This technology allows the printing surface to make a texture close to injection molding, while improving the mechanical properties of parts.
Technical principles
The heart of steam smoothing treatment is to use chemical steam for micro-monl the surface of the room. The specific process is: put the impression in a closed treatment chamber and inject heated chemical solvent vapor (acetone, tetrahydrofuran, etc. depending on the material).
Once the vapor is condensed on the surface of the room, the surface material founded and will reorganize slightly, thus eliminating rolling and pores. The entire process includes automated steam injection, reaction, recovery and drying, which is generally completed in 1 to 2 hours.
Hardware adaptability
Steam smoothing treatment technology has good adaptability to current 3D printing materials. For ABS / ASA materials, acetone is the most commonly used treatment solvent; PLA materials are more suitable for use with tetrahydrofuran (THF); While nylon (PA), polypropylene (PP) and other engineering plastics are recommended for use with methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).
This technology is particularly suitable for the treatment of nylon parts manufactured by SLS Laser Sasting and MJF Multi-Jet Muling Processs. It can effectively improve the single surface grain to this process and ensure that the parts reach a smoother and smoother surface effect. Different materials must correspond to the corresponding chemical solvents to obtain the best treatment effect.
Important advantages
The steam smoothing treatment can make various performance improvements to 3D printed parts. First, the surface roughness of the treated parts can be considerably reduced to less than 0.8 microns, reaching a smooth effect near the mirror.
Second, this treatment not only improves appearance, but also improves the mechanical properties of parts, increasing their flexion resistance by 30%.
In addition, a dense layer will be formed on the surface of the treated parts, which have excellent waterproof characteristics and anti-permeability. The elimination of surface pores also makes parts easier to clean and disinfect, meeting the hygiene requirements of the medical and food industries.
At the same time, the smooth surface also provides an ideal foundation for subsequent secondary treatment such as paint and electrophies. Compared to traditional methods of hand grinding, steam treatment is not only more effective, but also costs only fifth of its cost, but also better maintaining the dimensional precision of the parts.
Application scenarios
In the industrial field, this technology is often used to make parts that require sealing or liquid contact, such as pipe joints, parts of the pump body, etc.; The medical industry uses it to manage the devices of devices which must comply with hygiene standards; And the field of consumer products is used to produce brilliant appearance parts.
Some car manufacturers also use this method to process bellowing test models to obtain more precise aerodynamic data.
Things to note
When you use this technology, you must be careful: the wall thickness of the parts should not be less than 1 mm. Large flat parts must be prevented from deformation and ensure good ventilation during treatment. Currently, brands such as AMT and DyeMansion provide professional equipment on the market, with corresponding solutions from the office to industrial quality.
With the popularization of the application by 3D printing lots, steam smoothing technology becomes an important bridge connecting printing and final use.
It does not only solve the problem of the quality of the surface, but also allows 3D printed parts to reach a new level of functionality. For users who continue the quality of the products, this post-processing process deserves attention.
