{"id":1124,"date":"2022-02-11T03:00:15","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T03:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makemendel.com\/?p=1124"},"modified":"2022-02-11T03:05:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-11T03:05:10","slug":"abs-smoothing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makemendel.com\/abs-smoothing\/","title":{"rendered":"What is ABS smoothing, and how does it work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Well, if you want to get the best visuals on your ABS printed models, you may need to go through a bit of ABS smoothing. ABS smoothing will make your 3D printed models look much more professional and have that shine you would desire to get from your models. The method of ABS smoothing mostly is to use acetone as the core solvent to get a clean and smooth surface finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are just starting on ABS printing, you may not know much about smoothing. That’s where I come in. Here, I will help you through the complete process of ABS smoothing and how you can do it. So, let’s not waste any time and get right into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does the ABS smoothing work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let’s go through the basics and what happens in the smoothing process. What you do in the smoothing process is melt a little bit of the ABS surface, which in turn smoothens it completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you are in the process, you will need to know the limits. Because if you are going over a specific point, you can easily damage the structure of your 3D print. This is why it’s better to go through this process with experience, especially if you are working with an actual 3D printed model rather than practice or sample ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, the best thing to do is, create some sample 3D printed models and keep practicing this process. After some attempts, you will figure out the perfect condition, and you will know when you should be stopping the smoothing process from getting the best results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: PLA vs ABS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to smoothen ABS filament<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several methods that you can use for smoothening your ABS prints. The methods I will share here mostly use acetone as the core solvent. The only difference is how you apply them in your 3D printed models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for using acetone is that ABS tends to react to acetone quite well and usually dissolves in it. That removes those rough lines on your ABS prints and makes them look as smooth as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different methods have their perks and drawbacks, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Let’s take a quick look at the methods for smoothening ABS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method-1: Using a brush to apply acetone  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most straightforward method you can try to apply acetone on your ABS prints is using a brush. All you need to do is pour some acetone into a bowl or cup. Dip the brush in it and then slowly apply that to the ABS model. It’s almost like painting your ABS models with acetone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, there are some issues with this method that you have to be aware of. The first one is that you will use up a lot of acetone in this process, and the results you get aren’t that satisfying. Also, sometimes, you will end up with white spots around the print surface, which doesn’t look that good visually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method-2: Going for an acetone bath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next method you can try out is a bit more extreme than just using a brush. Here, you will simply be bathing your ABS printed model entirely into a solution of acetone. This ensures that there is no spot left to cover the model with acetone and saves up a lot of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are plenty of drawbacks to this method. The first one is that you will need to touch the model when you are removing it from the bath. This can damage the surface of the ABS print, and you just end up with an ugly piece of the 3D model in your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, sometimes the acetone can get inside the model and cause even more internal damage. Along with all that, there is no certain time that you can determine for keeping the ABS model in the bath. So, that can be a bit troublesome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Altogether, this is a method that comes with a lot of drawbacks. But it’s the quickest way to cover up your model with acetone without leaving any gap at all. Only go for this method if you are left with no choice at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n