Can you use acetone to smooth 3D prints?
Acetone smoothing can be done by applying acetone vapors or liquid to a printed part, which dissolves the many 3D printed layers. This “binding” of layers is what yields that glossy and smooth finish.
Can you use acetone to smooth PLA?
As we mentioned previously, PLA can’t be smoothed with acetone in the way that ABS can, but there’s still an option to achieve a similar finish. Polymaker Polysmooth is composed of PVB, a material very similar to PLA that can be chemically smoothed. However, it requires the use of the Polymaker Polysher.
How do you smooth acetone?
Smoothing ABS 3D Prints
- Method #1: Apply Acetone with a Brush.
- Method #2: Acetone Bath.
- Method #3: Acetone Steam Bath / Vapor Smoothing.
- What You Need for Vapor Smoothing.
- Safety First.
- Step 1: Placing the Object.
- Step 2: Wait.
- Step 3: Remove Object & Curing.
Does acetone dissolve PLA?
Yes, acetone can dissolve PLA but only under certain conditions. You might get better results with other solvents, but there isn’t one that reliably works for all types of PLA filament. PLA is an excellent 3D printing material, but it does not offer a lot of post-processing options.
How do you smooth PLA without sanding?
The way I now smooth my PLA prints without sanding or major filler-work is to use low-viscosity epoxy resin. The way some 3D printing enthusiasts try and smooth their prints with epoxy is to mix-up their own “cocktail”.
How fast does PLA dissolve in acetone?
Boiling water for about 10 minutes then soaking for 24 hours: No obvious change. Denatured alcohol soaking for 24 hours: No obvious change. Acetone soaking for 24 hours: The PLA swelled up and has a rubbery feel and it split apart into several pieces.
How long does it take PLA to dissolve in acetone?
What happens to PLA in acetone?
Acetone is also sometimes used to dissolve PLA. Generally, PLA in its pure form does not react to acetone. This means that unless the PLA is blended with another type of plastic, it cannot be smoothened by acetone.
How long does it take to dissolve PLA in acetone?
Which ABS 3D prints can be acetone smoothed?
All ABS 3D prints can be acetone smoothed. Filaments that can be polished using this process are: ABS, ASA , PMMA, HIPS and Polycarbonate. Other filament types are either unaffected by acetone or are damaged by it.
Do acetone vapor baths work for 3D printing filaments?
The bad news is that acetone vapor baths don’t work for all types of 3D printing filaments. On the flip side, an acetone vapor bath is the perfect smoothing solution for the super-popular ABS. There are also other filaments that work well with acetone, including HIPS, PMMA, ASA, and Polycarbonate.
Why use vapors instead of acetone for ABS smoothing?
If you use the vapors instead you have much more control over the ABS smoothing and the final results. As the vapors can get to all exposed surfaces equally, there are fewer areas of uneven melting. There are also no run-off channels or drip marks induced into the surface of the object that direct exposure to acetone liquid may cause.
What happens if you put acetone on your print?
Direct application of acetone also tends to result in drip marks or run-off channels forming being incorporated into your print’s surface, which will look unforgivably bad. The main idea behind doing an acetone vapor bath is the slow and controlled manner in which the acetone vapor will melt away your print’s surface.