The Top Wash and Cure Stations of 2024
What are the cleaning and curing solutions for 3D printed resin parts? Printing a 3D part is not as simple as pressing the button on your 2D printer. You need to prepare the model, make sure the printer is set up correctly, choose the right material, etc. Then, in most cases, post-processing comes into play. Once the machine has completed its run, it is often necessary to go through stages like cleaning, de-welding, curing, heat treatment, smoothing, painting or tinting. The number and duration of these steps will depend on the printing technology. For example, with photopolymerization processes, 3D printed parts will need to be cleaned after printing to remove any excess resin and then cured to give the material all its properties and avoid deformation.
To do this, the user needs to equip themselves with suitable solutions, usually supplied along with the 3D printer. There are many on the market: while some are automated and adapted for industrial use, others are desktop machines that can be integrated into any work environment. In our list below, we’ll concentrate more on the latter category. Cleaning and curing solutions for resin 3D printing are sorted alphabetically by manufacturer.
Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350
The Figure 4 UV Curing Unit 350 from 3D Systems is sold separately from the Figure 4 Modular System but is ideal for parts greater than 200 mm (7.9in) tall that were made with that solution. Solely used for curing, it can cure a part up to 350 mm (13.8 in) tall, which is the maximum height of a part on the Figure 4 Modular System, or cure many parts simultaneously on a multi-tier rack. A user guide provides all the information necessary for each resin type, allowing them to be finished to the highest quality.
Photo Credits: 3D Systems
Anycubic Wash & Cure 3 Plus
Anycubic is undoubtedly one of the most popular manufacturers of office resin machines on the international market. It has developed its own cleaning and curing solutions and offers a range that provides both post-treatment stages in the same machine. The Wash & Cure 3 Plus offers a volume of 8.4 liters, 25% more than its previous model. Specifically, the cleaning tank measures 230 x 140 x 260 mm. The post-processing machine is equipped with a double tray for hardening 3D-printed parts: this is achieved in part by new gooseneck lamps, which increase the energy value and enable areas to be processed with maximum detail. Last but not least, the machine is easy to operate, thanks to a touch-screen for rapid mode selection – cleaning, hardening, lamp activation, etc.
ApexMaker Curing and Cleaning Platforms
The ApexMaker UV Resin Curing Light and ApexMaker Cleaning Platform stations are designed to optimize the post-processing of resin 3D printed parts. The ApexMaker UV Resin Curing Light uses a UV lamp with six high-power 405 nm LEDs and is suitable for parts printed with LCD, DLP or SLA technologies. The lamp can cure 3D parts in just a few minutes and the manufacturer claims that after curing there will no longer be any resin residue and the parts will be stronger. In addition, it includes a 360° rotary table system at 10 revolutions per minute to rotate the parts for even curing. The ApexMaker Cleaning Platform is a cleaning station with a 50-liter drum and a maximum processing capacity for models up to 400 x 380 x 280 mm. These dimensions make it suitable for simplifying the cleaning process of large models.
Photo Credits: ApexMaker
atum3D’s Solutions for Industrial-grade Parts
Based in the Netherlands, atum3D aims to take DLP technology to the next level. Among the post-treatment solutions they offer is a parts cleaning station based on the cavitation effect resulting from high-frequency (ultrasonic) shock waves in ethanol. Among other features, this machine has a stainless steel housing and basket. Users can also digitally adjust the washing power and frequency. On the other hand, atum3D also offers an industrial-grade curing station that combines a powerful 45-watt UV light and radiant heat that is integrated into a vacuum chamber for exceptional performance. With a capacity of 282 x 395 x 275 mm, the curing station can handle large parts, increasing speed and helping to optimize both accuracy and final properties.
Photo Credits: atum3D
Creality’s UW-02 All-in-One, Large-Format Washing and Curing Machine
The UW-02 from Creality is an all-in-one wash and cure solution that has been designed specifically for larger parts. It can cure parts of up to 10.1 inches (with a curing volume of 200 x 200 x 300 mm). Interesting features include 360° all-around curing (thanks to a rotating platform) and 385 nm and 405 nm dual band LED beads. Creality also states that the machine will allow for more powerful cleaning with a customized magnetic large fan blade, super large vortex, high-speed cleaning for strong removal of excess resin on the surface of the part, with wash speed and time customizable to fast or medium and 2/5/10/15/20/30 minutes. The washing size is 250 x 160 x 200 mm.
