is vey good quality they are like silk. The Formlabs photo examples make my machines shudder they are filthy lol. I’m not keen on our swabs can you provide a link with what you use?
@henryqiu @Mrammills @jmasterson
Had to locate my TDS files, I have provided a link to the case page:
Swabs are Berkshire LTP125 - This one is great for its superior IPA Absorption (Ethanol should react similarly). The stick also is flattened to a paddle under the fabric, therefore it will be less likely to damage the glass as well as aid in a better swipe action
Cloths are Berkshire Durx 670 4” x 4” - This one is great for its superior IPA Absorption (Ethanol should react similarly), Same for Distilled Water absorption.
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I run our 4 Fuse printers on a daily basis. I inspect the optical cassettes after every print and when needed i clean them with the provided materials supplied by Formlabs.
When we run out of them i usually find them on Amazon. Works great.
We’ll take a look at these, thanks Jon!
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