Surface Refining

[JohnStack]

I saw this post about refining printed surfaces and thought, well, ok but really?

http://www.3ders.org/articles/20130402- ... finer.html

and the kickstarter project here:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/180 ... expresscom

Essentially a circulating pump shooting solvent at a rotating object.

I see the benefits but think this is a really cheesy way to smooth a part. Why wouldn't someone print a multi-headed flue that gently shot solvent at an object from all angles? It would save at least one motor.

Of course, you've also got category killer 3D Systems buying up patents around this...

[cassetti]

Lol, this isn't the only method to refine the printed surface (and should this thread be posted in the 'build zone?' - seems missplaced to me.

I first started to experiment with acetone "dips" last year, but that can ruin a print because some prints will suck up the filament and melt from the inside out!

A few months back, someone announced a process for creating an acetone 'vapor' bath for the pieces (similar to this "refining" kickstarter). Essentially, you fill a glass jar with a bit of acetone, place on a hotbed and heat up (don't know how hot) - and suspend your print above the acetone. As the vapors rise, the model is smoothed and turns glossy (if done right).

I can't wait to try the vapor bath method in the near future, but for now I'm more focused on tweaking and calibrating my printer.

[Av8r RC]

The vapor polishing is awesome and works really well. I have a vampire skull I printed out in white. And after I did the vapor polish if you didn't know any better you would swear it was made out of ceramic. It's really incredible how well it works.