Question about layer line visibility on my last 3D print job

I used to think sanding PLA prints down to 220 grit was the standard for a smooth finish, but an old drafter at my shop showed me his acetone vapor smoothed ABS part and now I think I've been wasting hours of my time. Has anyone else switched to chemical smoothing for mechanical parts where tolerances matter?

2 comments

2 Comments

amyr571mo ago

Acetone vapor is honestly a game changer for ABS, way faster than sanding.

ben4021mo ago

Actually @amyr57 that trick works great but only if your part doesn't have any thin walls or small details. I tried it on a smaller print once and the edges kinda melted into a blob before the bigger surfaces even got glossy. You gotta be real careful with exposure time. A lot of people don't realize it can weaken the layer adhesion if you overdo it.