The Benifits of Vapor Smoothing Finishing
Vapor Smoothing Finishing Services Capabilites
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Process Control
All Major Printing Technologies
Batch & Volume
Complex Geometries
Post‑Finish Integration
Quality Assurance
Vapor Smoothing Finishing Services Tolerances
Parameter |
Standard Capability |
Descripton |
|---|---|---|
|
Surface Roughness (Ra) |
0.4 – 1.2 µm |
Reduced drastically from typical 8–15 µm as‑printed |
|
Dimensional Change |
±0.05 – ±0.20 mm |
Uniform surface refinement; tighter control on request |
|
Geometric Accuracy |
Preserved where specified |
Fine threads, snap‑fits, and ultra‑tight fits need design review |
|
Consistency |
Uniform across all faces |
Balanced exposure for complex shapes |
Lead Time for Vapor Smoothing Finishing Services
MXY Machining offer flexible lead times tailored to your project schedule and urgency. All timelines start from full confirmation of design specifications, material approval, and order details. Every schedule already includes time for engineering review, precision machining, strict quality inspection, required surface treatments, and secure packaging. We also provide regular progress updates throughout production, and can arrange custom priority schedules for time‑sensitive projects.
Project Type |
Standard Lead Time |
Express Service |
|---|---|---|
|
Small Batch or Prototypes |
2 – 4 working days |
1 – 2 working days |
|
Medium or Complex Parts |
3 – 6 working days |
On request |
|
High‑Volume Production |
5 – 10 working days |
Scheduled priority |
Vapor Smoothing Finishing Materials
We work with a wide range of certified, traceable materials selected to match your performance, regulatory, and application requirements. Our engineers provide DFM guidance to optimize your plastic and metal parts design for manufacturing. Contact us or upload a CAD file for material options, instant quotes, and custom production solutions
ABS (Acetone Vapor Smoothing)
The classic and most widely vapor-smoothed material. Acetone vapor dissolves the outer surface, completely eliminating layer lines and producing a high-gloss, injection-molded-like finish. Fast, low-cost, and predictable. Parts become air- and water-tight. Best for functional prototypes, enclosures, and cosmetic parts. Note: parts can slightly deform if over-exposed.
ASA (Acetone / MEK Vapor Smoothing)
A weather-resistant alternative to ABS that responds well to acetone or MEK vapor smoothing. Produces a glossy, sealed surface while retaining ASA’s superior UV and weather resistance ideal for outdoor prototypes. The smoothing process also improves chemical resistance. Slightly slower than ABS due to ASA’s higher styrene-acrylate content.
PLA (Chemical Vapor Smoothing)
PETG (Solvent Vapor Smoothing)
Responds well to dichloromethane (DCM) or tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor, producing a clear, glossy, glass-like finish that restores PETG’s natural transparency. Layer lines dissolve completely, and the sealed surface improves chemical and moisture resistance. PETG’s higher Tg makes it less prone to deformation than PLA during smoothing.
Polycarbonate (PC) (DCM / MEK Vapor Smoothing)
A high-performance material that smooths with dichloromethane (DCM), MEK, or specialized PC solvents. Vapor smoothing restores PC’s optical clarity, dissolving layer lines to produce a transparent, glossy finish nearly indistinguishable from injection-molded PC.
PC / ABS Blend (Acetone Vapor Smoothing)
A high-performance blend that smooths readily with acetone vapor, combining ABS’s easy processability with PC’s strength and heat resistance. Vapor smoothing produces a glossy, injection-molded-quality finish while sealing the surface against moisture and chemicals. The blend is more dimensionally stable during smoothing than pure ABS.
PMMA / Acrylic (Vapor Polishing)
Often called “vapor polishing” for acrylic dichloromethane (DCM) or chloroform vapor dissolves the surface to produce an optically clear, glass-like finish with zero layer lines. The result is near-perfect transparency, making it the gold standard for optical prototypes.
Nylon / Polyamide (PA) (Formic Acid Vapor Smoothing)
A more specialized vapor smoothing process using formic acid or proprietary nylon smoothing solutions. Dissolves the surface layer to produce a smooth, glossy, sealed finish that significantly improves nylon’s moisture resistance and mechanical properties parts become stronger and more ductile.
TPU / TPE (Solvent Vapor Smoothing)
Flexible elastomers can be vapor-smoothed with solvents like dimethylformamide (DMF), THF, or proprietary TPU smoothing solutions. The process dissolves layer lines to produce a smooth, glossy, rubber-like surface that feels closer to molded silicone or rubber.
