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Hey I want to chime in with an article we wrote on Understanding and Preventing Vapor Smoothing Defects. 1mm is a recommended minimum because you may get some bubbling, bridging, etc. on your features. Another thing to note is that the solvent sticks to parts via condensation. If you have fine/thin features on your part and thicker features elsewhere you may find inconsistent finishes. I recommend trying one part before production to see how you like it.

[andreas.fehr]

Hi, I’m working on a project that involves very delicate, thin-walled MJF 3D-printed parts, and I’m considering vapor smoothing to improve surface finish and aesthetic quality. My main concern is whether the process could cause warping or damage to such thin structures. Does anyone have experience with vapor smoothing on parts with extremely fine geometries, and are there any specific precautions or alternatives I should consider?

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[YvesYves]

Maybe, but it depends on the material and the design. If you’re using MJF, it’s quite forgiving in terms of design and can handle delicate, thin-walled features as long as they stay within general design guidelines. Vapor smoothing works well for improving the surface finish of MJF parts, but you need to be cautious with very thin sections. Areas thinner than 1 mm, for example, can sometimes liquefy during the smoothing process, leading to a torn or patchy appearance. I’d recommend following specific design rules to prevent these defects. Here’s a guide with eight tips on how to avoid issues during vapor smoothing.

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[Greg Paulsen]

Hey I want to chime in with an article we wrote on Understanding and Preventing Vapor Smoothing Defects. 1mm is a recommended minimum because you may get some bubbling, bridging, etc. on your features. Another thing to note is that the solvent sticks to parts via condensation. If you have fine/thin features on your part and thicker features elsewhere you may find inconsistent finishes. I recommend trying one part before production to see how you like it.

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[andreas.fehr]

Hi, Greg! Thanks for sharing! The 1mm minimum makes sense, especially with bubbling and bridging concerns. Testing a single part first is a great idea to ensure a consistent finish. Appreciate your insights

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