Giving 3D printed parts a shiny smooth finish

[ylexot]

Saw this article and figured I'd pass it on. I haven't tried it and it's going to be a while since my build is on hold.
http://hackaday.com/2013/02/26/giving-3 ... k+a+Day%29

The process is pretty simple. Get a large glass jar, put it on a heated build plate, add a tablespoon of acetone, and crank the heat up to 110C. Acetone vapor will form in the jar and react with any printed part smoothing out those layers. The pic above shows from right to left a 3D printed squirrel at 0.35 mm layer height, 0.1 mm layer height – the gold standard of high-end repraps – and another print with 0.35 layer height that was run through a vapor bath for a few minutes. Amazing quality there, and cheap and easy enough for any 3D printer setup.

[gabrielk]

check third post in my topic http://forum.seemecnc.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=1220

[timothysvec]

Wow! I'm off to the beauty supply store.

[Godspeed]

That is really cool. I wonder how much detail is lost during this process. The squirrel seems to have retained its detail from what the pictures show.

[jesse]

Does anyone know how to make a smooth surface without using acetone?

I would like to avoid using solvents.

[mhackney]

Flame polishing is effective.

The only other way is traditional abrasives - filing/sanding/polishing. I am experimenting with some industrial scotchbright wheels now. I use them to polish Delrin effectively. I'll of course post results but it might be awhile. Also, I assume you mean for ABS too? PLA is a whole 'nother game!

[Polygonhell]

Does anyone know how to make a smooth surface without using acetone?

I would like to avoid using solvents.

The best results I've seen use high build filler primer paints, effectively fill the gaps.
Some details here
http://kisslicer.com/forum/index.php?topic=466.0

IME sanding PLA is a very painful experience, it goes soft at very low temperatures and it either removes nothing or heats the plastic to the point it softens and clogs the paper.