Robox 3d printer, User Manual, Page: 81 / 122

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6.0 Finishing Parts
6.3 Vapour Finishing
This is a process which can be used to improve the appearance of the ‘stair
stepping’ effect (visible layers in the print). It works by condensing a thin film of
solvent on the surface of the part which partially melts the surface, allowing liquid
plastic to flow into the gaps between layers. The solvent used is dependent on
the surface to be smoothed, for example Acetone or MEK is used to vapour finish
ABS and Ethyl Acetate (sometimes sold as MEK substitute) can be used for PLA/
PET.
The solvent is heated to vapourisation temperature in a closed chamber
(~60°C for Acetone, ~75°C for Ethyl Acetate), then the part is introduced to this
atmosphere. Because the part is cooler than the surrounding vapour, the solvent
condenses evenly on the surface.
The amount of smoothing is controlled by the quantity of solvent and the
exposure time. If the part is exposed for too long, the surface can melt too much,
resulting in a loss of detail as small features begin to melt away.
It is possible to achieve a high gloss finish with no hand finishing using this
method. More information can be found online by searching for ‘vapour
polishing’, ‘vapour smoothing’ or ‘vapour finishing’.
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WARNING! Use extreme caution when handling solvents - refer to the label.
Many can be extremely flammable and can also cause drowsiness, eye and
respiratory irritation.