When you’ve spent hours perfecting a 3D model, the last thing you want is to ruin it during cleaning.
Whether you’re working with intricate resin prints, FDM molds, or large print components, post-processing can make or break your final result.
Enter the ultrasonic cleaner—a tool that sounds like sci-fi but works like magic.
Let’s dive into the science, benefits, and best practices of using an ultrasonic cleaner for 3D prints (and a few caveats you really should know before dunking your latest masterpiece).
Understanding 3D Prints (What’s Inside It)
Before talking about cleaning, it helps to understand what you’re cleaning.
3D prints, depending on the technology (SLA, DLP, or FDM), can have micro-crevices, internal hollows, and delicate surface textures. These features make them both beautiful and a nightmare to clean manually.
SLA/DLP resin prints: These are photo-polymerized layer by layer. They often have sticky, uncured resin on the surface and inside small voids.
Even if you rinse them in isopropyl alcohol (IPA), some resin can stay trapped—especially in cleaning hollowed prints or prints with fine surface details.
FDM prints, on the other hand, use melted thermoplastic filaments. They don’t usually need solvent cleaning, but often require removing FDM mold supports or glue residues after printing.
Both types share a common issue: microscopic residues—whether it’s uncured resin or debris—can affect paint adhesion, mechanical strength, and appearance. This is where ultrasonic cleaning steps in.
Benefits of Ultrasonic Cleaning for 3D Prints
If you’ve ever watched an ultrasonic cleaner at work, you’ve seen those tiny, dancing bubbles. That’s cavitation—the real hero here.
When ultrasonic waves (typically between 20–40 kHz) pass through a liquid, they create millions of microscopic bubbles that collapse violently, dislodging contaminants from surfaces—even deep inside crevices.
Here’s why it works brilliantly for 3D printed parts:
1. Deep, Precise Cleaning
Manual cleaning can’t reach tight internal voids. Ultrasonic cleaning, however, penetrates every nook and cranny. This is a game-changer for cleaning hollowed prints or objects with intricate geometries.
2. Gentle on Details
No brushes, no abrasion. That means your prints with fine surface details stay sharp. The cleaning action is purely mechanical at the microscopic level—safe for both soft and rigid resins.
3. Time-Saving and Consistent
What takes 20 minutes of manual rinsing takes about 3–5 minutes in an ultrasonic bath. Plus, every print gets uniform treatment—no uneven cleaning marks or missed spots.
4. Perfect for Resin and FDM Prints
Resin users will appreciate how it completely removes uncured material when combined with a suitable cleaning solution for the resin printer. FDM users can use it to remove glue, oils, or dust buildup from their finished prints.
5. Ideal for Professional Workflow
If you’re batch-cleaning multiple prints or running a small print farm, ultrasonic cleaning improves throughput and consistency. Many studios even use automated ultrasonic systems for faster curing prep.
Drawbacks of Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner for 3D Prints
Before you start filling the tank, let’s be real—ultrasonic cleaning isn’t perfect. It’s incredibly effective but needs to be used correctly.
1. Not All Materials Are Suitable
Some 3D printing materials, like certain flexible or porous resins, can absorb cleaning fluid or degrade when exposed to strong ultrasonic action. It’s advisable to always test with a small part first.
2. Heat and Frequency Settings Matter
Many units heat the cleaning fluid to 30–50°C to improve performance. But too much heat can warp delicate prints like 3d figurines. Likewise, higher frequencies (above 60 kHz) are gentler but slower; lower ones (20–30 kHz) can be harsh.
3. Wrong Cleaning Solutions Can Ruin Prints
Not every ultrasonic cleaning liquid is safe for resins or plastics. Using harsh solvents can cloud surfaces or cause cracking. Always stick to recommended solutions like tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) or specialized 3D printing resin cleaner formulas.
4. Large Prints Need Bigger Tanks
Cleaning large print components is great—until you realize your tank is smaller than your model. Ultrasonic units have capacity limits, so check size and volume before buying.
