Description
TPM Wash Solvent
Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) is a non-flammable*, low odor solvent that can be used to clean and dissolve uncured resin on stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed parts. TPM has a lower evaporation rate than IPA and washes about three times as many parts as IPA before needing to be replaced.
TPM is not currently certified for use with Formlabs biocompatible resins.
Formlabs generally recommends using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with a concentration of at least 90% to wash parts. If you are unable to use IPA, TPM is a tested alternative.
TPM is compatible with the Formlabs Finish Kit, Form Wash, and Form Cure.
*This product is not labeled as dangerous according to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008.
To handle TPM safely:
- Wear disposable non-reactive gloves (nitrile or neoprene) to handle TPM.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Transfer TPM from larger containers with a siphon pump to avoid overfilling the wash bucket or other container.
Cleaning a TPM spill:
Spilled TPM does not present an immediate fire or health hazard, but it does leave an oily residue that can be slippery. TPM evaporates very slowly, so the spill won’t dry by itself.
To clean a TPM spill:
- Put on a pair of disposable nitrile gloves.
- Absorb excess TPM with dry paper towels.
- Clean up any remaining residue with wet paper towels.
- Dispose of tools used to clean up a TPM spill (paper towels soaked with TPM, gloves coated in TPM) with hazardous waste according to local regulations.
Recycling or disposing of used TPM:
Over time, TPM accumulates dissolved liquid resin, which reduces its efficacy. For best surface quality, replace TPM when it no longer fully cleans parts or its specific gravity rises above 1.000.
Disposal:
To safely dispose of contaminated TPM:
- Consult the safety data sheet (SDS) from the TPM supplier as the primary source of information.
- Research your local regulations for hazardous waste disposal. This will most likely involve hiring a waste disposal service. For smaller amounts, check with your local waste disposal service to see if they have any suggestions for removal.
- Inform your waste disposal service that your bottle contains TPM with small amounts of methacrylated monomers and oligomers (unpolymerized plastic resin) and trace amounts of photoinitiator.