Support and resin removal are often overlooked when it comes to the crucial steps needed to ensure your final part is perfect. Multiple variables come in to play, such as different materials and types of removal, which creates more opportunities to damage your prints. Volumetric Velocity Dispersion (VVD) brings a reliable solution to the variables of support and resin removal with automated removal using two jet rack manifolds to provide gentle and accurate support removal on complex geometries. Let’s dive into this support and resin removal technology and how it will make a difference in finishing your parts.

Traditional Steps for Support Removal

Support material is the literal support that ensures your part 3D prints correctly. Without it, the part would form into an unrecognizable shape. We all know how important support material is, but removing support and resin can still be a tricky process. There are multiple steps which create more risk for error. Typical support removal requires the following:

1. Determine the type of removal. Choose which process is needed based on the support material used during printing: soluble, breakaway, pressure washing or chemical dissolve. 
2. Remove the support. This process can be very manual and time-consuming depending on the part geometry and materials used. 
3. Finish the surface. Determine if the part needs additional work after the support is removed to make the surface smooth. This will vary based on materials and desired finished look. 

>> Learn more with our FAQ: Best Practices for Post-Processing FDM Parts blog article

Volumetric Velocity Dispersion (VVD)

Volumetric Velocity Dispersion (VVD) is a technology used for the removal of support and resin. There are two main components of VVD that make it stand out compared to other technologies, the proprietary detergents and the two jet rack manifolds. VVD technology is exclusive to PostProcessing Technologies.

Proprietary Detergents

The additive-formulated chemistry plays a key role in the power behind the VVD technology. There are three primary detergents that are used in the VVD line and were developed specifically for additive materials by the PostProcess chemists. Each detergent is tied to each of the primary polymer-based print technologies: FDM utilizes the material extrusion detergent, PolyJet is designated to use the material jetting detergent and SLA works with the vat polymerization detergent. The detergents are one essential part of the success of support and resin removal, but could not accomplish the job alone. 

Two Jet Rack Manifolds

This leveraging spray technology uses a different approach to removal compared to submersion. This creates a mechanical energy source that is very unique in the industry. The two jet rack manifolds are placed opposite of each other with the first being mounted on the bottom for low pressure, full tray coverage. The second is mounted at the top and moves on a linear axis of the entire chamber. This allows control of the energy output for a more focused agitation.