Why Solvent Concentration Matters More Than Purity

When it comes to solvents used in cleaning applications, purity is often the primary focus. It seems logical to assume that the purer the solvent, the better it will perform. But the true focus should be on concentration—especially in component cleaning processes. A solvent's concentration level has a bigger impact on how well it works, especially over a long period of time.

If your facility uses isopropyl alcohol (IPA), Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether (TPM) or similar solvents for cleaning 3D-printed parts or production components, understanding the difference between purity and concentration can help you utilize your solvents more effectively, reduce waste, and spend less on solvent purchases. Here are some points to consider.

Purity vs. Concentration: Know the Difference 

Purity refers to how free a solvent is from impurities or other chemical compounds. In fields like pharmaceutical testing or lab analysis, it's common to prioritize ultra-high purity levels — but in parts cleaning an molding applications —concentration is what drives performance.

Concentration by comparison is how much of the active solvent is available to absorb or dissolve your solute or waste in a solution. In cleaning  applications and workflows, this is what matters most. A strong concentration level of your solvent or solution provides for capacity with which your solvent can dissolve oils, resins, and contaminants from the surfaces you're cleaning.

Imagine making powdered lemonade. Add too much water and you end up with a weak, ineffective solution. The same applies to solvents. If your IPA is too diluted, it can’t do its job.

Concentration Drives Cleaning Power 

Solvents absorb waste with each use. As contaminants build up, and are dissolved in solution, the remaining concentration of usable solvent drops—and so can its effectiveness. A concentrated solvent provides the capacity to absorb impurities and keep your parts clean. While diluted or spent solvent can perform poorly, it can also slow down processes and lead to residue buildup or inconsistent results. Maintaining high concentration is key to maintaining cleaning performance.

Solubility, Saturation, and When Cleaning Stops Working 

All solvents have a saturation point: the maximum amount of waste they can absorb before they stop working effectively. Once that point is reached, the solvent will become saturated and can no longer break down or carry away residue.

Recycling your solvent through distillation resets the equation. By removing contaminants, distillation restores your solvent’s concentration, so it can return to service as an effective cleaning agent.

Real-World Results: 97% Recovery at a Dental Lab

When a leading dental lab saw their use of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) rapidly increasing—along with costs and waste—they turned to CBG Biotech to improve solvent efficiency and sustainability.

Using the SolvTrue™ S700 system, the lab processed contaminated IPA used for cleaning resin-based 3D printed dental parts. The solid results:

• 97% recovery of high-concentration IPA*

• Clean, reusable solvent suitable for critical applications

• Reduced new solvent purchases and operational waste

The recovered IPA matched performance and quality standards, confirming that solvent recycling will support production demands without compromising quality or consistency. This case demonstrates how on-site recycling helps maintain solvent concentration and improve cleaning performance in advanced production environments.

*Result specific to customer success. Typical recovery rate: 95% or higher for common solvents and may vary based on solvent type, waste concentration, usage volume and operating conditions. 

Read the full case study here. 

Bottom Line: Stop Overpaying for Purity 

Solvent concentration is what provide for performance in parts washing applications. Generally, you don’t need ultra purity to get the job done — what you do need is clean, concentrated solvent that can absorb contaminants, wash, clean and keep parts moving through production. 

SolvTrue™ solvent recyclers restore solvent concentration through effective distillation, helping you: 

• Reduce new solvent purchases 
• Minimize hazardous waste
• Improve your facility’s efficiency and sustainability
   

Your Path to Cleaner, Smarter Solvent Use  

Maintaining solvent concentration isn't just a technical detail — it's central to your operation’s success. When solvents are clean and concentrated, your parts wash faster, your equipment runs smoother, and your facility operates more efficiently. Whether you're dealing with IPA, Acetone, TPM, or another commonly used solvent, restoring concentration through on-site recycling is a smart move for Productivity, Compliance and Cost savings — all of which become sustainable.

CBG Biotech can help you assess your current process, identify opportunities for recovery, and implement a solvent recycling system that fits your needs. Want to see what solvent recycling could do for your operation? Let’s talk. 

Check out these other helpful resources: 

• Blog Post: Purity vs Concentration of a Solvent 
  In parts washing applications, concentration is often a more critical measure when considering the impact and the effectiveness of an organic solvent to clean parts.
• Blog Post: Why You Should Consider Both Cost and Value When Choosing an Industrial Solvent Distillation Unit
  Understand your solvent recycling needs and evaluate key features before making the investment.
• Blog Post: Formlabs' 3-D Printing Lab Saves Hundreds of Gallons of IPA with SolvTrue™
  Reducing their waste footprint and greatly increasing their sustainability commitments.