---
title: "Automated Surface Finishing for 3D Printed Parts | PostPro"
description: "Automated surface finishing for 3D printed parts: PostPro vapor smoothing seals and smooths parts inside and out in one cycle. Test your parts free."
canonical: https://amtechnologies.com/
updated: 2026-10-07
type: home
---
The originals of automated vapor smoothing[1] · [core patent filed Jan 2017](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/#family-01)

# Automated surface finishing for 3D printed parts.

PostPro vapor smoothing seals and smooths powder-bed 3D prints, inside and out, in one automated cycle: 1.5–2 h on an SF100.[2]

[Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=hero) See the range

No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks[3]

- As printed, then PostPro See the transformation
- 900+[4] PostPro systems installed in 40 countries · all product lines
- AI-powered process + service Built on 10M+[5] process data points

![PostPro SF100 vapor smoothing system, near-black with a touchscreen and the PostPro SF100 door panel, front three-quarter view](https://amtechnologies.ai/cad/stills/desktop/assembled.webp?v=278e417f24)

Render · PostPro SF100, from AMT engineering CAD. Exploded and sectioned for illustration.

Inside the SF100 · from AMT CAD

## Open it up.

Here is the PostPro SF100, taken apart along AMT's own engineering CAD.

1. ![PostPro SF100 with its outer covers and doors lifted away, showing the process chamber](https://amtechnologies.ai/cad/desktop/seq1/f035.webp?v=278e417f24)

   01 / 03

   ### Built for production.

   Designed and built for production environments and high-volume throughput.[2] Inside, one front-loading process chamber[6] of 400 × 600 × 400 mm.
   1. Outer covers
   2. Service doors
   3. Process chamber
   4. Door and lift
2. ![PostPro SF100 exploded into its modules around the process chamber](https://amtechnologies.ai/cad/stills/desktop/exploded.webp?v=278e417f24)

   02 / 03

   ### Vapor in. Consumable back.

   On-board vapor generation, then consumable recovery and drying, all inside one closed-loop system.[2]
   1. Vapor generation
   2. Recovery and condenser
   3. Vacuum system
   4. Fluid handling
   5. Consumable drawer
3. ![Section A–A through the PostPro SF100, cut through the process chamber and a vapor generator](https://amtechnologies.ai/cad/stills/desktop/section.webp?v=278e417f24)

   03 / 03

   ### Controlled end to end.

   HMI touchscreen, RFID-controlled access and MES/ERP connectivity,[6] from an integrated electrical cabinet.

   [Explore the SF100](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf100/)
   1. HMI
   2. Electrical cabinet

The transformation

## It goes in as a print. It comes out as a product.

The same printed manifold, before and after a PostPro vapor cycle. Rendered from our chamber footage; the real clip is one click away.

![Render of the 3D-printed demo manifold as printed: matte gray with a fine powder grain, on a dark stage.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/manifold-raw-1440.webp) ![The same manifold after vapor smoothing: a sealed, satin black surface.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/manifold-smooth-1440.webp)

[Watch the real footage (MP4, 0:11)](https://amtechnologies.com/hf/footage-manifold-16x9-960.mp4)

Render · Illustrative. The AMT demo manifold as printed, then sealed after a PostPro vapor cycle (the real cycle takes longer). Start and end states rebuilt from our chamber footage of this part.

1. ### Sealed surface, closed pores.

   Vapor reduces surface porosity, for a finish comparable to injection-molded parts.[7]
2. ### Reaches the hard-to-reach.

   The chamber runs under vacuum, so vapor travels freely, condenses in recesses and intricate features, and smooths them evenly.[2]
3. ### Cured and dried in the same cycle.

   The consumable is removed from the surface, then the part is dried and ready for use.[2]

- ![Close-up render of the manifold flange corner as printed, with a fine open powder grain around a bolt hole.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/macro-flange-raw-640.webp) ![The same flange corner after vapor smoothing, with a closed satin black skin.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/macro-flange-smooth-640.webp)

  Render · Flange surface as printed (open powder grain) and after vapor smoothing (sealed).
- ![Close-up render of a manifold runner and mounting pad as printed, grainy gray.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/macro-runner-raw-640.webp) ![The same runner and pad after vapor smoothing, a continuous satin skin.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/macro-runner-smooth-640.webp)

  Render · Runner surface before and after vapor smoothing: the grain closes into a continuous skin.

### Photographed, not rendered.

Parts as printed and after PostPro vapor smoothing, photographed and aligned for comparison.

