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Anycubic Wash and Cure Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Anycubic Wash and Cure Review: Is It Worth Buying?

One of the things that you always do when dealing with resin printing is to wash and cure your models after they are printed. Every expert and enthusiast will recommend both activities for post-processing. Thankfully, devices like the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 make post-processing a lot easier and faster.

There are currently two versions of the Wash & Cure Machine. The original is no longer available from the Anycubic online store except if you’re in the United Kingdom. They sell the original Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine for $99.

The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 sells for $50 more and is available from the manufacturer’s website.

Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0: Everything You Need to Know

The most significant draw of the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 is that you only need to use one machine to wash and then cure your 3D prints. That makes the whole process less complicated.

In fact, this machine will help you do all your post-processing work by pressing a few buttons. Everything runs automatically.

You can clean your prints and then harden them at the same time. Plus it has all the materials you need. The package includes:

  • Cure platform
  • Power cord
  • Reflector
  • Service card
  • Stainless steel bearing
  • Toolset
  • User manual
  • Washing basket
  • Washing container
  • Washing rack

Washing Your Prints

When you have just finished printing using a resin printer, it’s going to be slimy and sticky. The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 gives you an easy way to get rid of that sticky feeling.

The machine has a detachable washing container that you can fill with the cleaning solution. At the bottom of the wash container, you will find a small agitator or rotor, similar to the ones you find on a washing machine. Magnets power this agitator, and like a real washing machine for clothes, it spins forwards and in reverse.

There are two different methods in which you can wash your prints. First, you can use the washing rack that has a holder for your 3D printer’s platform. This method allows you to wash the 3D model without taking it off the platform first and is useful for smaller prints.

If your object is bigger than 4.5 inches (115 millimeters), you can take it out of the platform and put it into the washing rack.

In both scenarios, you will need to make sure that the entire print is submerged before you start washing.

Curing

After washing the model, you will need to take off all the supports before you cure it. The curing process will smoothen the surface further and harden the resin.

Just take the wash container out of the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 and replace it with the cure platform. The curing platform rotates, so the 3D model hardens from all sides evenly. You no longer have to place your 3D models out in the sun, which may result in uneven curing and warping of some parts.

The machine has a turntable and an array of lights that can cure your model in no time. Just place the 3D object on the cure platform and select how long you’d like it to cure. The general rule is that if your model has a diameter of 1.2 inches (30 millimeters), you only need to cure it for two minutes.

If your model is bigger than 30 millimeters, or if it has a very complicated shape and surface area, then opt for longer curing times.

Dimensions

You will need a big space on your desk or work table to make room for the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0. It measures 8.9 by 9.3 by 14.4 inches (225 by 235 by 365 millimeters).

However, that size makes it possible for the machine to accommodate a wash container that measures 4.7 by 2.9 by 6.5 inches (120 by 74 by 165 millimeters). That volume means that you can wash most prints using this machine.

You can also cure 3D models as big as 5.5 inches (140 millimeters) in diameter and 6.5 inches (165 millimeters) tall.

The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine can be hefty for some people. It weighs 8.2 pounds (3.7 kilograms).

The Bottom Line

If you have done some post-processing work for your resin-based 3D prints, then you’d know how easy it is to screw things up. You can get a model that’s been in alcohol for longer than it needs to be. The resin is unevenly hardened, or some parts of it might warp.

The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 makes everything easier. You just put the wash container or the cure platform, add your newly printed model, and press a few buttons, and that’s it. All you have to do is wait.

With this machine, your models are thoroughly washed and evenly cured.

Affordable and Efficient
Anycubic Wash and Cure Station | Anycubic

Don't waste your time with DIY garbage. This machine is inexpensive and makes post processing so much easier. Well worth any "premium" vs DIY.

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Pros

  • The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 allows you to avoid leaving the print in an alcohol bath longer than necessary
  • No more dealing with alcohol fumes
  • Washing the 3D model takes away the slimy feeling
  • You can use alcohol, detergent solution, and other washing liquids that you have in the house

Cons

  • Spare parts for this machine might be difficult to come by

Comparing the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 and the Creality UW-01 Washing and Curing Machine

To make it easier to compare these two machines, check out this comparison table:

BrandAnycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0Creality UW-01 Washing and Curing Machine
Pricing$149$149
Two-in-one wash and cureYesYes
Dimensions (LWH, millimeters)225 by 235 by 365225 by 225 by 370
Weight (kilograms)3.76.5
Touch screen controlsYesYes
Washing  
Maximum dimensions of 3d model (millimeters)120 by 74 by 165170 by 120 by 160
Enclosed containerYesYes
Curing  
Number of LED lights1218
Maximum dimensions of 3d model (millimeters)140 by 140 by 165165 by 165 by 200
Rotating curing platformYesYes
UV Top CoverYesYes

As you can see, the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 has the same price as the Creality UW-01 Washing and Curing Machine. However, the latter is better suited both for washing and curing larger 3D models. It also has more LED lights, which makes the curing process a lot faster.

Form Wash and Form Cure: Another Alternative

If you have a FormLabs 3D printer, you can opt to get the company’s own Form Wash and Form Cure machines. Unlike the Creality UW-01 and the Anycubic Wash & Cure 2.0, you won’t have a single machine to do both processes. Each one does washing and curing your models separately.

