Vapor Smoothing Finishinig & Services
The vapor smoothing service offers an affordable solution for enhancing the appearance of parts produced through additive manufacturing. This process yields a surface finish that is comparable to that achieved through injection molding.
Vapor Smoothing 3D Printed Parts and services
3D printing is one of the best ways to get low-volume production goods. However, plastic 3D printing tends to have one significant trade-off: parts with coarse surface finishes. Powder bed fusion processes like selective laser sintering (SLS) and HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) leave a matte, sugar cube-like surface finish. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) shows distinct layer lines. For the last 30 years, post-process surface finishing like abrasive media tumbling, hand finishing, or coatings have minorly improved the surface finishes of 3D printed parts. If cosmetics are a priority, engineers may choose other processes entirely like injection molding, machining, or urethane cast parts.
3D Printed Materials Can Be Vapor Smoothed
| Materials | Process |
|---|---|
| Nylon 12 | SLS, HP MJF |
| Nylon 12, Glass Bead | SLS, HP MJF |
| Nylon 11 | HP MJF |
| Thermoplastic Urethane, TPU 88A | HP MJF |
| Polypropylene (PP) | HP MJF |
| Nylon 11 EX | SLS |
| Nylon 12, Carbon-Filled (CF) | SLS |
| Nylon 12, Aluminum-Filled (AF) | SLS |
| Nylon 12, Mineral-Filled (HST) | SLS |
| ABS-M30 (6 colors) | FDM |
| ABS-ESD7 | FDM |
| ABS-M30i | FDM |
| ABSi | FDM |
| ASA (10 colors) | FDM |
| Nylon 12 | FDM |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | FDM |
| PC-ABS | FDM |
| PC-ISO | FDM |
vapor smoothing Finishing 3D printed part before and after effects
Considerations for designing vapor smoothing processes
- It is important to note that vapor smoothing has the ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a parts or increase its durability against liquids. If there is a need for water resistance, it is important to communicate this requirement prior to production as it will impact the overall process.
- Consider the positioning of the components on the racks during the process, as any visible marks may appear on the final product.
- The capability to accomplish a flawless vaporization of a material is determined by its structure and the thickness of its enclosures. Parts that have intricate shapes, sharp corners, and thin walls may not be compatible with vapor smoothing.
What is vapor smoothing?
Vapor smoothing is a technique that involves using a solvent to melt and cool the outer layer of a part, resulting in a smooth and glossy finish. By liquifying and redistributing the outer layer, this process helps to eliminate any roughness that may occur during the 3D printing process. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the finished part, vapor smoothing also offers functional benefits such as reducing moisture absorption.
The process of vapor smoothing
- After the 3D printing process, the part undergoes cleaning and preparation to remove any debris before it is ready for vapor smoothing.
- Then the vessel uses to enclose the part, along with a small amount of solvent like acetone or MEK.
- The heat from the laser melts and fuses the outer layer of the printed object as the vapor condenses on its surface.
- Once we reach the intended finish, we extract the part from the container and allow it to cool and dry.