5. Equipment Cost
High-quality cleaners (especially industrial-grade ones) can be expensive. However, for regular users, the investment quickly pays off in time and quality.
What are the Best Ultrasonic Cleaners to Use for 3D Printed Parts?
You’ll find a sea of ultrasonic cleaners online, but not all are equal when it comes to handling delicate resin or polymer prints.
Here are a few recommendations across different use cases:
1. Uniformation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230
This one’s specifically engineered for 3D printing resins. It features adjustable power, a spacious tank, and safe frequency settings for SLA/DLP prints.
The Uniformation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 also comes with preset timers and a durable stainless-steel chamber—perfect for both professionals and hobbyists.
2. Anycubic Wash & Cure Plus
This is an all-in-one solution that combines washing and UV curing. It’s compact and affordable, making it ideal for small to medium resin prints.
3. Creality UW-02
Designed for 3D printing enthusiasts, this model offers a generous cleaning volume and adjustable modes. It handles multiple prints simultaneously, ideal for resin batches.
4. Industrial Ultrasonic Cleaners (for Large Prints)
If you’re working with large print components, consider industrial-grade ultrasonic units (20L or more). These are perfect for production-level cleaning of bigger or multiple parts at once.
When shopping, look for:
- Adjustable temperature control
- Timer (0–30 mins)
- 40 kHz frequency (a balanced sweet spot)
- Durable tank material (preferably SUS304 stainless steel)
What is the best 3d resin cleaning solution?
The “best” 3D resin cleaning solution depends entirely on the type of resin you are using.
If you are using a water-washable resin, plain water is the correct solution. However, if you are using a standard resin, IPA (90%+) is the universally accepted default choice.
Alternatives like Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PGME) or Tripropylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (TPM) are safer alternatives to IPA.
They have lower flammability and can be easier on the skin, though they may require more rinsing time.
For those seeking safer, lower-odor, or high-performance alternatives, dedicated commercial cleaners offer excellent performance and safety benefits.
Top examples include: MONOCURE 3D ResinAway and Yousu 3D Resin Cleaner.
Getting the Best Results with Your Ultrasonic Cleaner – Mistakes to Avoid
Remember that even the best cleaner won’t perform well if you use it wrong. Here’s how to get lab-level cleaning results every time you need to use the device for cleaning 3D prints.
1. Don’t Use Pure IPA in Heated Mode
IPA is highly flammable. If your cleaner has a heater, always dilute it or use a non-flammable 3D resin cleaning solution designed for ultrasonic systems.
2. Maintain the Correct Water-to-Solvent Ratio
Too much solvent weakens cavitation; too little reduces cleaning power. A 70–80% IPA mix or a ready-made best 3D resin cleaning solution usually works best.
3. Avoid Overloading the Tank
Cavitation needs space. Overcrowding parts prevents bubbles from forming evenly, leaving residue behind. Clean fewer items per cycle for better results.
4. Rinse After Cleaning
After ultrasonic cleaning, rinse the prints with distilled water (for resin) or mild detergent (for FDM). This removes any remaining cleaning agents.
5. Replace Cleaning Fluid Regularly
As resin residue builds up, the liquid loses effectiveness. Replace it every few cycles to maintain optimal performance.
6. Never Run the Machine Empty
Running an ultrasonic cleaner without fluid can destroy the transducers. Always ensure the tank is filled before switching it on.
7. Don’t Forget Post-Curing
For resin prints, ultrasonic cleaning removes uncured resin, but the print still needs UV curing to achieve full hardness and stability.
Final Thoughts
Using an ultrasonic cleaner for 3D prints isn’t just about convenience—it’s about precision and preservation. Whether you’re crafting detailed resin miniatures or durable mechanical parts, ultrasonic cleaning ensures every layer shines through.
Think of it as a spa treatment for your 3D creations: a deep cleanse that brings out the best finish and extends the life of your tools and materials.
So, the next time you pull a freshly printed masterpiece off your build plate, skip the messy manual scrubbing. Instead, let the science of sound do the heavy lifting.