Form Wash

After printing, you can put the just finished models directly into the Form Wash. Or you can just rinse it without removing it from the build platform.

This way, you can get a consistent and thorough wash every time. It uses isopropyl alcohol to wash your prints. And if you’re busy, the Form Wash has a mechanism that will raise the wash basket when it’s done. That way, you do not have to fret about over-soaking your prints and warping them.

The Form Wash costs around $500.

Form Cure

The Form Cure helps you get stronger and more durable parts. What’s more, if you’re using FormLabs resins, you can set this machine to use settings that can cure it perfectly, using configurations that are specific to a particular material. This machine costs around $700.

Because you have two machines to work with, the Form Wash and Form Cure is ideal for those bigger jobs. You can cure a washed printed material and start a new batch on the Form Wash. This saves you the time you need to wait for the Anycubic or Creality two-in-one machines to finish both washing and curing your prints before you can start on another batch.

Pros

  • It saves you a lot of post-processing time

Cons

  • Very expensive to get both machines
  • Better suited for those who are using FormLabs 3D printers, specifically the Form 3, 3L, 3B, 3BL, and Form 2

The Benefits of Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0

As you can see, post-processing can be hazardous and tedious. That’s especially true if you’re printing several 3D models. The Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 can help you do away with all the waiting and minimizes the amount of contact you have with the resin.

You can wash several pieces together instead of manually moving the printed models in alcohol. Post-processing work done on several pieces simultaneously will help you save time.

What’s more, using a machine like Anycubic’s will ensure more thorough washing and even curing.

FAQs

Question: Are there any alternatives to the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0?

Answer: If you’re considering the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0, you shuld look at similar products to see if it’s the best for your needs. Check out the Creality UW-01 Washing and Curing Machine.

Like the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0, the Creality UW-01 washing and Curing Machine is a two-in-one machine. You can wash your 3D Prints and then cure them without the need for two devices taking up at least twice as much space on your desk.

The washing container measures 6.7 by 4.7 by 6.3 inches (170 by 120 by 160 millimeters), which is bigger than the Anycubic machine. This means that if you regularly print larger models, this might not be for you.

On the other hand, the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0 will require you to store the cleaning solution in another container. You simply cannot leave the cleaning solution inside the wash container.

With the Creality UW-01, you can just leave the solution inside the washing machine container. It will not oxidize or evaporate because it is sealed.

This machine also uses magnets for its curing platform. Your 3D model rotates all the way around, ensuring even curing. There are double-row LED lights that handle the curing process.

You can dry or cure models that are as big as 8.9 by 8.9 by 14.5 inches (225 by 370 millimeters)

Pros

• You can leave the cleaning solution inside the washing container for storage
• Compared to the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0, this has a larger washing container.
• Less expensive than Anycubic

Considerable Alternative
Creality 3D UW-01 Machine | Creality3D

With three-gear speed mode, it includes washing and curing. The washing and curing time has 2-90min optional. Delicate models come from the curing and washing.

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Question: Why do you need to wash and cure a resin printed object?

Answer: If you want a better looking and longer-lasting 3D Printed part, then you should spend time with post-processing work.

Post-processing will allow you to get better looking 3D Prints. All 3D Printed parts need some kind of post-production work and are an important finishing touch for your prints. It is in print processing that you remove the supports or any extra material. You should also wash and cure your models.

Washing takes care of the extra resins and gives your model less gloss and none of that sticky feel. Curing hardens your prints and makes them more durable.

Washing and curing will allow you to have the best print quality that your SLA printer can give you. If done right, it can improve both the aesthetics and the physical quality of your models.

Question: Can you do the washing and curing without buying a machine?

Answer: Start with washing your newly printed 3D model. You can use an ultrasonic bath, which uses a cleaning fluid that you can wash away the uncured resins off your models. You can also dunk the 3D object in a tub filled with isopropyl alcohol and then move it around

Dunking and rinsing your 3D objects in isopropyl alcohol may need at least two rinses because manually moving around the print will not be as thorough as putting it in a washing machine.

1. Taking the supports off

After washing, you can now proceed to clean your 3D Prints by taking off the supports and cleaning away any excess material. You can simply break them off using nothing but your hands.

However, if your model has intricate details, you will need to use flush cutters to make sure that you get the cleanest break possible.

2. Curing the Print

If you don’t want to buy any type of machine, you can go outside and put your models to cure under the heat of the sun. You will need to guard over your model, though, to ensure that it doesn’t warp and that the curing is even.

There are several options that let you avoid that hassle, however. You can buy a curing station from the same manufacturer who made your printer. Or you can use a nail polish curing lamp, which is more affordable than 3D printer curing lamps

3. Last Reminder: Be Safe

Always wear the right gear when handling resins. You will need safety glasses, a neat work area, and nitrile gloves.

If the resin gets in contact with your skin, wash it off right away. Plus, you should wipe any surface where resin gets spilled before it hardens.

Should You Buy the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0?

If you want to save time and costs with your post-processing work, you should seriously consider getting the Anycubic Wash & Cure Machine 2.0. You get the best-printed parts without the hassles!

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