Before / after

Saddle

![3D-printed lattice bicycle saddle as printed, with a rough gray surface](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/ba-saddle-before-960.webp) ![The same saddle after PostPro vapor smoothing, with a smooth, sealed black surface](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/ba-saddle-after-960.webp)

Photo · Lattice bicycle saddle as printed, and after PostPro vapor smoothing. Machine not recorded. Aligned and evenly toned for comparison; not retouched.

Helmet

![3D-printed lattice helmet shell as printed, with a matte gray, grainy surface](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/ba-helmet-before-960.webp) ![The same helmet shell after PostPro vapor smoothing, with a smooth, sealed dark surface](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/ba-helmet-after-960.webp)

Photo · Lattice helmet as printed, and after PostPro vapor smoothing. Machine not recorded. Shown side by side because the two photos differ in camera angle. Not retouched.

Water test · TPU bellows

Footage · A drop soaks into the as-printed TPU bellows (left) and beads on the vapor-smoothed one (right). Real footage from two takes joined by a short dissolve; two crops of the same clip, resized and color graded. Machine and date not recorded.

See the measured results

Evidence

## Measured, dated, published.

Every result below names the material it was measured on and cites the published test behind it, with the date it came out.

A square marks a result published before October 2024.

**Published results PostPro vapor smoothing**

| Measured | Result | Material | Published |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Surface roughness | 13.42 → 1.18 µm As printed, then after vapor smoothing. | BASF Ultrasint TPU01 · HP MJF | Nov 2022, published before October 2024 [AMT whitepaper: Ultrasint TPU01](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/surface-enhancement-of-ultrasint-tpu01-parts-by-postpro-vapor-smoothing/)[8] |
| Strength · accuracy | Elongation at break +38.1% (XY) Dimensional change ≤ 0.4% | PA12 · voxeljet HSS | Feb 2024, published before October 2024 [AMT whitepaper: HSS PA12](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/vapor-smoothing-voxeljets-hss-pa12-with-amt-postpro/)[9] |
| Sealing · accuracy | Burst pressure up to +7% Dimensional change ≤ 0.4% | PA2200 · SLS | Jan 2024, published before October 2024 [AMT whitepaper: SLS PA2200](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/performance-improvements-of-vapour-smoothed-sls-pa2200-parts/)[10] |
| Food contact · cytotoxicity | See PostPro Pure Both were tested on parts finished with PostPro Pure, so the results are listed with it. |   |   |
| Patented process | Patents include EP3565712 · GB2582225 · GB2597240B |   | Jun 2026 [AMT brochure: PostPro systems](https://info.amtechnologies.com/download-document?document_name=brochure)[6] |

Note Results depend on material, printer and recipe.

Want numbers for your part? Send it to us.

[Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=evidence) [All AMT whitepapers](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/)

No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks[3]

![PostPro Pure FA5802 finishing agent cartridge](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/pure-cartridge-352.webp)

RENDER · PostPro Pure FA5802 cartridge.

PostPro Pure · FA5802

## Chemistry you can put in a technical file.

PostPro Pure is the finishing agent behind PostPro vapor smoothing, and the machine recovers it in a closed loop.[2,11] Readily biodegradable (OECD 301 B). Like any solvent it is combustible, and it carries hazard labels: a skin and eye irritant (H315, H319). Handle it per the Safety Data Sheet.[12,13]

- Food contact Parts printed in FABULOUS DETECT PA11 and finished with PostPro Pure were tested by an accredited independent lab to US FDA 21 CFR §177.1500. Extractables were well within regulatory limits. Apr 2026[14]
- Cytotoxicity HP 3D HR PA 12 parts printed on HP MJF and finished with PostPro Pure showed no cytotoxic effects and no loss of strength. Jun 2025[15]
- Range FA326 for 100+ thermoplastics on SF50 and SF100. FA9202 for polypropylene. Checked Oct 2026[11]

- [Read the food-contact validation](https://amtechnologies.com/news/fabulous-and-amt-validate-3dprinted-food-contact-compliance/)
- [Safety data and material compatibility](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/documents/)

The range

## One process. Four sizes.

All four run the same automated cycle: conditioning, processing, curing and drying.[2] Choose the chamber that fits your builds, from a desktop unit for R&D to a cabinet for high-volume production.