HIPS (Limonene Vapor Smoothing)
High Impact Polystyrene smooths beautifully with limonene (a natural citrus solvent) or MEK vapor, producing a glossy, smooth surface with dissolved layer lines. Limonene is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, making HIPS smoothing one of the safest vapor processes.
Vapor Smoothing Finishing Surface Finishes
Standard Vapor Smoothing (ABS/ASA)
Passivation process
The default vapor smoothing process exposes ABS or ASA 3D printed parts to solvent vapor (typically acetone or MEK), melting the surface micro-layer to dissolve and smooth away layer lines, producing a uniform semi-gloss finish. Seals surface porosity, improves dimensional accuracy, and enhances mechanical strength — the most widely used vapor smoothing finish for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
High-Gloss Vapor Smoothing
Passivation process
Extended or intensified vapor smoothing exposure produces a mirror-like, highly reflective glossy surface on ABS/ASA parts. The longer solvent vapor contact time further melts and levels the surface, eliminating all texture and producing a premium high-gloss finish comparable to injection molded SPI A-2. Used for automotive prototypes, cosmetic enclosures, and consumer products requiring a flawless glossy appearance.
Transparent Vapor Smoothing (PC/Acrylic)
Passivation process
Vapor smoothing applied to clear polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic 3D printed parts dramatically improves optical clarity by dissolving surface roughness and layer lines, producing a crystal-clear, highly transparent glossy surface. Essential for optical lenses, light guides, display windows, and fluidic components where transparency cannot be achieved by standard 3D printing alone the vapor-smoothed surface approaches injection-molded clarity.
Satin Vapor Smoothing (Controlled)
Passivation process
Controlled, shorter-duration vapor smoothing exposure produces a uniform matte satin, non-reflective surface rather than full gloss. The reduced solvent vapor contact time partially smooths layer lines and seals porosity while retaining a subtle satin texture. Ideal for SLS nylon parts, industrial components, and applications where a non-glare, soft-touch appearance is preferred over high gloss.
Vapor Smoothing for FDM/FFF Parts
Passivation process
Vapor smoothing specifically applied to FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or FFF 3D printed parts, where visible layer lines and stair-stepping are most pronounced. The solvent vapor completely dissolves and eliminates the characteristic FDM layer lines, producing a seamless, smooth, glossy surface that transforms the rough layered appearance into a production-quality finish. Essential for FDM prototypes requiring a smooth, non-porous surface for functional or cosmetic use.
Medical-Grade Vapor Smoothing
Passivation process
Vapor smoothing performed with biocompatible, USP Class VI certified solvents and validated processes for medical device applications. Seals surface porosity to eliminate bacterial entrapment, produces a smooth, easy-to-clean, sterilizable surface, and maintains biocompatibility. Used for surgical instruments, implantable components, drug delivery devices, and any medical 3D printed part requiring a smooth, non-porous, biocompatible surface finish.
Vapor Smoothing + Dyeing
Passivation process
Combined process where vapor-smoothed SLS nylon or MJF parts are subsequently dyed in any custom color (deep blue, black, red, etc.). The vapor smoothing first seals porosity and smooths the surface, then the dye penetrates the smoothed surface for uniform, vibrant, colorfast coloring. Produces smooth, glossy, fully colored parts without painting ideal for consumer products, housings, and components requiring custom color with a smooth finish.
Vapor Smoothing + Painting
Passivation process
Combined process where vapor-smoothed parts are subsequently spray painted in any custom RAL/Pantone color, including metallic, matte, or gloss finishes. The vapor smoothing first eliminates layer lines and seals porosity, creating an ideal smooth substrate for paint adhesion resulting in a flawless, uniform, production-quality paint finish with no visible print texture. Used for automotive prototypes, consumer electronics, and showcase models requiring exact color matching.
Vapor Smoothing + Chrome Plating
Passivation process
Combined process where vapor-smoothed ABS or PC/ABS parts are subsequently electroplated with a bright mirror-like chrome metallic finish. The vapor smoothing first eliminates layer lines and creates a smooth, non-porous substrate that is essential for uniform chrome plating adhesion and a flawless reflective surface. Produces premium metallic chrome finishes on 3D printed parts — used for automotive emblems, decorative trim, hardware, and consumer products requiring a realistic chrome appearance.
Vapor Smoothing for MJF (Multi Jet Fusion)
Passivation process
Vapor smoothing specifically applied to HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printed nylon PA12 parts, which have a characteristic granular, powdery surface texture. The solvent vapor dissolves and smooths the MJF surface texture, seals inherent porosity, and produces a smooth, glossy, non-porous finish that dramatically improves the part’s appearance, chemical resistance, and mechanical performance. Essential for MJF functional parts requiring a smooth, sealed, production-quality surface.
