Finishing
Vapour smoothing for ABS and ASA parts
Melts the outer surface with solvent vapour so layer lines flow out to a gloss.
- Unchanged
- Part colour and bulk strength
- Strength
- Unchanged
Finish profile
Properties added
- Surface finishGlossy, layer lines flow out
- StrengthBulk strength unchanged
- Water resistanceCloses the surface; test fluid parts
- Chemical resistanceUnchanged
- Wear / abrasionUnchanged
- Colour / lookGloss, same base colour
- Electrical conductivityUnchanged
Trade-offs
- Dimensional changeRounds fine detail, shrinks slightly
- Lead-time impactControlled handling and outgassing
Typical values on a 0 to 4 scale.
Suitable materials
- ABSSuitable
- ASASuitable grades
- Fine detailCheck detail size
Vapour smoothing specification
| Materials | ABS and suitable ASA grades |
|---|---|
| Handling | Trained staff, controlled vapour |
| Dimensional change | Rounds details and shrinks slightly |
Vapour smoothing FAQ
Which materials can be vapour smoothed?
ABS and suitable ASA grades.
Does it change dimensions?
It rounds fine detail and shrinks the part slightly. Tell us which features are critical.
Can I vapour smooth parts myself?
We do not recommend it. Vapour smoothing is carried out by our trained staff under controlled handling.
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Related guides
Process pages: FDM 3D printing, SLA 3D printing, SLS 3D printing. Material data: 3D printing materials.
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