Water-soluble 3D printing materials simplify creating complex designs by acting as temporary supports that dissolve in water. Common options include PVA and BVOH, each with unique features. These supports are ideal for intricate geometries, reducing waste, and improving print quality. Here’s the quick breakdown:
- PVA: Works well with PLA, dissolves in warm water (4-8 hours), but is moisture-sensitive and less compatible with other materials.
- BVOH: Dissolves faster (≤2 hours in cold water), supports more filaments (ABS, PET-G, TPU), and offers better moisture resistance.
- Aquasys GP: Industrial-grade, compatible with high-temp materials like PEEK and PEKK, dissolves efficiently but is costlier.
Key Takeaways:
- Store materials in airtight containers to prevent moisture damage.
- Use precise printer settings for optimal results.
- Warm water and agitation speed up dissolution.
- Dual-extrusion printers enhance design possibilities with these supports.
| Material | Dissolution Time | Compatible Filaments | Cost Range (per kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVA | 4–8 hours | PLA, Nylon | $68–$91 |
| BVOH | ≤2 hours | PLA, ABS, PET-G, TPU | $156–$175 |
| Aquasys GP | Fast | High-temp materials | Not specified |
Water-soluble supports save time, reduce waste, and enable detailed designs. Choose the right material based on your project needs.
3D Printing with Water-Soluble Support Materials – PVA vs. Aquasys GP (3D Universe)
Types of Water-Soluble 3D Printing Materials
Water-soluble 3D printing materials come in a variety of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing the differences can help you pick the right one for your specific needs.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
PVA is one of the most commonly used water-soluble support materials in consumer 3D printing. It pairs especially well with PLA, making it a go-to choice for creating detailed designs. With a tensile strength of 22 MPa and an elongation of 360%, PVA holds up well during the printing process.
PVA is printed at temperatures between 180–210°C (356–410°F) and is easy to recognize by its white, translucent look. It also resists organic solvents and oils, which is handy during the printing process.
"PVA offers several useful characteristics that make it almost perfect as a support material. These include: high water solubility, high stickiness in the melted state, and a print temperature range of 180-210°C."
– Dean McClements, Xometry
However, PVA is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air – over 2%, in fact. This can lead to problems like bubbling or poor extrusion. It works best with PLA-class materials and struggles with others like ABS, PET-G, or Nylon. To avoid issues, store PVA in a dry place, use tools like an ooze shield during printing, and dry the filament if it’s absorbed moisture.
For those who need a more versatile option, BVOH is worth considering.
Butenediol Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (BVOH)
BVOH improves on many of the challenges associated with traditional PVA. This material dissolves in cold water (around 20°C/68°F) in under 2 hours, compared to PVA’s 4–8 hours in warm water. It also has over 50% better moisture resistance than PVA, making it easier to store and handle.
BVOH offers better print performance with reduced stringing, smoother extrusion, and fewer hotend clogs. Unlike PVA, which is mainly compatible with PLA, BVOH works with a wide range of filaments – including ABS, PET-G, TPU, and even engineering-grade materials like PA and PAHT CF15.
"PVA or polyvinyl acetate is the most traditional option when it comes to soluble supports… However, with this material´s regular printing issues and the addition of new 3D printing materials, there has been a drive in the creation of new soluble materials that adjust more to these classic problems. One of these is BVOH, a copolymer of vinyl alcohol with features that make it compatible with many more materials print friendly way."
– BCN3D
BVOH prints at slightly higher temperatures, around 210–230°C (410–446°F). While it is more expensive, many find its improved performance worth the cost.
| Characteristic | PVA | BVOH |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolution Time | 4–8 hours | ≤2 hours |
| Dissolving Medium | Warm water | Cold water (≈20°C/68°F) |
| Print Temperature | 180–210°C (356–410°F) | 210–230°C (410–446°F) |
| Material Compatibility | Primarily with PLA | Works with most filaments |
| Moisture Resistance | Low; highly hygroscopic | Over 50% better than PVA |
For even more demanding needs, industrial-grade options like Aquasys GP offer enhanced capabilities.
Aquasys GP and Industrial Soluble Filaments
Industrial-grade materials like Aquasys GP are engineered for professional applications where performance and reliability are critical. These filaments address the moisture sensitivity of consumer-grade materials, offering more consistent and efficient dissolution during post-processing.
Aquasys GP is particularly effective when used with high-temperature engineering plastics like PEEK, PEKK, and PPSU. These materials require support filaments that can handle extreme conditions without compromising print quality.
