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Bracknell, UK, June 16, 2022 – 3M, the science-based technology company, has shared the results of an independent study into the compatibility of 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids for precision cleaning of additive manufacturing (AM) materials. The study, conducted by Added Scientific in the spring of 2022, found that Novec 71IPA fluid showed the highest compatibility with all ten materials tested, in comparison to Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). There was no structural damage to the materials tested at Novec71IPA’s boiling point and only minor swelling observed.
Said Rudi Van San, Senior Application Engineer, Novec fluid, 3M: “AM — or 3D printing — has many benefits, enabling manufacturers to scale processes and explore innovative ideas. Even the tiniest amount of residue could lead to problems or even product failure. Since AM is expected to be widely used in mission and safety-critical applications, superior surface preparation has to be a priority.”
3M Novec
Added Scientific — an independent, technology-agnostic AM and 3D printing contract research company — conducted extensive testing across AM resins, alloy powders, polymer powders, and polymer filaments. The two 3M Novec fluids (Novec 71IPA and Novec 73DE) were tested at their respective boiling points, using three samples per AM material and submerged for seven days. While 3M commissioned the study, the findings were wholly independent and unbiased. In addition to 3M Novec 71IPA fluid scoring highest across all ten materials tested, 3M™ Novec™ 73DE Engineered Fluid was also found to be compatible with some AM parts constructed from polymeric powders and all metallic powders (including titanium).
Rudi Van San added, “We are delighted by the results of this study, providing consistent data to continue proposing 3M Novec fluids for AM component cleaning. Anecdotally, we already hear from the market that Novec fluid is being used in AM processes, so this study provides those users with the confidence that it is the right choice. We continue to engage with the industry to develop best practices for AM component cleaning, sharing our experience and science-based knowledge.”
3M Novec fluids have been long-established for cleaning in manufacturing, from design and assembly to maintenance. They are widely used in mission and safety-critical applications, such as aerospace and medical devices. Suitable for vapour degreasing, spray cleaning and hand-wipe applications, Novec fluids evaporate quickly without leaving residue, penetrate tight spaces efficiently, and — when used in vapour phase cleaning equipment — consume less power and reduced fluid refill when compared to other processes.
Furthermore, 3M Novec fluids are sustainable, non-flammable solvents with low toxicity, providing a wide margin of safety, a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). 3M Novec fluids meet all current environment and safety regulations.
About Added Scientific
Added Scientific is an independent, technology-agnostic Additive Manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing contract research company providing consultancy, problem-solving and lab-based technical services. www.addedscientific.com
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $35 billion in sales, our 95,000 employees connect with customers all around the world.
The UK is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 2,150 people across 15 locations, including six manufacturing sites.
Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, personal safety equipment and adhesive tapes.
As a strategic partner of the British Science Association, a corporate member of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) and a sponsor of WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards in Science and Engineering, 3M is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at 3M.co.uk or follow @3MUK on Twitter.
3M and Novec are trademarks of 3M Company
Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Maxine Ambrose
Ambrose Communications
maxineambrose@ambrosecomms.com
+ 44 118 328 0180
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