The importance of Glycol TPM in 3D Printing

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What to use to clean a 3D printer?

Tripropylene Glycol Methyl Ether, also known as Glycol TPM  has a wide variety of applications, it is most commonly used in the cleaning process of 3D printers. When a 3D printer machine is used it leaves behind a SLA residue that will hinder future job prints if it is not properly cleaned. The most common resins used to manufacturer parts in the DLS printing process include urethanes, epoxies, silicones, and etc. Any amount of resin left by the printers will tarnish the value of the product created  and ultimately hurt the reputation of the product produced.

Glycol TPM is cruical to use is the post-process cleaning of SLA 3D printers. It has been used as a coupling agent and solvent in paint, varnish, and rust removers, and has become more prominent in the growing industry of 3D printing. Glycol TPM is ideal for this application due to its low viscosity which is key for removing the printed resin that the machines leave behind.

Countiued Benefits of Glycol TPM

Buy EcoLink’s Glycol TPM to optimize the full use of your 3D printer and not to worry about left behind resins anymore.

Glycol TPM, is sold in bulk orders at EcoLink, we will provide you with the amount you need to ensure the cleanest possible printer and that it is efficiently running at maximum capability. To find our supplies of  Glycol TPM  find us at

Glycol Ether TPM- 55 Gallon

Contact  (800) 563-1305 for futher questions and options.

Printing with N-Propanol

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N-Propanol is available!

As technology improves the demand for a better printing quality improves as well. This is forcing the industry to find better solvent options. If you are looking for a good quality and economic source of ink N-Propanol is the solution. In the printing industry N-Propanol is mainly used in flexographic and special screening prints. It facilitates more economic printing while providing higher quality ink. N-Propanol provides higher ink stability, steady viscosity, advantageous wetting behaviour, and less foaming. N-Propanol solvency power helps maintain the solubility of ink resins as well. N-Propanol is perfect for printing and ink applications since:

Benefits of N-Propanol In Printing Applications

  • Economic printing.
  • Higher quality.
  • Low odor which is good when printing food packaging.
  • Higher printing speed.
  • Less scrap.
  • Saving concentrated ink.
  • Ideal evaporation rate for printing
  • Avoids defects like dirty printing or feathering due to its high solubility.

Using N-Propanol revealed over 20% savings in concentrated ink and related costs versus other source of inks. It is also easier to recycle N-Propanol since it requires less energy to purify it in comparison to other chemicals.

Other Uses of N-Propanol

Did you know that N-Propanol can be used as a solvent for cosmetics, perfumes, lacquer formulations, antifreezes, soaps, bug removers, and window cleaner as well?

Interested in using N-Propanol? Please call (800) 563-1305 or send an email to products@ecolink.com.

RBD Soybean Oil Applications

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What is Soybean Oil?

Soybean oil is oil extracted from soybeans.  This form of soybean oil is RBD, or refined, bleached, and deodorized soybean oil.  Within the refining stage, the soybean oil is cleaned to remove remaining impurities and goes through degumming to remove lecithin.  The soybean oil then goes through a bleaching process to remove any pigments and residues left behind from the refining process. The final step in the process is deodorizing the oil which is where volatile components are removed by steam distillation.

Various Applications of Soybean Oil

Soybean Oil has a wide range of applications that vary from industrial uses to consumer applications.  A few things soybean oil is used in are:

  • Glues
  • Plywood Adhesives
  • Laminating
  • Resins, and
  • Insecticides

Another category of products that soybean oil is in are coated papers, oilcloths, coated fabrics, paper sizings, and leather dressings.  Soybean oil may also be used within the production of paints, varnishes, ink, and soaps due to it having little to no pigmentation and being able to absorb pigments added to the oil to reveal a brighter color.  To find out more about the benefits of soy ink versus petroleum-based inks, visit our blog post Soy Ink vs Petroleum-Based Ink.  Some other applications for RBD soybean oil is as animal feedstock and used within firefighting lag foams.

Along with the several uses soybean oil offers, its derivative, methyl soyate, also has an extensive list of applications as an ideal alternative to harsh chemicals.  For more information regarding methyl soyate, visit our blog Methyl Soyate as an Alternative Solution.

To find out more about our RBD Soybean Oil, email us at info@ecolink.com, or call us at (800)563-1305.