Photo Credits: Creality
ELEGOO Mercury XS Bundle
The ELEGOO Mercury XS, coming from popular Asian resin 3D printer manufacturer ELEGOO, contains one washing station and one curing station for dual cleaning and curing of parts. Like other solutions mentioned in this listing, it boasts 360° all-round exposure thanks to two adjustable L-shaped light bars and increased four LED lights under a rotating turntable. For curing, a UV light with a uniform wavelength of 405nm is emitted for even exposure to the light from all angles. The station has a maximum cure size of 200x260mm. An additional feature is the handheld UV lamp to get in the interior and nooks and crannies of 3D printed parts. Meanwhile, the washing station boasts a 7L large capacity sealed water tank to allow for the washing of large parts or batch cleaning. If you wish to clean parts without removing the build platform, the maximum wash size is 180 x 121 x 153 mm while without the platform it is 201 x 124 x 255 mm.
Photo Credits: Elegoo
EMAKE3D’s Washing Machine and Curing Box
EMAKE3D offers both a curing box and a washing machine design for post-processing resin designs. Notably, the machines are different sizes: the curing box is 400 x 400 x 400 mm, while the washing machine is smaller at 385 x 385 x 250 mm. The washing machine has two rinse speeds, a slow gear and a fast gear, as well as timing settings that allow the print to be cleaned within three to twenty minutes. The machine is easy to operate, and a user can pause or start the operation at any time. Thanks to the vortex washing, residue is effectively removed from prints, leaving them ready for the post-curing process.
With a curing wavelength of 403nm and a curing power of 120W, the cure box can cure prints quickly within five to ten minutes. Timing settings permit the user to cure a print according to the resin’s specific characteristics. There’s a 360-degree rating platform to ensure that the entire print is cured all the way around, while three sets of independent LED curing lights provide uniform illumination. This curing machine will last you a long time, as each lamp bead has a lifetime of over 20,000 hours.
EMAKE3D’s washing machine (left) and curing box (right). (Photo Credits: EMAKE3D)
Formlab’s Wash L and Cure L
Formlab’s premium Wash L washing machine leaves users with smooth and clean parts, automating the process for optimal user experience. When washing is complete, parts are lifted out of the solvent to air dry to avoid over-soaked prints. Additionally, there’s an embedded solvent monitor that tells the user when to replace the solvent. This washing machine is compatibility only with Formlabs SLA 3D printers: users can wash either one Form 3L build platform or two Form 3 build platforms at the same time, by using the build platform adapter that’s included.
The Cure L from Formlabs helps SLA 3D printed parts reach their maximum mechanical properties and achieve peak dimensional accuracy. With two 500W heaters and high-powered UV lights in a reflective inner cavity, the machine cures parts in less than ten minutes. A rotating turntable ensures uniform exposure. Like the Wash L, the Cure L is optimized for Formlabs materials, with pre-programmed cure settings for the company’s resins. The Cure L, at 690 x 540 x 445 mm is a large option for a curing machine.
The Wash L (left) and the Cure L (right). (Photo Credits: Formlabs)
HeyGears’ UltraCraft Cure and UltraCraft Wash
The UltraCraft Cure and UltraCraft Wash stations are complementary tools designed to optimize the production process on the Reflex and Reflex RS series. The UltraCraft Cure is a desktop curing machine that ensures complete curing from any angle thanks to its dual UV wavelength technology. In addition, it incorporates advanced features such as automatic cure time calculation, an additional heating system and two curing modes adjustable according to the user’s needs. On the other hand, the UltraCraft Wash stands out for its vibration-based cleaning system, which increases efficiency by 15%, achieving deep cleaning with minimal contact with the resin. Together, these stations guarantee high-quality results and a simplified production experience.
Photo Credits: HeyGears
MTC3D’s BB CIRE N and BB Wash Stations
The BB CURE N and BB Wash stations are advanced solutions for resin 3D printing post-treatment. BB CURE N accelerates polymerization with an inert gas system, improves UV penetration up to 3 mm and ensures biocompatibility through a certified workflow. The BB Wash, on the other hand, facilitates cleaning with dual baskets, an efficient orbital system and a non-flammable liquid that replaces IPA. It can be operated via WiFi or Ethernet, storing detailed reports for total process control. Together, they offer a professional workflow.
BB CURE N station (left) and BB WASH station (right). (Photo Credits: MTC3D)
Nexa3D
Nexa3D also offers post-processing solutions for desktop and industrial printer jobs. The Wash+Cure station, for example, is a 2-in-1 post-processing station designed to simplify the finishing of resin 3D prints. It is compatible with the XiP printer and most resin 3D printers. Its 5.5-liter capacity allows parts to be washed by immersing them in an IPA or xCLEAN solution, while its magnetic stirrer ensures uniform cleaning. For curing, it features a rotating base that exposes parts to light evenly and is complemented by an adjustable LED arm and a reflective cover. This makes this tool ideal for those looking for professional results in a compact and practical desktop unit.