- **Works with**: MJF, SLS, SAF and HSS; FDM ULTEM and Onyx parts on SFX[2]
- **Materials**: PA12 · PA11 · TPU · TPE (SF50, SF100) · PP with FA9202 (SFX, SF50, SF100)[2,11]

![PostPro SFX desktop vapor smoothing system, front view](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/range-sfx-480.webp)

SFX height 845 mm[6]

![PostPro SF2X desktop vapor smoothing system, front view (not to scale)](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/range-sf2x-325.webp)

N.T.S. · SF2X dimensions being confirmed

![PostPro SF50 vapor smoothing system, front view](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/range-sf50-640.webp)

![PostPro SF100 vapor smoothing system, front view](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/range-sf100-640.webp)

SF100 height 1830 mm[6]

RENDER · SFX, SF50 and SF100 to scale by published height, on one ground line. Below each, its chamber in plan (W × D, mm).[2] SF2X: dimensions being confirmed, not to scale.

1. ### PostPro SFX

   Desktop · R&D and low-volume production

   - **Chamber W × D × H**: 190 × 320 × 190 mm
   - **Cycle**: 2 h[2]
   - **List price**: from $23,100

   [SFX product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sfx-desktop-vapor-smoothing-system/) [Get a price for the SFX](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sfx)
2. ### PostPro SF2X

   Desktop · scalable throughput, double the SFX chamber capacity

   - **Chamber W × D × H**: 260 × 390 × 260 mm[16]
   - **Cycle**: 2 h[2]
   - **List price**: from $32,620

   [SF2X product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) [Get a price for the SF2X](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf2x)
3. ### PostPro SF50

   Floor-standing · low-volume production of end-use parts

   - **Chamber W × D × H**: 400 × 300 × 400 mm
   - **Cycle**: 1.5–2 h[2]
   - **List price**: from $89,390

   [SF50 product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf50/) [Get a price for the SF50](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf50)
4. ### PostPro SF100

   Floor-standing · high-volume production

   - **Chamber W × D × H**: 400 × 600 × 400 mm
   - **Cycle**: 1.5–2 h[2]
   - **List price**: from $155,050

   [SF100 product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf100/) [Get a price for the SF100](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf100)

AMT list prices, excluding tax and shipping; confirmed in your formal quote. [See all prices](https://amtechnologies.com/pricing/)

Not sure which size? Send us a part. We’ll smooth it on the system that fits and send it back with a report.

[Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=range) [Help me choose](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/) [Talk to an engineer](https://share.hsforms.com/1lOH82JpuRdSM-4wJ1ZeYlw45o6d?website_source=Vapor%20Smoothing&utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=range-talk)

### Consumables

Closed-loop finishing agents, matched to the material.[11]

[All consumables](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/consumables/)

- PostPro Pure

  FA5802

  Readily biodegradable (OECD 301 B)[12,13]. Combustible; skin and eye irritant, see SDS.[13]

  Works in SFX · SF2X · SF50 · SF100[6,11,16]
- FA326

  Finishing agent

  For 100+ thermoplastics.

  Works in SF50 · SF100[11]
- FA9202

  Finishing agent

  For polypropylene parts.

  Works in SFX · SF50 · SF100[11]

#### Compare the SF range

PostPro vapor smoothing systems: published specifications

| Specification | SFX | SF2X | SF50 | SF100 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sized for[2,6] | Desktop · R&D and low-volume production | Desktop · scalable throughput, double the SFX chamber capacity | Floor-standing · low-volume production of end-use parts | Floor-standing · high-volume production |
| Chamber W × D × H[2,16] | 190 × 320 × 190 mm | 260 × 390 × 260 mm | 400 × 300 × 400 mm | 400 × 600 × 400 mm |
| Cycle[2] | 2 h | 2 h | 1.5–2 h | 1.5–2 h |
| External W × D × H[6] | 450 × 500 × 845 mm | [See product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) | 830 × 1400 × 1830 mm | 830 × 1400 × 1830 mm |
| Materials[2,11] | PA12 · PA11 · TPU · PP with FA9202 | PA12 · PA11 · TPU | PA12 · PA11 · TPU · TPE · PP with FA9202 | PA12 · PA11 · TPU · TPE · PP with FA9202 |
| Finishing agents[2,11] | PostPro Pure · FA9202 | PostPro Pure | PostPro Pure · FA326 · FA9202 | PostPro Pure · FA326 · FA9202 |
| Product page | [SFX](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sfx-desktop-vapor-smoothing-system/) | [SF2X](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) | [SF50](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf50/) | [SF100](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf100/) |

Software & AI

## Intelligent by design.

Powered by a decade of processing parts and more than 10 million process data points, AMT has developed its own proprietary algorithms and post-trained models that power our fleet of SF machines.[5]

