PolySmoother: Polish Your Prints The Way They Should
An extremely convenient tool for polishing 3D prints.
Through our R&D, we found some of these questions and some were asked by people from commercial warm up. Not saying we are the only experts, but we definitely did our homework, you might be surprised and interested in our work.
PolySmoother is an extremely convenient tool for polishing 3D prints. Choose the right solvent for the model and set a suitable temperature and place the object in the container 5-10 minutes (the time varies depending in the quality of the model and the layer thickness). In vapor smoothing, the solvent will vaporize from heating and then the “vapor” will surround and interact with the surface of the model. Gradually, the surface is dissolved, and when the process is complete, you will be amazed by its whole new look – all the layer lines gone and only a clean and smooth surface finish!
Whether it is a tiny model, a long object or a big one with a complicated structure, they can be all taken care of by PolySmoother following the instructions. Although PolySmoother is not outstanding in terms of its minimalist appearance, it is certainly stunning when you realize how powerful its features can be.
Note: Use different solvent depending on what material of the 3D print you want to polish.
A patent-pending technology embedded in the machine is that it is capable of keeping the temperature around the 3D print to the same degrees, guaranteeing the same level of vapor interacting with the model and maximizing the polishing effect. This is a significant and powerful feature that can ensure the surface is evenly smooth.
First, before you start the polishing, make sure you choose the correct solvent.
ABS: Acetone (C3H6O) - PLA: Chloroform (CHCl₃)
About Solvents Used:
Through our R&D, and digging on the internet, we found, and we tried, some brand of PLA material will react to Acetone and some don’t, so we are not giving a definite answer for what solvent need to use. So far, we heard so much chemicals that will work on PLA, such as THF(Tetrahydrofuran) and Ethyl Acetate...etc. But here we are only giving recommendations from the result of our researches and experiments.
Second, clean the container with water, make sure there are no residuals left inside. Then, put on any necessary protection if needed, such as gloves, mask.. Oh, don’t forget to put PolySmoother away from any ignitable objects, and do not smoke, keep it away from children.
Prepared everything? Let’s start polishing!
1. Pour in the solvent, we recommend the amount of solvent is about 1 mm thick, just the amount to cover the bottom of the container.
2. Put the tray in, place the 3D print on the tray. Then, set the time and temperature, and put the lid on. Turn on the machine by pressing the green power button.
3. After the machine turns on, the solvent will be evaporated, a vapor ‘line’ on the container inner wall goes up, and reaches the top and eventually could the lid glass. When you see the vapor line reach the top, you can turn it off and let it do its work.
4. After the polishing process is done, open the lid and take out the tray to air dry the print. Because our theory of polish is to ‘melt’ the outer layer lines of the print, as a result, DO NOT touch the print before the surface of the print is hardened, otherwise your pint will have your fingerprint as an extra.
5. Drying time can be 5-30 mins, depending on the level you have melted (polished) the print, and the material of the print.
* We over polish it as it is hard to capture all the details using our camera, result can be vary by changing the amount of solvent/time/temperature.
* Make sure the solvent does not dry out during the polishing process, if it does dry out, pour a little more in.
(The preparing steps is sames as the simple polishing method)
1. Find a way to tie some string to your print, in order to hang it. Screws, and fishing line can be used. Tie both sides of the string on the handle of the tray.
2. Set the time and temperature, and put on the lid. Turn on the machine by pressing the green power button.
3. After the machine turns on, the solvent will be evaporated, a vapor ‘line’ on the container inner wall goes up, and reaches the top and eventually could the lid glass. At this point, you can turn off the machine by pressing the power (green) button and let the residual heat work on the print.
Note: Depending on the size and the quality of the print, temperature and time needed are listed in the list Table of Time and temperature setting, the better the quality of the print is, layered lines will be thinner and time an temperature required for polishing will be shorter/lower. For prints does not require high precision of use, a small amount of solvent can be pour over the print, to speed up the polish
For places where you don’t need to polish, like the base or bottom of the print, you can put in a screw or nail for hanging polish, or stick a tap on the bottom to prevent it from sticking on the tray.
This table only provides rough estimations, 3D prints can be in different sizes and shapes, as a result this estimation will not be 100% accurate, adjust time and temperature in your own preference.
Please note, time required for the polishing process does not take into account heating time, but the time of after the heating is done.
Maximum polishable size: 325 (length) x 176 (width) x 200 (height) mm.
PolySmoother comes with only switch button, time control and temperature control. Once you learn about the process, simply set the time and temperature and press the switch button. A simple print-smooth-enjoy journey for 3D printing is now waiting for you.
PolySmoother employs the latest technology to construct a strong all-metal body. You will find PolySmoother incredibly durable since the strong material - stainless steel makes it hard to be damaged and impressively corrosion and heat resistant, with the strength of low temperature carbon steel to sustain low temperature. We are also on a mission of protecting the earth and that’s why we choose stainless steel that is extremely environmentally friendly.
This container is impervious, preventing any liquid and vapor leak to avoid safety issues. It also comes with a glass lid that allows you to monitor and observe what’s happening inside.
The container can be effortlessly detached and replaced from the machine. Its high capacity allows it to accommodate a model as big as 325x176x200mm for polishing.
PolySmoother throws in a metal tray where you can place the unpolished print. As the two most commonly used methods for vapor smoothing, you can choose either place the model on the middle of the tray or use a wire to hang it in midair. The ring sides are used as a handle to lift the tray out of the container when the process is done. Don’t forget to wear gloves as a safety measure.
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Electronics