Vapor polishing 3d printed parts

[techhelpbb]

Originally Posted by NWChen

On vapor polishing/smoothing 3D printed parts, i.e. with acetone vapor: can anyone speak about the change in sturdiness and tolerances of the part? Did you use it on a robot and/or experience any issues with it?

Since you specifically mention acetone probably best to mention that trick only works on ABS. I haven't done this trick with FRC parts but with interlocking pieces the effect changes the part dimensions inconsistently based on how the vapor gets into the all the nooks and crannies. Since this is partly dissolving the ABS it actually makes the inter-fused-layer bond a bit stronger at the price of tolerances. Personally I'd still be more careful in how you handle the effect of the fused layers during the design phase because the effect tends to be 'skin deep'.

If all you want is to make something shine - you can sand the pieces and get a nice shine back with shellac. This trick does actually work with PLA as well. At least with sanding you can control which surfaces change tolerance and you don't risk any part warping because it started to dissolve.