Vapor Smoothing 3D Printed Parts
Vapor smoothing service provides low-cost finishing for additive-manufactured parts, resulting in a surface finish that rivals injection molding.
Vapor Smoothing 3D Printed Parts
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.
With the introduction of chemical vapor smoothing, a technology that smooths the surface of 3D prints and enhances mechanical performance via vaporized solvents, 3D printed plastics are now more suitable than ever for low-volume production. This process works on most 3D printed polymers and elastomers, including over twenty 3D printing materials available through Liquitac.
