Vapor Smoothing as a Post-Processing Technique for Enhanced Surface Finish in FDM 3D Printing

Abstract

In virtue of its benefits and abilities to produce intricate geometrics fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most preferred additive manufacturing technology. FDM can be used for all polymers amongst which polylactic acid (PLA) is widely used polymer for consumer & industrial product 3D printing. In this investigation analysis of a vapor smoothing as a post processing treatment to improve the surface finish of additive manufactured Polylactic acid components is discussed. During the investigation vapor smoothing is carried out for 1 ml, 2 ml & 3 ml concentration of ethyl acetate. Results suggest that 3 ml concentration improves surface finish by 13.48 % & 3.37 % as compared to 1 ml & 2 ml concentration respectively. The optimize process parameters found during this investigation are 3 ml of concentration, 180 seconds of time and 0.12 mm layer thickness which will leads to highest surface finish of 3D printed parts made with FDM.