Post-elaborazione delle stampe 3D in PLA e ABS

In an ideal world, 3D prints would all come out of our 3D printers ready to use. But, as any 3D printer owner knows, that's not always the case. We've all had to remove print media that left nasty marks on the surface of the printed objects. Here are our tips on how to post-process your 3D creations to get a smooth, snag-free result.

image via sinkhacks

Reduce your print media

the first step is to slice your object in your slicing software, the goal is to have as few print supports as possible. Whenever you adjust your slicer settings and orient your print, make sure that the orientation you select requires the least amount of media. Your goal is to minimize the amount of media and, subsequently, the amount of work you will have to do during post-processing of PLA and ABS prints.

Choose your material well

The way you will have to post-process your prints depends a lot on the material used during 3D printing. In fact, the next steps will depend on the printing material you choose. When you plan to print in 3D, it is therefore very important to be aware of the way PLA and ABS are post-processed, the constraints and the time involved in order to choose the material that will suit you best.

Take safety precautions

It is important to note that, while appropriate for home use, both chemicals used to smooth your 3D models are relatively toxic. Therefore, be sure to be careful when working with these chemicals. You should only use these materials in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Make sure your gloves are not latex (nitrile or neoprene gloves are fine)!

It is also important to note that we do not recommend this method of PLA and ABS post-processing for 3D models that will come into contact with food or creations that will be used by young children who may place the print or their hands in their mouths, as ingestion (even if only trace amounts) of these compounds could be dangerous.

Post-processing of ABS

One of the easiest and most effective ways to smooth out your ABS plastic is to use an acetone vapor.

What you will need:

1. Paper towels
2. Acetone
3. Tin foil
4. Sealable container

To smooth out your printing: here's a great video made by Make:

Remove any excess material that you can remove from your print.
Place paper towels around all four sides of a plastic container.
In a well-ventilated area, sprinkle a small amount of acetone on the bottom of the container and cover the bottom of your container with foil.
Place your 3D print in the container, and let it sit for several hours - until the print is smoothed out the way you want it.
Remove your 3D model and let it sit for several minutes to allow the acetone to evaporate from your print.
Your print is smoothed and ready!

Post-processing of PLA

For PLA, hand polishing with Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a good option, instead of acetone vapor for ABS.

PLA post-processing with 3D THF printed parts, what you will need:

1. Latex-free gloves
2. A lint-free, non-tinted polishing cloth.
3. Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

To polish your 3D models:

Remove any excess material that you can remove from your print.
Put on your latex-free gloves and use your polishing cloth.
In a well-ventilated area, dip the cloth into your THF, and polish your print as if you were applying shoe polish to a shoe, the circular motions work well.
Let your polished print dry (while still in a well-ventilated area) to allow any excess THF to evaporate.
Your print is smoothed and ready to use!

via Pinshape