Surface Finishing Service

Vapor Polishing

Anpllocnc is not only dedicated to getting you the best custom parts to make sure everything is working under the hood, we also utilize our expertise to give you an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance for those custom parts. One such method to achieve a finished look is vapor polishing. Vapor polishing is a specialized technique used to create a highly polished, optical-quality appearance on post-machined parts. It uses a heated solvent to react with certain polymers, changing the surface to a smooth, clear appearance. The result is a water-clear shine and transparent finish that enhances the clarity of a part’s internal attributes.

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What is Vapor Polishing?

Vapor polishing is a method used to polish plastics. Some commonly used plastics that respond well to vapor polishing are acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, polysulfone, and PEI. While 3D printed objects may be based on totally smooth computer models, the deposition or sintering done to create the object is done layer by layer. Even when the printer produces very fine layers, this creates some visible roughness that vapor polishing smooths away. It can be used anywhere on an object where a surface is accessible, including on internal surfaces. All vapor polishing does is smooth a surface. It does not alter its features.

Vapor polishing is done by exposing an object to a chemical vapor that smooths away roughness. Vapor polishing is done using a very strong and dangerous chemical, usually a solvent, that has been brought to a boiling point in a controlled environment and turned into a vapor. That vapor is then sprayed on a plastic to smooth it at a molecular level. The plastic melts on the surface, making every little scratch, bump, and rough spot vanish. The result with transparent materials is optical-level, allowing them to be used for windows and even eyeglasses.

Vapor Polishing of Machined Plastic Parts

Vapor polishing at Anpllocnc utilizes precise and highly controlled equipment to ensure effective and consistent application to the designated surfaces. This is important because the process requires parts with no residual stress, burns, or tool marks. This method of polishing will only magnify the visual imperfections with inexperienced plastic machining and could also lead to cracking or crazing of the part.

Key Features

Applicable Materials	Colors	Applications	Texture
CNC Polycarbonate (Clear, Black)	N/A	Enhanced cosmetic appearance, near optically clear applications	Smooth and glossy

Benefits of Vapor Polishing

Vapor polishing offers numerous benefits that make it a prime choice for enhancing plastic components. These benefits include:

Improves optical clarity and gloss to matte or opaque plastics
Creates passage of unobstructed light in electrical components
Improves fluid flow, especially for medical equipment
Produces high clarity and shine for displays or art
Enabling viewing of the inside of the manifold for liquid presence
Smooths 3D printed and fused deposition parts

About the Process

Vapor polishing is a manual process that uses a vaporized solvent to melt the surface of the material so that it flows and fills in microscopic scratches or voids. The surface is polished at a microscopic level and no material is lost in the process, similar to vapor smoothing for 3DP.

This process results in a near optically clear surface finish and is commonly used in applications where high levels of transparency are required.

How does it work?

The surface of the part to be polished is exposed to heated solvent vapor. The vapor melts a very thin layer on the surface of the part, and surface tension pulls the melted plastic flat over the surface resulting in a smooth, clear finish. After polishing is complete, the vapor evaporates off of the part, leaving it free from chemical contamination.

Design considerations

Parts with uniform wall thicknesses will generally smooth more evenly
Radiused corners generally produce better results than sharp corners

Vapor Polishing Specifications

Project	Info
Applicable materials	Polycarbonate (PC), Acrylic, ABS, Nylon
Colors	Clear
Texture	Smooth and glossy
Thickness	10μm to 80μm
Surface finish	Ra < 0.2
Pressure range	0.5 – 2.0 bar
Temperature range	40-60°C
Surface bubble	No bubbles, no blemishes
Process time	30 minutes
Applications	Remove small scratches, enhance transparency, and reduce surface friction

Is Vapor Polishing the Right Process for Your Next Project?

Vapor polishing is only one of many specialized finishing services we offer. Contact us today to see if it’s right for your next cnc machinig,plastic injection molding or 3D printing project.