"A new water-soluble support material from Infinite Material Solutions called Aquasys GP claims to offer advantages over PVA, both in terms of improved printing reliability and more efficient dissolution during post-processing."
– Infinite Material Solutions
Although these industrial options are pricier, their reliability makes them essential for industries like aerospace and medical device manufacturing, where precision and quality are non-negotiable.
Applications and Use Cases
Water-soluble 3D printing materials are transforming manufacturing in industries like automotive, medical, and beyond. They make it possible to create intricate designs that were once considered impossible.
Supporting Complex Geometries
One of the standout features of water-soluble materials is their ability to support complex designs – think overhangs, bridges, and internal cavities – that would otherwise collapse without proper backing. Once the printing is done, these materials dissolve entirely, leaving behind flawless surfaces.
Take AVI Boston, for example. They use BigRep‘s water-soluble BVOH to manufacture intricate dashboard components, audio setups, and door panels with detailed internal structures. Safi Barqawi, the owner, highlights the game-changing impact:
"We design and build these intricate parts in-house. We would never be able to do that by hand."
Software like Simplify3D adds another layer of efficiency with its Dense Supports feature. This tool applies water-soluble material only where it’s needed – right at the interface between the part and the supports. The result? A savings of over 90% in material usage without compromising support functionality.
On top of that, PVA supports dissolve cleanly, avoiding the surface damage that often comes with manually removing supports. These capabilities make rapid prototyping and the creation of complex designs faster and easier than ever.
Prototyping and Product Development
Water-soluble materials have become a go-to for industries looking to speed up prototyping and refine product development. Their easy-to-remove nature is especially helpful for parts with detailed internal features or fragile exteriors.
In aerospace, companies like Airbus rely on these materials to create thousands of 3D-printed components for their aircraft. From cabin fixtures to engine parts, water-soluble supports make it possible to achieve the intricate designs these applications demand.
The medical field also benefits. Surgeons use 3D-printed models based on CT scans to prepare for complex surgeries. These models often require fine internal cavities and precise details, which water-soluble supports make possible. This technology also plays a role in producing prosthetics, dental aligners, and hip implants.
Even consumer products are getting a boost. For instance, New Balance uses water-soluble materials to craft custom shoes tailored to an individual’s foot shape and walking style. The technology enables the creation of complex internal structures for personalized comfort.
These advancements in prototyping are further amplified by dual-extrusion printing, which takes design complexity and material performance to the next level.
Dual-Extrusion Printing
Dual-extrusion printers, when paired with water-soluble materials, unlock new possibilities in 3D printing. These systems use one extruder for the main structure and another for the supports, enabling intricate multi-material designs that single-extrusion printers can’t handle.
This approach not only simplifies the removal of supports but also delivers a higher-quality finish.
Independent Dual Extrusion (IDEX) systems take things even further. Unlike fixed dual extruders, IDEX systems allow each extruder to move independently. This reduces cross-contamination between materials and enhances precision.
Volkswagen Autoeuropa illustrates the potential of this technology. They created liftage badge jigs using TPU for scratch-resistant surfaces and a hard filament for the structural frame. Water-soluble supports made it possible to manage the complex geometries where these materials meet.
And here’s a practical bonus: PVA-based supports dissolve completely in regular tap water within 24 hours. This streamlined post-processing lets manufacturers focus more on pushing the boundaries of design.
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Best Practices for Using Water-Soluble Filaments
To get the best results with water-soluble filaments, you need to pay close attention to every step – from how you store them to how you handle printing and cleanup. These filaments are more sensitive than standard materials, but sticking to some tried-and-true methods can help ensure consistent, high-quality prints.
Material Storage and Handling
Water-soluble filaments, like PVA, are highly sensitive to moisture. Their ability to dissolve in water is what makes them so useful, but it also makes them vulnerable to damage from humidity.
"Because PVA is a soluble support material, its ability to absorb water is a fundamental characteristic. Even mild humidity is enough to ruin an entire spool of unsealed filament." – Production Automation Corporation
Temperature and humidity control are key. Store PVA in conditions between 32°F and 86°F (0°C to 30°C) with a relative humidity below 50%. Keep the spools out of direct sunlight, as UV exposure can degrade the material over time. Improper storage can lead to issues like the filament becoming too soft or brittle, which can result in extrusion problems and poor print quality.
