Learn · Industrial FDM
Vapor smoothing for industrial FDM parts.
FDM vapor smoothing reflows the layer ridges and gaps of an extrusion-printed part into a smoother, closed surface. PostPro handles industrial FDM materials as AMT lists them: ULTEM and Onyx with PostPro Pure, and ABS, PC, PBT, ASA and PET with FA326 on the SF50 and SF100.1,2
No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks3
Why FDM parts need finishing
Layer lines are more than looks.
Extrusion printing builds parts from beads of molten plastic. The ridges between beads show, catch dirt and, where beads do not fully bond, leave gaps that let liquids in.
Layer ridges
Reflowing the surface softens the ridges between beads for a cleaner, more even look.
Closed gaps
A reflowed skin closes small gaps between beads at the surface.
High-performance materials
ULTEM and carbon-filled Onyx parts go into demanding uses; PostPro Pure handles both.2
Controlled, not improvised
A closed machine with a recipe, instead of an open jar of solvent.
Materials
FDM materials by finishing agent.
As AMT lists them. If your filament is not here, send a sample.
| Material | PostPro Pure | FA326 | FA9202 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS, PC, PBT, ASA, PET1 | Not listed | Listed | Not listed |
| Ultem1 | Listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Onyx (carbon-filled nylon)2,4,5 | Listed | Listed | Not listed |
Listed by AMT— Not listedPostPro Pure runs in every PostPro system; FA326 on the SF50 and SF100; FA9202 for polypropylene.
Acetone at home vs industrial
Same idea, different process.
Hobbyists smooth ABS prints with acetone vapor in a jar or a heated box. It can look good on a single part, but nothing is controlled and the solvent escapes into the room.
Acetone smoothing
Time, temperature and vapor concentration drift; thin features and edges can slump; results vary from part to part; the operator breathes and handles the solvent.
Questions
FDM vapor smoothing: questions.
Short answers from AMT’s published material lists. Anything else, ask an engineer.
Which FDM materials can PostPro vapor smooth?
As AMT lists them: ULTEM and Onyx with PostPro Pure, and ABS, PC, PBT, ASA and PET with FA326 on the SF50 and SF100.1 For other filaments, send a sample.
Can the desktop SFX smooth FDM parts?
Yes, for the FDM materials listed with PostPro Pure, such as ULTEM and Onyx. The SFX covers MJF, SLS, SAF, HSS; FDM (including ULTEM and Onyx)4,6.
How is industrial vapor smoothing different from acetone smoothing at home?
It is the same principle run as a controlled machine process: a recipe, a closed chamber and recovery of the finishing agent, instead of an open container of acetone.
Next step
See the price. Run the numbers. Hold the part.
List prices are public and the cost-per-part math is yours to check, with no email needed for either. The free benchmark puts your own parts, vapor smoothed, in your hands.
-
01Quote
Build your quote
Pick a system and its options and get an itemized total on screen, from AMT’s published list prices.
-
02ROI
Calculate your ROI
Compare your cost per part with manual finishing, using your own labor rate and volumes. Every assumption is editable.
-
03Benchmark
Test your parts, free
Ship us your parts with a prepaid label. 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 weeks3
Prices: AMT list prices, excluding tax and shipping; confirmed in your formal quote.
Not sure which system? Help me choose