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Substitute for isopropyl alcohol  

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MannyW
(@mannyw)
New Member
Substitute for isopropyl alcohol

In the age of COVID-19, isopropyl alcohol has become impossible to find.   Are there alternatives for cleaning the buildplate?

 

Posted : 30/03/2020 6:43 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Substitute for isopropyl alcohol

Yeah it’s called plain dish soap such as Dawn/fairy and copious amounts of hot water. Works much better than ipa as the amount of hot water is better at completely removing all grease from the build plate. 

Posted : 30/03/2020 7:04 pm
kennd
(@kennd)
Reputable Member
RE: Substitute for isopropyl alcohol

I have found that since fixing the 'root' cause of adhesion, I find that a good cleaning under very hot water with soap followed by a thorough rinsing with more hot water has eliminated the need IPA. After rinsing, the water just 'sheets' off the plate.

I use a very soft nylon brush ( used by surgeons ) and when I am done, I do it again.

I print with mostly PLA and adhesion to smooth PEI sheet is almost too great.

 

 

Quality is the Journey, not the Destination. My limited prints->

Posted : 30/03/2020 8:54 pm
bbrendon
(@bbrendon)
New Member
RE: Substitute for isopropyl alcohol

What about for the Powder Coated sheet? Prusa says not to use water.

Posted : 04/04/2020 9:57 pm
Neophyl
(@neophyl)
Illustrious Member
RE: Substitute for isopropyl alcohol

Of course they say dont use it.  That's because its steel underneath the pei coating and the coating is porous so it can rust.  However if you dry it thoroughly immediately after washing it (like putting it on your printer and heating it up) then it doesnt rust.  Lots of people do it as its sometimes the only thing that works.  

Prusa consider them consumables anyway so you may as well consume.

Posted : 04/04/2020 10:02 pm
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