[Try the emulator](https://amtechnologies.com/software/) [How the software works](https://amtechnologies.com/software/)

[![The PostPro SF touchscreen in the demo: process status with the cycle stages, progress bars and simulated process traces.](https://amtechnologies.ai/emulator/poster-1280.webp) Simulated demo · The SF touchscreen software, in your browser. Values are illustrative and based on published SF specifications.](https://amtechnologies.com/software/)

1. ### Process intelligence

   Recommends the recipe chain for each material and load (conditioning, processing, curing, drying) and shows the predicted cycle before you start.
2. ### Automated service flags

   Tracks filter life, consumable level and maintenance intervals, and raises a flag before they turn into downtime.
3. ### Diagnostics

   Shows sensor health at a glance and guides the operator, step by step, through resolving a fault.
4. ### Remote support

   One tap on the touchscreen raises a ticket with the machine’s logs attached, so AMT engineers can diagnose it remotely.

### The fleet behind the data.

Each dot is a city where PostPro vapor smoothing systems run today. The full map, with systems by country, is on the software page.

[Explore the fleet map](https://amtechnologies.com/software/)

![World map with a teal dot for each area that runs PostPro vapor smoothing systems.](https://amtechnologies.ai/hf/fleet-teaser.svg)

Data · PostPro vapor smoothing systems by area, from AMT’s Nexus fleet records, October 2026. Locations approximate.

Automate · SF100

## Load. Smooth. Unload. Repeat.

DMS, AMT’s Digital Manufacturing System, loads and unloads PostPro SF100 systems automatically. It recognizes each tray, selects the recipe for the batch and keeps production running unattended.[17]

- **Mode**: 24/7 unattended production[17]
- **Recipes**: Tray recognition selects the recipe[6]
- **Works with**: PostPro SF100 systems, including existing installs[6]
- **Connectivity**: MES/ERP on SF50 and SF100[6]
- **Auto Load/Unload Module**: Price on request

[Explore automation](https://amtechnologies.com/products/digital-manufacturing-systems/) [Get a price for an automated SF100](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf100)

FOOTAGE · A DMS cell loading trays into an SF100.

![Overhead view of a DMS automation cell: a robot arm carries a tray of parts between a PostPro vapor smoothing system and the DMS tray station](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/plate-dms-640.webp)

Photo · A DMS cell from above. Every cell is configured per project.

Where it started

## From a Sheffield lab to 40 countries.

Born from University of Sheffield research[18]. AMT engineered the machines that automate it, patented the process, and has been refining it on production floors ever since.

1. 2017

   ### AMT is founded

   In Sheffield, to take the university’s research into industry.

   [TCT Magazine, Feb 2017](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-postpro3d-technology-transforms-post-processing-3d-printed/)
2. 2017

   ### The core patent is filed

   Priority date January 9, 2017. First granted in the UK in June 2020, since in Europe, the US and China.

   [GB2560073B](https://patents.google.com/patent/GB2560073B/en) [TCT Magazine, Jun 2020](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-patents-vapor-smoothing-technology/) [All grants](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/#family-01)
3. 2018

   ### PostPro3D

   The first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed 3D printed parts[1]. Commercially available from September 2018.

   [TCT Magazine, Sep 2018](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-postpro3d-3d-printing-smoothing-commercially-available/)
4. 2021

   ### PostPro SF50 and SF100

   The production range, launched at Formnext 2021: one machine, two chamber sizes.

   [TCT Magazine, Nov 2021](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-launches-next-generation-3d-printing-surface-finishing-s/)
5. 2022

   ### PostPro Pure

   AMT’s own finishing agent, now used across the range.

   [Additive Manufacturing, Nov 2022](https://www.additivemanufacturing.media/products/amts-postpro-pure-offers-sustainable-vapor-smoothing-chemistry)
6. 2025

   ### PostPro SF2X

   Launched at Formnext 2025, with double the SFX chamber capacity.[16,19]
7. Today

   ### 900+[4] systems

   PostPro systems installed in 40 countries, across all product lines, and 10M+[5] process data points behind the software.

What’s next

### SF Gen 3 Coming soon

The next chapter of vapor smoothing.

To hear first, [contact AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/contact-us/).

Want to see your feature included?

[Or post it in the community](https://amtpostpro.discourse.group/new-topic?category=ideas-and-feedback)

Pricing

## See the price. Run the numbers.

List prices for every system, with the machine and its ancillaries pack itemized. No form to fill in first.

