EPX 86FR
EPX 86FR offers an unmatched combination of flame retardance, functional toughness, high strength, and long-term stability. It is well suited for consumer, automotive, and industrial applications that require UL 94 V-0 or 25.853(a) ratings with flame-retardant and self-extinguishing features.
In this course, you will learn the protocol and unique qualities in working with EPX 86FR.
About the Material Material overview and uses cases
Technical Data Sheet Mechanical properties and data
Safety Data Sheet Login required
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UL94 V-0 flame-retardant testing certifies down to 2 mm wall thickness. To achieve this rating in the final design, use 2 mm as a minimum wall thickness.
EPX 86FR is a very stiff material in its fully cured state but flexible in its green state, making EPX more susceptible to the warping effects of mass loss. Thin walls will often print properly but are extremely difficult to keep straight and flat through processing and curing.
Mitigations
- Add structural features to support thin walls (example: gussets).
Note that salt baking is also an option to mitigate warping.
With all DLS™ prints, minimizing the cross section parallel to the platform will speed printing and reduce the chances of defects. EPX 86FR is susceptible to certain print defects that can be avoided with non-parallel part orientations. Window facing surfaces are especially prone to these defects due to the reduced exposure of UV light in the final slices.
Carbon recommends orienting parts at an angle and/or keeping surfaces parallel to the platform less than 10 mm across to minimize the risk of these defects:
- flow line cracks
- voids
- fence support cracks
Flow lines occur in surfaces parallel to the platform and facing the window, appearing as X's on square areas. Flow lines occur with all resins, but in EPX 86FR, lines may have cracks along them.
Troubleshooting:
- Orient parts to keep surfaces at an angle (recommended).
- Keep surfaces parallel to the platform smaller than 10 mm across.
- Reduce solvent exposure time.
- Contact Carbon Support for access to the "Large cross-section/cavities" print profile. Note that use of this profile will increase print times and may result in voids in your part.
Voids appear as pits or craters in the part on surfaces parallel to the platform.
Troubleshooting:
- Orient parts to keep surfaces at an angle (recommended).
- Keep surfaces parallel to the platform smaller than 10 mm across.
EPX 86FR is a highly exothermic resin: It generates a large amount of heat during printing. The printer software will automatically slow the print to prevent overheating.
To help dissipate the heat as quickly as possible and minimize print times, Carbon recommends keeping at least 5 mm of space between parts on the platform. This enables fresh resin to flow throughout your print area, carrying away heat and preventing heat buildup.
Reference Basic Printer UI for more information on Layout.
5 mm spacing - Best rule of thumb for all Carbon resins.
2 mm spacing - Tightest spacing that might be used with other resins, but EPX 82 typically generates too much heat to pack the build this tightly.
EPX 86FR has a very good platform adhesion. Because of this, we highly recommend using release film.
- Release film will help prevent damage to parts during removal from the platform.
- Printing on a bed of supports may mitigate the need for release film.
When using release film, select the Print with release film checkbox from the Print controls sidebar.
Carbon recommends washing EPX parts as soon as possible after printing, ideally within 4 hours. And always within the pot life, counting from time of dispense.
- A component of EPX is volatile and evaporates quickly.
- Delaying washing leads to more evaporation which increases resin viscosity and makes washing more difficult.
- While queuing up parts for washing, avoid letting consumables (towels, foil, etc.) touch parts before they are washed. Liquid EPX 82 is very sticky. All will stick to the liquid resin and be difficult to remove. Even non-stick foil will stick to the liquid resin, as seen in this photo.
Delayed cleaning
Cleaned promptly
Swabbing may be necessary for touch up of uncleaned resin in some cases:
- For complex gemetries with blind holes or similar features.
- For manually washed parts (not using the part washer).
- For parts cleaned long after printing or close to the resin's pot life.
Identification
- For parts straight out of DPM solvent, uncleaned resin will have a blue-gray tint. (liquid resin soaked with solvent)
- After DPM solvent has evaporated, uncleaned areas will appear black and shiny.
Touch up
- Follow standard swabbing methods with IPA for lightly soiled areas.
- If parts are not coming clean with IPA swabbing alone, swab first with DPM (in the same manner) and then finish with a wipe of IPA.