Photo Credits: Nexa3D
Photocentric and Its Post-treatment Solutions
Photocentric is well known in the 3D printing industry for its resin 3D printers, and more specifically the Liquid Crystal line of machines (Opus, Magna, Titan). In addition to these additive manufacturing solutions, it also has post-processing stations for resin parts. Although it offers different stations depending on the printer used, here we will highlight the Wash XL and the Cure XL, both intended for large-format models. The former is a 3-in-1 option that allows efficient washing, rinsing and drying of large and complex 3D printed parts. The second machine provides uniform curing with dual-wavelength light for large parts. In addition, heat is evenly distributed with 360° platform rotation, resulting in sticky-free, dimensionally accurate parts.
Photo Credits: Photocentric
Wash and Cure Station Kit from Phrozen
The Phrozen Wash and Cure Station Kit offers a complete system for washing, drying and curing large resin 3D prints. The Washing Station – Post Printing Cleaner is 277x207x467 mm in size, while the Curing Station – UV Cure Lamp is 354x309x368 mm. It has a wash volume of 8L, allowing it to treat models with a maximum size of 218x123x235 mm. The seller recommends using it for 3D prints created with the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K resin printer or other machines with a ten-inch print bed. Equipped with a powerful helix for gentle washing and UV lights at 405 nm, it ensures uniform and effective curing. According to the vendor, the washing station effectively cleans models without damaging their details. With the drying function, printed models can be placed directly into the curing station to dry and cure them in one go. The dual-fan drying system prevents surfaces from sticking, while the compact design makes it suitable for small workspaces.
Photo credits: Phrozen
Prusa’s Curing and Washing Machine
Prusa’s CW1S is a multifunctional machine that combines four important functions in one device: preheating, washing, drying, and UV curing to optimize the post-processing process of 3D resin prints. This solution measures 218 x 232 x 345 mm. The preheating function brings the resin to the ideal temperature for high-quality prints, especially with the SL1S. For washing, the CW1S uses a stainless steel reservoir and a magnetic propeller that creates a gentle vortex that removes residue without damaging details, even for the smallest 3D prints. After washing, the model is dried to prevent resin stains, preparing it for the final stage of UV curing, which is essential for imparting optimum solidity and characteristics to surfaces. The four 405 nm UV LED strips ensure uniform curing with a power output of 52.8 W. The machine is also equipped with an intelligent IR sensor, which detects the presence of the liquid container and adapts the available options for even more intuitive use.
CW1S (left) and the machine with its components (right). (Photo credit: prusa)
Rayshape’s ShapeCure and ShapeWash Series
Rayshape offers a series of systems for washing and curing resin prints, including the ShapeCure series for curing and ShapeWash series for washing. The ShapeWash 020S and 040S machines are compatible with alcohol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) cleaning solutions. They are equipped with a stainless steel basket and use ultrasonic cleaning.
The two models are designed for different applications: the 020S is more suitable for smaller parts and volumes, while the 040S is suitable for large parts or in large volumes. The ShapeCure series for curing resin prints uses multiple LEDs arranged around a pivoting, 360-degree rotating platform that supports the part for greater curing power and efficiency. The ShapeCure solution in particular is capable of processing full-size models. There are also mini and ShapeCure+ versions for small or large models.
The ShapeCure Series (Photo Credits: Rayshape)
FabWash and FabCure 2 from Shining 3D Dental
These wash and cure solutions were developed by Shining 3D Dental, which is the section of Shining 3D dedicated to the dental 3D printing industry. These solutions offer complete, simple and automated post-processing for parts printed in 3D resin by professionals, i.e. dental offices, dental technicians, etc.
FabWash is pre-programmed for each material with an automatic process for releasing, washing and drying parts. The machine offers a volume of 9.5 L and uses a magnetic turbine for washing. As for the FabCure 2 curing station, this offers high-power multi-surface curing with 30 70W LEDs, rapid chamber heating, customized curing parameters and simple operation with OLED display. The manufacturer recommends these stations as standard post-processing tools for Shining 3D printers.
FabWash from Shining 3D (Photo Credits: Shining 3D)
SprintRay ProWash S and ProCure 2
SprintRay offers an innovative ecosystem for 3D printing solutions for dentistry. Its ProCure 2 post-curing system and ProWash S washing system are designed for speed and thoroughness. In ProWash S, the 3D-printed parts are cleaned in two stages and then dried three times. The patented mechanical nozzles ensure power drying so that the entire workflow in this machine takes just nine minutes. The parts are completely cleaned and dried before being post-cured.
SprintRay’s ProCure 2 system is recommended for this step, which also impresses with its speed, as it does not require a long warm-up time to heat up, but emits heat directly. More specifically, ProCure 2 uses both heat and light to achieve excellent final mechanical properties in the 3D-printed parts. The light generator ensures that each part is evenly post-cured and the 385nm light beam emits targeted heat. All machines – printer, washing system, post-curing system – can be linked together to create a complete workflow.
