3D printed products are not as smooth as injection molded products. Although the model can be made smoother and more beautiful through fine polishing, this is often time consuming and labor intensive. In this article, Mohou.com presents a kind ofsteam straighteningPost-processing method。
What is steam straightening？
The Posedla 3D-printed custom bicycle saddle was made using BASF’s flexible TPU polymer on an HP Mulit Jet Fusion 3D printer, but the result (top) is a rough matte gray surface. After being smoothed with steam on an AMT PostPro machine, it gives the appearance desired by the customer (Source: AMT PostPro)
Steam straightening, also known as chemical straightening, is a post-processing technique thatThe outer surface of 3D printed parts is lightly metallized and these parts are typically made from thermoplastic materials such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA (polylactic acid), and nylon. This involves exposing the printed object to solvent vapors, generally acetone for ABS or ethyl acetate for PLA, in a controlled environment.
The steam penetrates the surface and softens the plastic, allowing it to flow back and mix. As the steam condenses on the surface, it dissolves a thin layer of plastic, effectively removing any visible imperfections, layer lines and roughness, resulting in a smoother surface finish.
Improved steam straighteningThe aesthetic of 3D printed objects makes them look more polished and professional, just like injection molded parts, but it’s more than just looks.
Some steam smoothing methods can improve mechanical properties and create a sealed, waterproof, sterilizable surface.
existAMT PostPro vapor smoothing parts 3D printed on Formlabs Fuse SLS (Source: Formlabs)
However, in some cases this process can also slightly reduce the dimensional accuracy of the printed part and is therefore not suitable for all applications.
Steam straightening consumer products
When a bicycle parts manufacturerWhen Posedla (pictured above) chose to 3D print their innovative bicycle saddle with variable support zones customized based on the rider’s anatomy, they did so using an HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer powered by BASF’s flexible TPU polymer. Perfect form and function, but something is missing. . These saddles are unlike other bicycle saddles on the market. Using the AMT PostPro steam straightener becomes an important step for appearance, but it also seals the porous surface of the saddle, improving its mechanical and structural properties. As a result, the saddle passed the skin contact and irritation tests required for this consumer product.
Posedla saddles are also tested for mechanical damage and fatigue to meet or exceed ISO standards for bicycle saddles.
The 3D printed Wilson airless Gen1 basketball features DyeMansion’s vapor coloring and smoothing technology (Source: Wilson)
Another recent example is that of a sporting goods companyWilson released the Wilson Airless Gen1 3D printed basketball in 2024. Once printed, it will not have the grip and shine of a typical basketball. DyeMansion’s steam smoothing and coloring make this product comparable to traditional basketballs.
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