- PostPro SFX Desktop

  List price from

  $23,100

  - **The Starter Bundle**: $23,100
  - **The Complete Bundle**: $30,100

  [Get a price](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sfx)
- PostPro SF50 Floor-standing

  List price from

  $89,390

  - **Machine + ancillaries pack**: $99,414
  - **Machine**: $89,390
  - **Ancillaries Pack**: $10,024
  - **Installation and training**: Priced in your formal quote

  [Get a price](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf50)
- PostPro SF100 Floor-standing

  List price from

  $155,050

  - **Machine + ancillaries pack**: $165,074
  - **Machine**: $155,050
  - **Ancillaries Pack**: $10,024
  - **Installation and training**: Priced in your formal quote

  [Get a price](https://amtechnologies.com/configurator/?model=sf100)

AMT list prices · indicative · confirmed in your formal quote. Excluding tax and shipping. Installation, training and care plans are priced in your formal quote. PostPro SF2X: from $32,620, the Starter Bundle.

### What would it cost per part?

Compare PostPro with manual finishing on your own parts, volumes and labor rate: cost per part, payback and hours freed. An estimate from your inputs, with every assumption shown.

[Build your quote](https://amtechnologies.com/quote/) [Calculate ROI](https://amtechnologies.com/roi/) [Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=pricing)

In production

## Parts that ship.

From production machinery to hand prostheses to rally cars, PostPro vapor-smoothed parts are in service, not on a shelf.

### PostPro in service

- 900+[4] PostPro systems installed
- 40[4] countries
- 50M+[19] parts finished
- 50+[4] patents in post-processing technology

### Case studies · vapor smoothing

1. Case study 01 / 06

   ![Black vapor-smoothed pick-and-place part fitted with suction cups and an air hose](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/tr-norden-960.webp)

   PHOTO · Vacuum pick-and-place part

   - **Customer**: Norden
   - **Part**: Production machinery
   - **Process**: HP MJF → vapor smoothed
   - **Result**: A single part with internal vacuum channels replaced a multi-component, machined assembly
   - **Date**: Nov 2025[20]

   [Read the case study: Norden](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/vapor-smoothing-for-production-machinery/)
2. Case study 02 / 06

   ![A partial hand prosthesis gripping a box under running water](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/tr-point-designs-960.webp)

   PHOTO · Prosthesis under running water

   - **Customer**: Point Designs
   - **Part**: Partial hand prostheses
   - **Process**: HP MJF → PostPro SFX
   - **Result**: Smooth, sealed surfaces that improve comfort and hygiene
   - **Date**: Jul 2026[21]

   [Read the case study: Point Designs](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-partial-hand-prostheses/)
3. Case study 03 / 06

   ![ABConcept rally car throwing up a plume of dust on a desert stage](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/tr-abconcept-840.webp)

   PHOTO · Rally car on a desert stage

   - **Customer**: ABConcept
   - **Part**: Rally car parts
   - **Process**: HP MJF PA12 → vapor smoothed
   - **Result**: 100+ parts through 2,450+ km of the Rallye du Maroc
   - **Date**: Dec 2025[22]

   [Read the case study: ABConcept](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-rally-car-parts/)
4. Case study 04 / 06

   ![Hydrogen fuel-cell drone in flight low over open desert at dusk](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/tr-intelligent-energy-960.webp)

   PHOTO · Hydrogen UAV in flight

   - **Customer**: Intelligent Energy × Graphite AM
   - **Part**: Hydrogen UAV casings
   - **Process**: PostPro SF100
   - **Result**: Surface sealing, durability and resistance to environmental exposure
   - **Date**: Jan 2026[23]

   [Read the case study: Intelligent Energy × Graphite AM](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-uav-components/)
5. Case study 05 / 06

   ![Protolabs production floor: a row of industrial 3D printers under extraction ducting](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/tr-protolabs-960.webp)

   PHOTO · Protolabs production floor

   - **Customer**: Protolabs
   - **Part**: Flame-retardant automotive parts
   - **Process**: HP MJF, HP 3D HR PA 12 FR → vapor smoothed
   - **Result**: Flame-retardant parts with improved surface quality and UL94 V-0 compliance
   - **Date**: Jun 2026[7]

   [Read the case study: Protolabs](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/flame-retardant-3d-printed-parts/)
6. Case study 06 / 06

   - **Customer**: GM, with GKN Additive (Forecast 3D), BASF Forward AM and HP
   - **Part**: Spoiler closeout seals
   - **Process**: HP MJF, BASF Ultrasint TPU01 → vapor smoothed
   - **Result**: 60,000 parts, needed quickly to avoid delaying 30,000 vehicles
   - **Date**: Jan 2023, published before October 2024[24]

   [Read the case study: spoiler closeout seals](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/basf-ultrasint-tpu01/)

> Vapor smoothing is well received at our customers because of surface quality and benefits like enhanced strength, easier cleaning and no effect on detail resolution or dimensional accuracy, and the process runs several times a day contributing to our success.

