Creality UW-01 Wash & Cure Review

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Martin has a M.Sc. in physics and has gained many years of experience in industry as a lab manager and quality assurance manager. He has now tested dozens of 3D printers and is happy to share the collected experience with each new article.

Features

The compact Creality UW-01 2-in-1 Wash & Cure* device for cleaning and curing 3D printed models made of UV resin has been available since the beginning of 2021. With this device, you can first clean your 3D prints from uncured resin in a large wash tank and then cure them with built-in UV LEDs.

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

The Creality UW-01 Wash & Cure machine fits on practically any table with its dimensions of only 225 x 235 x 365 mm (L x W x H). The weight is also not very high at 3.7 kg. You can wash models with a size of up to 170 x 120 x 160 mm (L x W x H) either on the pressure platform or loose in a basket.

VOLUME & UV LED’S

The wash tank has a capacity of 4.5 liters and measures approximately 190 x 154 x 200 (L x W x H). The Creality UW-01 washing and curing machine is equipped with two rows of nine vertically arranged UV LEDs each for curing your models. One row is equipped with 385 nm and the second row with 405 nm UV LEDs.

You can easily cure models from different UV resins with a size of 165 x 200 mm (Ø x H) with this machine. The curing platform can be rotated 360°. Three different rotation speeds can be set on the front of the machine. The platform is driven by the same motor as the magnetic stirrer in the wash tank.

washing container size (source: creality)

OPERATION

For operation, there are buttons on the front of the device for setting the operating mode and the rotational speeds for curing. In the same row you will find one button each for setting the timer and one for starting and stopping the machine. A large display shows you the preselected runtime. LEDs show you which operating mode is active and which rotation speed is set.

The control buttons are arranged very clearly. You can set the timer to run for 2 to 90 minutes, depending on your needs. After the preselected time has elapsed, the machine stops automatically and a beep signals the end of the washing or curing process.

Specifications

Dimensions: 225 x 235 x 365 mm (L x W x H)
Models washing max. size: 170 x 120 x 160 mm (L x W x H)
Models curing max. size: 165 x 200 mm (Ø x H)
Volume washing tank: approx. 4.5 liters
Number of UV LEDs: 2 x 9
UV wavelength: 385 and 405 nm (9 each)
Timer: 2 to 90 minutes
Rated power: 96 W
Input voltage: 110/220 V 50/60 Hz
Operating voltage: 24 Volt
Weight: approx. 3.7 kg

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pro:

9 LEDs 385 nm plus 9 LEDs 405 nm
large washing tank with 4.5 liters capacity
hook-in washing basket
turntable for curing
3 rotation speeds during hardening
support for building platforms
safety shutdown

Contra:

loud operating noise

Scope of Delivery

The Creality UW-01 2-in-1 Wash & Cure machine is delivered fully assembled. The device is immediately ready for use. The shipping packaging makes a very sturdy impression. Inside, styrofoam and foam inserts ensure that the device is not damaged during transport.

The scope of delivery of the Creality UW-01 includes the large wash container with lid, a wire mesh wash basket, a rotating platform for post-curing and an adjustable holder for different platforms. A power supply, tools, two metal adapters, a spare ball bearing, and a detailed instruction manual are also included with the Creality UW-01.

Setup

Before you use the machine for the first time, you should carefully read the operating instructions supplied with it. Choose a stable table that does not wobble. Otherwise, the models may fall off the turntable if you bump into the table.

Also, make sure that the room can be well ventilated. Since alcohol is very flammable and has a strong odor, you should choose a separate room for the installation of the Creality UW-01. Placing it next to your workplace is not recommended because of the possible odor nuisance.

Security

For your safety, the cover of the Creality UW-01 is colored orange. The coloration filters out almost all of the UV radiation that is harmful to your eyes. You can still see what is happening in the machine.

When you want to start the machine, you must always put on the hood. You cannot turn on the machine without the hood. If you lift the hood during the curing process, the machine will automatically turn off to protect your eyes from the UV rays.

Processing Quality

The workmanship of the Creality UW-01 2-in-1 Wash & Cure device makes a very good impression not only at first glance. The casing of the device base is made of sturdy sheet steel and not plastic. All parts are cleanly processed and fit together perfectly.

Nothing wobbles or rattles. Although the machine is relatively light compared to other Wash & Cure devices with a weight of only 3.7 kg, it is still stable and sturdy.

Washing

To clean excess resin from your models with the Creality UW-01 Wash & Cure unit, first place the wash container on the machine base. Then fill it with the wash solution. Then either hang your models in the solution with the wash basket or attach the build platform to the rear bracket and lower it into the wash solution.

Once you have the hood on, select the wash program, set the timer to the desired time and start the wash cycle. For small models, make sure that they cannot fall through the basket meshes or parts protrude downwards. Protruding parts can be damaged by the magnetic stirrers.

If you want to wash models on the build platform, turn the model down and attach the platform to the supplied holder. Then hang the platform on the rear column, lower it into the wash solution and tighten the fastening screw. Pay attention to the height of your models.

The wash tank has a height of 200 mm. From this, you must subtract about 20 mm safety distance to the magnetic stirrer.

Since you cannot feel the container up to the edge with wash solution, you must subtract another approx. 20 mm from the top. This means that you can place models with a total height of about 150 to 160 mm in the wash container.

Cleaning Washing Tank

The more models you wash with the Creality UW-01 Wash & Cure device, the more often you will need to clean the wash tank. The resin washed off your 3D prints hardens due to the natural UV light and settles on the bottom of the container. When you use the container again, the sediment will be stirred up again.

Leave the container on the windowsill in sunlight for a day or two before cleaning so that the remaining resin hardens completely. Then you can pour off the washing solution. For example, through a kitchen towel as a filter into another container.

After draining, remove the magnetic stirrer from the container and clean the container with a cloth. When the alcohol has evaporated from the cloth, you can dispose of the cloth with the hardened resin in the residual waste.

Curing

If you want to post-cure your prints after washing, first take the wash container out of the machine. Then place the turntable in the holder provided for it on the base of the machine. Then place your model in the center of the turntable and put on the cover.

Now you can select the turning speed, set the timer to the desired curing time and start the curing process. For slim, high and less stable models, select the slow rotation speed. For low, wide and stable models, you can select a high speed. The rotational speed has no influence on the curing process.

Which washing solution can I use for the Creality UW-01?

You can use isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol* as the wash solution for the Creality UW-01. These wash solutions are generally referred to as EPA. With these two alcohols, you can be sure that only the uncured resin is removed and the cured resin is not damaged.

Is the Creality UW-01 suitable for washing water-soluble UV resins?

The manufacturer does not specify whether the Creality UW-01 can also be used for water-soluble resins. Unlike alcohol, water is not aggressive and should not harm the parts of the machine.

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