Chemical Smoothing

3D printed part surfaces exhibit rough, powdery and porous surfaces, limiting the use for various applications.

Chemical smoothing gives you a wealth of possibilities to enhance the appeal, durability, surface roughness, and overall quality of your 3D-printed part. It provides a sustainable post-processing solution to deliver repeatable and reproducible results for high-volume production.

During the process, a vaporized solvent is injected into the process chamber, where the vapor condenses on the surface of the part. A chemical reaction takes place between the solvent and the outer layers of the material, weakening the bonds of the polymer chains on the surface, resulting in a rearrangement to a more stable position. At the end of the process, the solvent is diffused, leaving a smooth and sealed surface. The accuracy and strength of the smoothing effect is controlled by controlled chamber conditions and exposure durations to achieve the desired surface finish.