Airtight storage is non-negotiable. Always place the filament back into a sealed container after use. For short-term storage, the resealable bag it comes in, along with desiccant packets, works well. For longer durations, consider investing in a dedicated filament storage box or any other airtight container.
One practical solution for storage is the Lock & Lock HSM952 round food storage container (2.5 liter), identified by a user in December 2024. This container is airtight, stackable, and fits a standard 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) filament spool perfectly, with extra room for desiccant inside the spool hub. For an extra layer of protection, dry boxes that maintain humidity below 10% are excellent, and vacuum bags are another effective option for backup spools.
Once your filament is stored properly, the next step is to fine-tune your printer settings for optimal performance.
Printer Settings and Configuration
Printing with water-soluble materials like PVA requires precise settings and compatibility with other filaments, particularly those with similar melting points, such as PLA.
| Setting | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 415–437°F (215–225°C) |
| Bed Temperature | 113–140°F (45–60°C) |
| Print Speed | 30 mm/s |
| Extruder Fan Speed | 50% |
| Retraction Speed | 40 mm/s |
| Retraction Distance | 5 mm |
These are starting points – you may need to tweak them depending on your specific setup.
If you suspect the filament has absorbed moisture, drying it at 113–131°F (45–55°C) for an hour before printing can help restore its performance.
For clean results, set the separation distance between the support and model to zero layers. This adjustment ensures a smooth surface after the support dissolves. Additionally, using features like an ooze shield or wipe wall during printing helps prime the extruder and prevents issues like under-extrusion.
If adhesion problems occur, try printing the PVA or BVOH on a PLA raft instead of directly on the build surface. This technique improves first-layer adhesion and simplifies removal after the support dissolves.
Dissolution and Cleanup
Removing water-soluble supports is all about using the right solvent, temperature, and agitation. For most projects, warm water does the job effectively.
Water temperature matters. Warm water speeds up the dissolution process without harming the printed part. For PLA prints, water up to 140°F (60°C) is usually safe.
Agitation is crucial for efficiency. Still water can quickly become saturated with dissolved material, slowing the process. Gentle circulation – using a pump, propeller, or even a sous-vide stick – keeps fresh water moving over the support material, speeding up the process.
For intricate parts with tight spaces, ultrasonic tanks are a great option. They use sound waves to agitate the water, reaching areas that flowing water might miss. While these tanks can be noisy, they’re highly effective for detailed cleaning.
To make dissolution faster, manually remove larger chunks of PVA before submerging the part. This allows the water to circulate more freely, especially in areas with deep cavities or narrow channels. Replace the water after about an hour to maintain efficiency.
For small, stubborn details, tools like a handheld scratch awl can help clear out residual material from tiny holes or crevices.
If you’re using BVOH instead of PVA, the process is even quicker. BVOH dissolves readily – about one gram of BVOH requires just 20 grams of water. This makes it a great choice for projects where time is a priority.
Comparison of Water-Soluble 3D Printing Materials
Selecting the right water-soluble material can make a big difference in the success of your 3D printing project. Below, we break down the key factors to help you choose the material that best meets your needs.
Key Factors to Compare
Dissolution Speed
Aquasys 120 dissolves much faster than PVA, taking half the time at room temperature and up to six times less time when using water heated to about 176°F (80°C). Aquasys GP is even quicker, dissolving up to 20 times faster than PVA in tap water at room temperature. BVOH’s dissolution rate depends on specific conditions.
Printability
BVOH generally offers a smoother printing experience with fewer nozzle clogs compared to PVA. PVA, while widely used, tends to absorb moisture, leading to clogging and degradation during long prints. BVOH, on the other hand, handles extended print jobs better due to its high-temperature tolerance and slower degradation rate.
Material Compatibility
PVA pairs well with PLA and Nylon. BVOH expands compatibility to include PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, and elastomeric filaments. Aquasys 120 supports a wide range of materials such as PLA, ABS, CPE, TPU, PC-ABS, PP, and PETG. For high-temperature applications, Aquasys 180 is ideal for advanced materials like PEEK, PEKK, PEI, and PPSU.
Cost
PVA is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $68.26 to $91.03 per kilogram. BVOH is pricier, typically costing between $156.04 and $175.54 per kilogram. Premium options, like Polymaker PolyDissolve S2, can go as high as $429.14 per kilogram.
Storage Requirements
Proper dry storage is essential for all water-soluble materials to preserve their quality and performance.
