This procedure assumes that you are working with a print that is small enough to fit into a drinking glass. Should your print be bigger, then you are going to need a bigger, acetone-proof container. Glass is recommended so you can keep an eye on your print as the vapor bath proceeds. In any case, you only need to scale up the whole process for larger prints. We want to melt the surface of the object just enough that the surface tension of the molten plastic smooths out any surface inconsistencies and then halt the process at that point before any structural damage occurs.

This is definitely our preferred method when we’re asked how to finish 3D prints – there’s just no better way to easily smooth ABS prints. Safety Warning Polishing materials: ABS, ASA, PMMA, HIPS, and Polycarbonate are some of the common thermoplastics that can be polished using acetone in a kitchen oven at different temperatures and durations. Depending on the solidity and size of the object, the process of removing the acetone can take from a few hours to many weeks before the full strength of the object has been regained.

Gentle on skin

Acetone vapor baths are one of the most popular and reliable ways to get a smooth finish in 3D prints. What is the principle behind this process? How is it done? Read on for our comprehensive guide on acetone vapor baths. What filament materials can be smoothed using an acetone vapor bath? Usually, this takes a few days. However, in some cases, the full mechanical strength of the object may not be realized until a significant time has passed – for high-density objects, this can take weeks, or even longer!

Place the lid on the container and start your countdown timer. I personally set the timer to 15-minute intervals for finely-detailed objects, and 30 for large solid objects. Other filaments are simply unaffected by acetone or are prone to get damaged by it. If you are working with PLA, then head on over to our detailed guide on how to finish or paint your PLA print. How does an acetone vapor bath work? Acetone vapour is probably the best medium to polish/smoothen 3D-printed models. Acetone boils at 56°C/133F. We need to hold it in slightly higher temperature to make it boil slowly and continuously. The temperature needs to be not too low but not too high either. For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned.

Before continuing further, please make sure you acquaint yourself with the safety regulations pertaining to acetone (propan-2-one) and its use. It is your responsibility to use this solvent safely. After about 30 minutes, a ‘skin’ will have formed on the polished object that will stop dust particles from becoming embedded in the surface of the object. Water seems to be a perfect medium for this purpouse. It can hold temperature from 56 to 100°C/133 to 212F quite a long time. Smoothing ABS prints using an acetone vapor bath is a relatively easy method because it’s mostly passive, but you will be handling somewhat hazardous chemicals. Don’t be complacent, and always practice proper safety precautions. 1. Do it in a well-ventilated area

If it sounds like doing an acetone vapor bath will work for your print, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves. This procedure was crafted so you’ll only need to use items you have lying around the house (aside from the acetone, probably). First, gather all the things you will need: Polishing benefits: Acetone polishing can improve the surface finish of 3D prints, making them more aesthetically pleasing and suitable for various applications. It can also increase their resistance to water ingress and make them stronger than their non-polished earlier selves once fully hardened. Depending on the size and complexity of your print, the whole process of removal of acetone can take several hours to a few days. Just be patient – all the hard work is over, and you only need to wait. Important tips 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. This allows you to step in at any moment since you probably still want to preserve some of the details in your print. Vapor also has the advantage of being able to get into the smallest nooks of your model, so you always end up with a uniform finish. Steps on smoothing your 3D print using an acetone vapor bathNote: The reason you remove the object from the container at the point just before you get the surface finish you require as the polishing process continues for a short while even after the object has been exposed to fresh air.

They dissolve readily in the liquid, and a concentrated atmosphere of the vapor will eventually have the same effect. It’s that ‘eventually’ part we are interested in (and not the acetone 3D print mess you’ll be left with if you leave it too long).

The soap dish is sitting on top of a plinth made from a small piece of glass stood on three 22mm diameter copper plumbing joints – an arrangement that stops any chance of liquid acetone reaching the dish via capillary action (or surface-wetting). Things to Consider Before Applying Acetone to Your 3D Print