Markus Schrittwieser 1zu1 Prototypen GmbH[25]

> AMT's vapor smoothing machine has not only elevated the visual appeal of our products but also enhanced their functional properties. By selectively controlling the smoothing process, we can tailor surface characteristics such as gloss, friction, and sealing behavior.

Stijn Paridaens CEO, ZiggZagg[25]

### Who runs PostPro

- Stratasys Direct Has invested in a PostPro SF100 for its vapor smoothing service.[26]
- Prototal Runs PostPro vapor smoothing systems at its production sites across Europe.[27]
- Raise3D Partnered with AMT to offer PostPro vapor smoothing alongside its RMS220 SLS printer in Europe.[4]
- Partners **125+** production partners and **60+** resellers worldwide.[28]

[Find a partner near you](https://amtechnologies.com/postpro-partners/) [All case studies](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/)

In production · on film

## See it running.

[Watch on YouTube:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovERDs8LmwQ)

Footage · Jul 16, 2026 Length 0:37

_3D Printed Drone | EOS SLS + Vapor Smoothing for Production-Ready UAV_

Drone parts printed on EOS SLS and vapor smoothed on a PostPro SF100 by Avid Product Development: sealed against the elements, easier to clean, closer to an injection-molded finish.

[Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovERDs8LmwQ)

Nothing loads from YouTube until you press play.

- [Watch on YouTube:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCtoCJFK7fk)

  Footage · Apr 22, 2025 Length 3:21

  ### _How General Motors Scaled 3D Printing with Vapor Smoothing | AMT PostPro Case Study_

  General Motors' spoiler closeout seals: HP MJF parts in TPU, vapor smoothed on a PostPro SF100 to seal them and give them rubber-like properties.

  [Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCtoCJFK7fk)
- [Watch on YouTube:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9wVvMA7GEg)

  Footage · Jul 1, 2025 Length 1:14

  ### _How SGD 3D Scaled Production with Vapor Smoothing | PostPro SFX in Action_

  SGD 3D, a 3D printing service in Nottingham, on adding vapor smoothing with the PostPro SFX: smoother, watertight SLS parts for its customers.

  [Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9wVvMA7GEg)
- [Watch on YouTube:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKcQ_XTqcc)

  Footage · Dec 22, 2025 Length 1:29

  ### _Improving Pick & Place Tube Filling Automation with HP MJF and PostPro Vapor Smoothing_

  Norden Machinery's pick-and-place fingers for tube filling: HP MJF parts with internal vacuum channels, vapor smoothed with PostPro Pure for a glossy, scratch-free, easy-to-clean finish.

  [Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNKcQ_XTqcc)

Nothing loads from YouTube until you press play.

Beyond 3D printing

## Vapor polishing for machined plastics.

Vapor polishing takes out tool marks and brings back clarity on CNC-machined plastic parts. AMT does it on the PostPro SF100 with PostPro Pure[29].

Materials

Polycarbonate (PC), acrylic (PMMA), ABS, polysulfone (PSU), PEI (ULTEM™) and nylon (PA)

[Vapor polishing machined plastics](https://amtechnologies.com/applications/vapor-polishing-machined-plastics/) [Send us a machined part](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=machined)

FAQ

## Questions, answered.

Straight answers, with the source for every number.

### What is vapor smoothing?

Vapor smoothing finishes 3D printed polymer parts with a vaporized consumable in a closed chamber. It seals and smooths the surface, inside and out, in one automated cycle: conditioning, processing, curing and drying.[2]

### Who invented automated vapor smoothing for 3D printed parts?

The first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed 3D printed parts[1] was PostPro3D, launched by AMT in [2018](https://www.tctmagazine.com/amt-postpro3d-3d-printing-smoothing-commercially-available/). AMT was founded in Sheffield in January 2017 on University of Sheffield research and filed its core vapor smoothing patent in [2017](https://amtechnologies.com/patents/#family-01). Solvent smoothing of plastics in general is older than AMT.