Here’s a quick comparison of these factors:
| Material | Dissolution Speed | Compatibility | Printability | Cost Range (per kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVA | Baseline | PLA, Nylon | Prone to clogging | $68.26 – $91.03 |
| BVOH | Moderate | PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, elastomers | Better than PVA | $156.04 – $175.54 |
| Aquasys 120 | 2-6x faster than PVA | PLA, ABS, CPE, TPU, PC-ABS, PP, PETG | Good | Not specified |
| Aquasys 180 | Similar to Aquasys 120 | High-temp materials (PEEK, PEKK, PEI, PPSU) | Good | Not specified |
BVOH stands out for its better printability and adhesion. PVA remains a good choice for simpler, cost-sensitive projects, while Aquasys materials shine when speed or compatibility with a wide range of base materials is a priority.
Whether you’re prioritizing cost, printability, or versatility, there’s a water-soluble material to match your project’s demands. The next section will dive into practical tips for applying these materials effectively in your 3D printing endeavors.
Conclusion
Water-soluble 3D printing materials have reshaped how support structures are used in complex designs. When deciding between PVA and BVOH, it’s all about your project’s needs, budget, and printer setup. Temperature compatibility is a major factor: PVA works well for simpler PLA projects, while BVOH handles higher-temperature materials like PETG or ABS – though it comes with a higher price tag.
For intricate internal supports, these specialized materials deliver outstanding results. On the other hand, simpler supports can be sufficient for tasks like build plate adhesion. However, even small amounts of moisture can negatively affect your prints, so proper handling is a must.
Storage is a critical part of maintaining material performance. If your filament absorbs moisture, you can restore it by drying it at 140°F (60°C) for 4 to 16 hours before use. Taking this step ensures consistent quality in your prints.
One of the biggest advantages of water-soluble supports is how they streamline post-processing and improve surface finishes. Advanced techniques, like using dense support layers, can save up to 90% of material while still delivering excellent print quality. Whether you’re prototyping intricate geometries or making end-use parts, these materials open up design possibilities that traditional supports simply can’t achieve.
Ultimately, success with water-soluble materials boils down to three key factors: choosing the right material for your application, storing it properly to avoid moisture issues, and following proven printing techniques. With these practices in place, you can achieve professional-grade results and fully tap into the potential of modern 3D printing technology.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using water-soluble 3D printing materials like PVA and BVOH compared to traditional support materials?
Water-soluble 3D printing materials like PVA and BVOH bring some major perks to the table compared to traditional support materials. Their standout feature? They dissolve in water, making it a breeze to remove supports without accidentally damaging your printed model. This is a game-changer, especially for intricate designs or those tricky-to-reach spots.
BVOH steps things up a notch with its ability to handle higher temperatures and minimize stringing during printing. These qualities make it a solid choice for tackling more complex geometries, delivering smoother, cleaner results. With water-soluble supports, you’ll not only get better print quality but also save time on cleanup and have the freedom to explore more ambitious design ideas in your 3D projects.
What’s the best way to store and handle water-soluble 3D printing materials to avoid moisture damage?
To keep water-soluble 3D printing materials in excellent shape and protect them from moisture, it’s crucial to store them in airtight containers such as dry boxes or vacuum-sealed bags paired with silica gel packets. Aim to maintain a storage temperature between 32°F and 86°F, and ensure the humidity stays below 50%, which is particularly important for materials like PVA.
If you want extra protection, you can invest in active dry cabinets with built-in humidity control or opt for vacuum-sealed storage solutions. Taking these steps will help keep your materials dry and ready for producing high-quality 3D prints.
How do I choose the best water-soluble 3D printing material: PVA, BVOH, or Aquasys GP?
Choosing the right water-soluble 3D printing material comes down to what matters most for your project – whether it’s dissolving speed, compatibility with filaments, or cost considerations.
- Aquasys GP: This material dissolves much faster than most other options. It’s compatible with PLA, PET, and PETG, making it a great choice for those who prioritize efficiency and quick turnaround times.
- BVOH: Known for its strong adhesion and reduced risk of nozzle clogs, BVOH is a reliable option. However, it’s pricier and dissolves slower compared to Aquasys GP.
- PVA: If budget is your main concern, PVA is the most economical choice. That said, it’s highly sensitive to humidity, more likely to clog, and doesn’t hold up as well during extended prints.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs, including how quickly you need supports to dissolve, your budget, and the type of filament you’re working with.