Photo Credits: SprintRay
Stratasys Post-Treatment Machines for Resin Technologies
One of the major players in the additive manufacturing market is Stratasys. Among the wide variety of technologies it offers are resin-based technologies such as PolyJet, P3 or stereolithography. As with every resin process, additional post-treatment is required. Here, we highlight two solutions for cleaning and curing 3D printed parts. First, there are the PolyJet wash stations (CSIIP & DT3). The CSIIP CleanStation uses an alkaline cleaning solution to quickly dissolve excess material, while the DT3 CleanStation uses a flow of water to quickly dissolve soluble support material from printed parts and models. For part curing, Stratasys offers the Origin Cure, a machine designed to ensure the accuracy, repeatability and detail of parts printed with the Origin 3D printer. To this end, 360-degree LED curing, multi-wavelength and high intensity ensure uniformity and maintain intricate design elements.
Photo Credits: Stratasys
SUNLU’s Ultrasonic Cleaner and Curing Box RC-2
The Ultrasonic Cleaner from SUNLU is an affordable option with multi-speed options and time control. There are three gears of cleaning intensity and a 2.7L capacity so that large items can be loaded. By using photosensitive resin detergent, users can clean 3D resin models, but users can also use the machine to clean non-3D printed items like eyeglasses and jewelry.
The UV Resin Curing Box RC-2 is an equally affordable option for resin print post-processing. Once a user is done washing the print, they can put it in the Curing box so it can dry and cure. With patented air duct technology, the machine allows prints to air dry faster, and internal fans have three wind speeds. The second generation machine offers 200 x 200 x 250 mm of curing space with 20 UV lamps. Four UV lamps are at the top, four at the bottom, and twelve on the sides evenly distribute 42W at its highest power.
The Ultrasonic Cleaner (left) and Curing Box RC-2 (right). (Photo Credits: SUNLU)
Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2
UniFormation offers a complete solution for post-processing 3D resin prints, with one device dedicated to washing and the other to curing: the UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2. The Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 has a capacity of 6.5L and a washing volume of 228 x 128 x 200 mm. Using 40kHz ultrasonic technology, it removes resin without compromising details. Models can be washed directly on the work surface inside the fine mesh basket, ideal for treating even the smallest parts. The size is small, 382x202x330 mm, and it is compatible with most DLP/SLA printers on the market.
The UV Resin Curing Station 10.2 is a curing station that offers a large working volume of 260×160 mm and uses 16 evenly distributed UV lights supported by an automatic rotating table. It also features a flip-top lid and a touch screen through which the user can access intuitive presets, such as a 3-minute timer. This solution is compatible with LCD/DLP/SLA 3D printers and suitable for various objects such as jewelry, dental prosthetics and industrial prototypes.
UniFormation Ultrasonic Resin Cleaner W230 (left) and UV Resin Curing Station 10.2 (right). (Photo Credits: UniFormation)
U Wash and U Cure from UNIZ
UNIZ’s U Wash and U Cure are compact and versatile devices designed to simplify and optimize the post-processing of resin 3D prints. According to the manufacturer’s website, the U Wash features ultrasonic technology that provides fast and effective cleaning, removing uncured resin in just six minutes, or two wash cycles. U Wash’s ultrasonic technology has a frequency of 40,000 Hz and a power density of up to 2500 mW/cm². The 2-liter stainless steel container can be filled with water or isopropyl alcohol. The U Wash, having no moving parts, is characterized by its quick and easy maintenance.
The U Cure, on the other hand, is a curing station that can complete the curing process in as little as one minute. With UV energy density of 120,000 mJ/cm² and 90% uniformity, it enables non-sticky surfaces. The multi-directional UV LED system and multi-angle reflector allow the 3D printed model to be placed in any position on the work surface. Both devices have the same compact design, measuring 280x280x250 mm, and are equipped with a touch screen.
Photo Credits: UNIZ
Cleaning and Curing Solutions from Zortrax
Polish manufacturer Zortrax offers two solutions for cleaning and curing 3D-printed resin parts. For cleaning, the Zortrax Cleaning Station offers a 300 x 210 x 270 mm workspace and an 18-liter tank. It is equipped with a turbine to prevent damage to parts and preserve their detail. A cycle takes just five minutes: once completed, the machine lid opens and the tray is moved out of the liquid. The machine’s filters guarantee greater safety and enable isopropyl alcohol to be reused over several wash cycles.
For curing parts, the manufacturer offers the Zortrax Curing Station, featuring a 300 x 200 x 300 workspace and UV light with a wavelength of 405 nm. The chamber offers uniform UV exposure thanks to polished metal sheets. The machine is completely safe thanks to a soft-closing door and a sensor that instantly switches off the UV lamps when the door is opened.
Left, cleaning station; right, annealing solution (Photo Credits: Zortrax)
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