### Which 3D printing technologies and materials can be vapor smoothed?

MJF, SLS, SAF and HSS; FDM ULTEM and Onyx parts on SFX.[2] Materials include PA12, PA11, TPU, TPE and polypropylene, and FA326 covers 100+ thermoplastics on the SF50 and SF100.[11]

### Does vapor smoothing change part dimensions?

Very little. Published tests measured a dimensional change of ≤ 0.4%[9] on voxeljet HSS PA12 and ≤ 0.4%[10] on SLS PA2200.

### What is the difference between the SF50 and the SF100?

They are the same machine with two chamber sizes: 400 × 300 × 400 mm on the SF50 and 400 × 600 × 400 mm on the SF100 (W × D × H), both with a 1.5–2 h cycle.[2] The SF50 suits low-volume production of end-use parts, the SF100 high-volume production.

### What powers the PostPro SF software?

Powered by a decade of processing parts and more than 10 million process data points, AMT has developed its own proprietary algorithms and post-trained models that power our fleet of SF machines.[5] On the machine, that means recipe recommendations, automated service flags, guided diagnostics and remote support.

### How much does a PostPro system cost?

List prices start at $23,100 for the PostPro SFX, $32,620 for the SF2X, $89,390 for the SF50 and $155,050 for the SF100, from AMT’s price list, excluding tax and shipping. [Build an itemized quote](https://amtechnologies.com/quote/)

### Can I test my parts before buying?

Yes. Send us your parts: we vapor smooth them and send them back with before-and-after photos and a benchmark report. No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks.[3]

Free benchmark

## Send us a part. We’ll send it back vapor smoothed.

The fastest way to judge a surface is to hold it. Submit your parts online and ship them with a prepaid label. Our technicians vapor smooth them on the right PostPro system for the job, then send them back with before-and-after photos and a full benchmark report.

[Test your parts, free](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/submit?utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=close) [Talk to an engineer](https://share.hsforms.com/1lOH82JpuRdSM-4wJ1ZeYlw45o6d?website_source=Vapor+Smoothing&utm_source=amtechnologies.com&utm_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=home-2026&utm_content=close-talk)

No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks[3]

[Find a partner near you](https://amtechnologies.com/postpro-partners/)

![PostPro SF50, SF100 and SFX vapor smoothing systems side by side on a dark stage](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/close-lineup-dark-960.webp)

RENDER · PostPro SF50, SF100 and SFX.

1. 01 Your parts arrive, as printed

   ![Hands lifting a bag of rough, gray, as-printed parts out of a shipping carton](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/bm-01-960.webp)
2. 02 Hung on the rack

   ![As-printed parts being hung on wire hooks under a smoothing rack](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/bm-02-960.webp)
3. 03 Into the smoothing chamber

   ![The loaded rack sliding into the chamber of a PostPro vapor smoothing system](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/bm-03-960.webp)
4. 04 Back to you, vapor smoothed

   ![The same parts after vapor smoothing, now black and glossy, bagged to ship back](https://amtechnologies.ai/img/bm-04-960.webp)

PHOTO · AMT vapor smoothing benchmark: parts as printed in the first three frames, vapor smoothed in the last. Not retouched.

