Vapor Smoothing

Improve the look, feel and performance of your 3D printed parts

Vapor smoothing uses a chemical polishing process to smooth and seal the surface of 3D printed plastic parts to improve the surface quality and enhance part performance, with minimimal effect on the dimensional accuracy (< 0.4%). Once finished, the finishing agent is evacuted from the chamber and no residue is left on the parts.

The process treats both internal and external surfaces, making it an excellent choice for parts with complex geometries or hollow features.

AMT PostPro Vapor Smoothing

AMT's PostPro chemical vapor smoothing technology is used for the vapor smoothing process, which uses a chemical vapor to liquefy the surface of the material. This process smooths out the peaks and valleys creating a smoother, more consistent surface with no chemical residue.

The dimensional variation post-processing is minimal, typically resulting in a shrinkage of less than 0.4%. This minimal shrinkage helps maintain the dimensional accuracy and structural integrity of the parts, ensuring they remain true to their original specifications.

AMT Post Pro vapor smoothing before-after.jpg

Benefits of Vapor Smoothing

Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Vapor smoothing reduces surface porosity and crack initiation sites, which increases elongation at break with no loss of tensile strength.

Improved Surface Quality

The smoothing process smooths and seals the surface of a part, reducing the roughness from 250+ μin RA to 64 – 100 μin RA.

Preparation for Surface Treatment

Vapor smoothing can be combined with additional surface treatements to improve the end result such as dyeing, cerakote, or metal plating.

Dimensional Accuracy

Vapor smoothing has a minimal effect on the dimensional accuracy of the part, with no more than 0.4% dimensional change.

Watertight and Airtight Surface

The surface of treated parts is completely sealed, making them resistant to liquids and easy to clean.

Reduced Bacterial Growth

The reduced surface roughness reduces bacterial growth, making them suitable for use in the medical and food industries.

Material Compatibility

AMT Post Pro vapor smoothing has been designed to process thermoplastic polymer materials. This includes Nylon (6,11,12), Flame retardant nylons, carbon/glass filled derivatives of nylons, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).