Mineral Spirits in The Art Industry

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Mineral Spirits in the Art Industry

Mineral Spirits, if used properly, can help you save time and money in the art industry. Its main application is as a brush cleaner since it has a high solvency strength. The contact with Mineral Spirits in low quantity are harmless to your body. It is important to remember that even though Mineral Spirits are safer alternatives to other chemicals is still important to take precautions while using this chemical in order to prevent any possible reaction. Always read the label and never try to use more than recommended.

Mineral Spirits Applications in the Art Industry:

  • As a Brush Cleaner

Mineral Spirits works great as a cleaning agent. It can remove all the paint of your brush no matter the condition of your brush. Mineral Spirits helps to maintain brushes in good condition. What is nice about Mineral Spirits is that you can put a little of this chemical in a jar, clean your brush with it, and then save the jar with the liquid. Yes, you can reuse Mineral Spirits and this way you are saving time and money.

  • Creates A Different Style

Using small drips of Mineral Spirits on your painting can help you achieve a “messy” look if you want to go for that vibe.

  • To Blend Colored Pencils

Mineral Spirits can help you achieve a good blend result when using pencil colors without the need of a lot of expensive materials or techniques. Mineral Spirits break down the color that is difficult to blend in order to distribute the color over the painting/image that you are working on, and the best part is that it results in a professional finish. With the help of a cotton bund and mineral spirits you can use colored pencils as an alternative to watercolor pencils.

  • As a Replacement For Turpentine

Did you know that Mineral Spirits can be used as a substitute for Turpentine? This is perfect for the Art Industry. And the best part is that Mineral Spirits are safer to use due to its low VOCs. Turpentine can cause breathing problems, on top of that it is highly flammable, and it is a potentially hazard substance to have in an art studio/home. Mineral Spirits are not only safer to your body, they are more affordable than turpentine and it can also yield better results since it prevents paint cracking.

Interested in Mineral Spirits? Please call (800) 563-1305 or send an email to products@ecolink.com

The Differences Between Lacquer Thinner #11, Lacquer Thinner #48, and Lacquer Thinner #51

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Lacquer #11 is comprised of Toluene, Methanol, and Acetone, while Lacquer #51’s components are Toluene, Acetone, Methanol, and 2-Butoxyethanol, and Lacquer #48 is made up of Toluene, acetone, MEK, and 2-Butoxyethanol.

These lacquer thinners share many qualities, but key distinctions show that they have differing effects and applications.

Lacquer thinner 48 and 51 both contain Glycol EB or 2-butoxyethanol, which is a good ingredient because it is also found in many lacquers.

This ingredient allows Lacquer thinners 48 and 51 to connect well with lacquer-based paints for easy thinning and removal.

All three lacquer thinners feature some type of methyl etyhl alcohol. Lacquer thinner 48 and Lacquer thinner 11 have methanol, and Lacquer thinner 51 has MEK.

This is because methanol or methyl ethyl alcohol is present in most hydrocarbons. These Lacquer thinners have low VOC content.

Common Applications

Lacquer thinners are a mixture of solvents that are typically used to dissolve plastic and resins in most modern lacquers.

Lacquer thinner is primarily used to thin lacquer-based paints. Its thinning quality makes lacquer thinner a strong cleaning agent to use when cleaning painting equipment–such as spray guns–after using lacquer based paint.

Lacquer thinner increases the flow of lacquer in lacquer-based paints. This quality allows lacquer thinner to effectively clean surfaces where lacquer-based paints were used.

Lacquer thinner is fast evaporating which enables it to dry fast and leave a streak-free finish.

A smooth and glossy finish cannot be achieved if lacquer thinner is added all at once, because it will start to run and drip.

Lacquer thinner can also be used to remove adhesive residue from many surfaces, and to remove ink from metal.

Lacquer thinner is not the same as paint thinner.

It is too caustic for oil paints, whereas paint thinner is comprised of mineral spirits that are typically used to thin oil-based paints.

Lacquer thinner is hotter than paint thinner, and if often a superior cleaner than mineral spirits.

Safety and Handling

Lacquer thinner is toxic and highly flammable. It is harmful if inhaled. Proper safety should always be practiced when using lacquer thinner or any toxic chemicals, especially for home use.

  • Lacquer thinner is harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
  • Lacquer thinner causes skin irritation.
  • May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Causes eye irritation.
  • Should be kept away from any heat sources.
  • Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, spray, or vapors.

Purchase Lacquer Thinner Online Here or call today for more information (800)563-1305.

 

lacwuer thinner infographic final version