## Sources

1. [AMT company statement: world's largest installed base of automated vapor smoothing systems; first automated vapor smoothing system for powder-bed parts (PostPro3D); largest patent portfolio in vapor smoothing](https://amtechnologies.com/about/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026
2. [Vapor smoothing: SF and X-series family page and SFX, SF2X, SF50, SF100 product pages](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026 · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sfx-desktop-vapor-smoothing-system/) · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf50/) · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf100/)
3. [PostPro benchmarking: send us your 3D printed parts](https://benchmarking.amtechnologies.com/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026
4. [Raise3D announces partnership with AMT to bring advanced post-processing to RMS220 SLS 3D printer](https://amtechnologies.com/news/raise3d-and-amt-partnership/) · AMT · Apr 2, 2026 · also [3D ADEPT Media](https://3dadept.com/raise3d-and-amt-join-forces-to-deliver-end-to-end-sls-post-processing-in-europe/)
5. [AMT company statement: proprietary algorithms and post-trained models (10M+ process data points)](https://amtechnologies.com/software/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026
6. [AMT PostPro brochure: automated post-processing systems for additive manufacturing, V4.0 (June 2026)](https://info.amtechnologies.com/download-document?document_name=brochure) · AMT · Jun 2026
7. [Flame-retardant 3D-printed parts with UL94 V-0 compliance (Protolabs case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/flame-retardant-3d-printed-parts/) · AMT · Jun 3, 2026
8. [Ultrasint TPU01 enhancement with PostPro vapor smoothing (whitepaper)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/surface-enhancement-of-ultrasint-tpu01-parts-by-postpro-vapor-smoothing/) · AMT · Nov 7, 2022
9. [Vapor smoothing voxeljet's HSS PA12 with AMT PostPro (whitepaper)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/vapor-smoothing-voxeljets-hss-pa12-with-amt-postpro/) · AMT · Feb 6, 2024
10. [Performance improvements of vapor smoothed SLS PA2200 parts (whitepaper)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/performance-improvements-of-vapour-smoothed-sls-pa2200-parts/) · AMT · Jan 8, 2024
11. [Vapor smoothing consumables: PostPro Pure (FA5802), FA326 and FA9202](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/consumables/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026
12. [Health & Safety Certification Overview, solvent: PostPro Pure (FA5802)](https://6983077.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6983077/Website/Specification%20Sheets/AMT_HEALTH_SAFETY_PURE_CERTIFICATION_EN.pdf) · AMT · Apr 2024
13. [PostPro Pure Safety Data Sheet, V1.0](https://6983077.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6983077/Website/MSDS/PostPro_PURE_MSDS.pdf?ver=2) · AMT · Jan 16, 2023
14. [Fabulous and AMT validate food contact compliance for 3D-printed parts using DETECT PA11 and PostPro Pure](https://amtechnologies.com/news/fabulous-and-amt-validate-3dprinted-food-contact-compliance/) · AMT · Apr 7, 2026
15. [Vapor smoothing of HP MJF parts with sustainable PostPro Pure consumable (whitepaper)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/whitepapers/vapor-smoothing-of-hp-multi-jet-fusion-mjf-parts-with-amts-sustainable-postpro-pureconsumable/) · AMT · Jun 20, 2025
16. [PostPro SF2X product page](https://amtechnologies.com/products/vapor-smoothing/postpro-sf2x/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026
17. [PostPro Digital Manufacturing System (DMS)](https://amtechnologies.com/products/digital-manufacturing-systems/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026
18. [AMT company statement: born from University of Sheffield research; founded in Sheffield](https://amtechnologies.com/about/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026
19. [AMT closes record year with product launch at Formnext 2025](https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/amt-closes-record-year-with-product-launch-at-formnext-2025-246256/) · 3D Printing Industry · Nov 12, 2025
20. [How Norden improved efficiency with vapor smoothing for production machinery (case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/vapor-smoothing-for-production-machinery/) · AMT · Nov 27, 2025
21. [Designing 3D-printed partial hand prostheses patients want to wear (Point Designs case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-partial-hand-prostheses/) · AMT · Jul 2, 2026
22. [How vapor smoothing helps 3D-printed rally car parts perform in extreme racing conditions (ABConcept case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-rally-car-parts/) · AMT · Dec 10, 2025
23. [Lightweight hydrogen UAV components enhanced through vapor smoothing (Intelligent Energy case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/3d-printed-uav-components/) · AMT · Jan 27, 2026
24. [GM's success: vapor smoothing for automotive production (spoiler closeout seal case study)](https://amtechnologies.com/resources/case-studies/basf-ultrasint-tpu01/) · AMT · Jan 23, 2023 · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/industries/automotive/) · also [Forward AM](https://forward-am.com/gain-knowledge/blog/additive-manufacturing-gets-cars-into-showrooms/)
25. [Customer spotlights on AMT industry pages (1zu1 Prototypen, automotive; ZiggZagg, consumer)](https://amtechnologies.com/industries/automotive/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026 · also [AMT](https://amtechnologies.com/industries/consumer/)
26. [Vapor smoothing services: production-quality 3D parts at Stratasys Direct](https://www.stratasys.com/en/stratasysdirect/resources/articles/vapor-smoothing-production-quality-3d-printing/) · Stratasys Direct · Nov 10, 2025
27. [AMT and Prototal establish partnership to scale industrial manufacturing solutions](https://amtechnologies.com/news/amt-and-prototal-strategic-partnership/) · AMT · Sep 16, 2025
28. [PostPro partners: production partners and reseller network](https://amtechnologies.com/postpro-partners/) · AMT · read Oct 6, 2026
29. [AMT company statement: SF100 + PostPro Pure vapor polishing of machined plastics (PC, PMMA, ABS, PSU, PEI, PA)](https://amtechnologies.com/applications/vapor-polishing-machined-plastics/) · AMT · Oct 6, 2026