Explore our range of cutting edge vapor smoothing machines for 3D printing and beyond.
3D printed parts are not end-use ready when they come off the printer. The rough and porous surface of as-printed parts limits their use cases and functionality. Vapor smoothing is a vital step in 3D printing post-processing in that it turns parts into smoother, more functional, and aesthetically appealing finished products.
90 - 120 minutes
11, 50 and 100 liter
Freely configurable
UP TO
Parts processed with our machines have a surface finish comparable to injection molding.
UP TO
Vapor smoothing significantly improves the elongation at break and tensile strength of materials.
Vapor smoothing is a finishing process in which the rough surface of a printed object is exposed to solvent vapors under controlled conditions. The vapor condenses on the part’s surface, eliminating peaks and troughs, and enhancing the part’s strength, aesthetics, and water resistance. This results in a smooth and professional appearance.
The parameters are selected based on the characteristics of the geometry and material. The process starts automatically after the recipe is selected.
The vaporized solvent is injected in the processing chamber, evenly smoothing part surfaces under controlled conditions.
The parts are resolidified and dried, ensuring that no solvent traces remain on the the surface. The parts are ready for their end use application.
The PostPro SFX is compatible with Polyamide 12. More material compatibility is currently being developed.
The PostPro SFX is the world’s first desktop vapor smoothing system for engineering plastics.
The desktop sized system does not only offer unparalleled post-processing performance – it has the smallest footprint, enabling smoothed, sealed and stronger parts in any environment. The PostPro SFX utilizes a green consumable, PostPro Pure.
This technology is compatible with both powder and extrusion-based additive manufacturing technologies. It has been tested with several thermoplastic polymers, including nylons and TPU/TPE flexible materials, making it ideal for applications in SLS, MJF, and HSS.
Automated vapor smoothing system delivering end-use parts for high volume production.
The PostPro SF PURE represents the latest generation in our industrial systems designed for vapor smoothing. This system is offered in two chamber sizes, 50 and 100 litres (SF50 and SF100).
The PostPro SF system marks an advancement in post-processing technology, incorporating advanced features to deliver a state-of-the-art production experience.
The PostPro SF Pure is a fully closed-loop vapor smoothing system which ensures the safety of the operator. The system generates zero waste and features full consumable recycling, utilizing AMT PostPro’s sustainable PostPro Pure consumable for safe and environmentally friendly operation.
This is the only technology capable of smoothing and sealing both the surface and internal cavities of 3D printed polymer parts, while simultaneously improving their mechanical properties.
The PostPro SF50 & SF100 PP are compatible with polypropylene from a range of manufacturers, including Ricoh, BASF, HP and AM Polymers.
Industrial vapor smoothing machine for polypropylene.
Engineered with precision to transform vapor smoothing capabilities within the polypropylene market, offering unparalleled surface refinement and enhanced aesthetics for your 3D-printed applications.
Developed from years of fundamental research at the University of Sheffield, this technology has been proven in the industry over the past seven years. It is protected under the following patents: EP3565712, GB2582225, and GB2597240B.
The PostPro SF PP is a fully closed-loop vapor smoothing system designed to prioritize operator safety. This system is distinguished by its zero-waste generation and incorporates full consumable recycling. It utilizes our sustainable consumable FA9202, ensuring both safety and environmentally friendly operation.
Vapor smoothing can be applied to a variety of materials produced by powder bed fusion methods (such as SLS, MJF, HSS, SAF) and extrusion-based printing techniques (including FFF, FGF, HSE, FDM).
AMT PostPro vapor smoothing systems are compatible with a range of materials and printing technologies.
Our vapor smoothing technology is compatible with a range of thermoplastic polymers. This includes a range of rigid plastics, elastomers, as well as various composite materials that are glass, carbon, or mineral-filled.
AMT is committed to sustainability. Our vapor smoothing systems use proprietary, environmentally friendly solvents that meet all major health, safety, and compatibility standards. Coupled with the closed-loop technology, this not only ensures the vapor smoothing process is safe for operators but also guarantees that the parts are safe for end users to handle.
Watch our AMER Director, Brad Duermit, explain the vapor smoothing process and how it can benefit your additive manufacturing workflow.
The utilisation of this technology stemmed from the need for heightened durability, enabling its use across various conditions, as well as the desire for a biocompatible surface and impeccable finish, expected for a premium product.
Vapor smoothing was used to enhance mechanical performance, establish a soft and biocompatible surface for interaction with children, and guarantee ease of cleaning through a sealed surface.
Made functional by enabling post-use sterilization, ensured wearer comfort through enhanced smoothness, and achieved a stain resistance surface by sealing pores.
Implemented to create a protective barrier on the surface, preventing material degradation from oil exposure, while simultaneously enhancing mechanical characteristics like elongation at break.
PostPro vapor smoothing revolutionizes the additive manufacturing industry. Watch the SF machines launch video to learn more about this cutting-edge technology.
Discover firsthand how AMT PostPro’s innovative vapor smoothing technology is revolutionizing post-processing across a diverse array of industries, delivering not only impeccable surface finishes but also enhanced functionality and performance.
Dive into some case studies to witness how AMT PostPro is setting new benchmarks, improving product aesthetics and performance, and optimizing manufacturing workflows for businesses worldwide.
The PostPro SF 100 is a game changer
Prototal UK is one of the largest SLS printing bureaus in the United Kingdom. The company has been responsible for some of the largest additive manufacturing projects in the country.
They have an extensive printer and post processing portfolio, which includes AMT’s PostPro DP MAX & SB for depowdering and surface blasting, as well as the PostPro SF100 for vapor smoothing.
Discover the full range of our post-processing systems, including depowdering, surface blasting, and vapor smoothing, by downloading our brochure.
Our vapor smoothing systems are capable of smoothing a wide range of thermoplastic polymers, encompassing rigid plastics, elastomers, and composites. However, thermosets are not currently supported
The parts should be free of powder and are ideally depowdered using an automatic depowdering system, such as the PostPro DP, DP PRO, or DP MAX. There are no other requirements
Parts can be dyed either before or after the smoothing process, depending on your workflow. If you are smoothing HP MJF grey parts, vapor smoothing removes the semi-sintered layer of the part, revealing the material’s vibrant black color. In this scenario, dyeing the part black may be unnecessary.
Certainly, we provide complimentary benchmarking services to demonstrate the impact of vapor smoothing on your own parts. For more details and to initiate the process, please reach out to us using the benchmarking form available on our website.
