Smoothing 3D Printed Models With Acetone Steam Bath
3D printers create models in layers , which can be seen if you look closely at the model. If you want a smoother and shinier surface, you can achieve injection mold quality with a little acetone.
Acetone is a powerful solvent that can destroy acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a plastic commonly used in 3D printing. And as Matthew Perks demonstrates in this video from his YouTube channel, you can use acetone vapors to smooth out the harsh edges of the model. To do this, you will need a tray, a tall glass, some acetone, and a small metal platform on which your model can sit. You will also need a small piece of cardboard and a paper towel.
Place the model and platform on the tray, then loop the paper towel and place it on the bottom of the glass. Stick it onto a piece of cardboard and pour some acetone into the glass so that the paper towel absorbs it. Now place the glass on the model and fill the bottom of the tray with a little water to keep acetone from seeping out. After some time your model will start to shine, just remove the glass and let the model dry.
The Easy Way To Make Super-Smooth 3D Prints At Home | Youtube