DS-FEB22-PG39:DS-NOV21-PG43 18/02/2022 14:37 Page 1
Whilst 3D printing allows an engineer to design and produce complex parts and is ideal for low production runs
when compared to injection moulding, the surface finish of the latter is far smoother,” commented Andrea Landoni, Protolabs EMEA’s 3D printing product manager. To overcome this issue, the company has launched vapour smoothing for 3D printed parts which is said to be a significant advancement for additive manufacturing as it further enhances a plastic part’s surface finish on even the most complex geometries. At the moment, this post-processing
automated technology is currently available for the commonly used nylon material PA-12, as well as the elastic material TPU-01. The process is, however, being tested for more materials. Landoni continued: “Now, using vapour smoothing, we can bridge that gap for additive manufactured parts to smooth and seal even the smallest cavities on the surface… This allows parts in these materials to be used for a wider range of applications that demand a very fine smooth finish for aesthetic and functional reasons.” There are, however, further advantages – the process improves a part’s mechanical properties
with increased elongation at break and impact strength, whilst the sealed and smoother surfaces are also water/airtight and are easier to clean. “Because the finishing process is
automated, it can be used for far more geometries than a manual smoothing process, which can be limited due to reaching difficult to access areas,” continued Landoni. “This means that you can have all the advantages of additive manufacturing for parts and achieve a surface finish that is comparable to injection moulding.”
Following production of the parts using selective laser sintering (SLS) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), the team at Protolabs transfer the parts into a smoothing chamber which heats them and introduces a finishing agent. Under carefully controlled conditions, this
agent evaporates and the vapour spreads across all surfaces of the part. This causes them to melt, liquify and redistribute material to even out any peaks and troughs and seal
even the smallest cavity. Improved water tightness opens up a number of applications, including tanks, fluid bearing pipes and ducts, valve covers and oil sump; with the medical sector and other industrial applications set to benefit from ease of cleaning due to a smoother surface.
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