Skip to content
cdnaas

cdnaas

everything health

  • Medical Supplies
  • Insurance
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Treatment
  • Healthy Diet
  • Business
  • About Us
    • Advertise Here
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Sitemap
  • Toggle search form
Protolabs launches new vapour smoothing for 3D printed production parts

Protolabs launches new vapour smoothing for 3D printed production parts

Posted on January 20, 2022 By Sharika Soukup

Digital manufacturer Protolabs has announced the launch of its new vapour smoothing offering for 3D printed parts.

The post-processing technology is now available for parts printed with Selective Laser Sintering or Multi Jet Fusion technologies in commonly used nylon PA-12 and elastic TPU-01 materials. The launch is said to mark a “significant advancement” for the company’s additive manufacturing capabilities and is proven to enhance the finishing of 3D printed parts with even the most complex geometries.

Andrea Landoni, Protolabs EMEA’s 3D Printing Product Manager, said: “Whilst 3D printing allows an engineer to design and produce complex parts and is ideal for low production runs when compared to injection moulding, the surface finish of the latter is far smoother but now, using vapour smoothing, we can bridge that gap for additive manufactured parts to smooth and seal even the smallest cavities on the surface.

“This allows parts in these materials to be used for a wider range of applications that demand a very fine smooth finish for aesthetic and functional reasons.”

The process also helps to improve the mechanical properties of parts, with increased elongation at break and impact strength, whilst sealed and smoother surfaces are water and airtight, making them easier to clean. The watertight finish will benefit many applications including tanks, fluid bearing pipes and ducts, valve covers and oil sumps within the medical sector and other industrial applications.

Andrea added: “Because the finishing process is automated, it can be used for far more geometries than a manual smoothing process, which can be limited due to reaching difficult to access areas. This means that you can have all the advantages of additive manufacturing for parts and achieve a surface finish that is comparable to injection moulding.”

Following 3D printing, Protolabs transfers parts to a smoothing chamber. Under a controlled environment this heats and introduces them to a finishing agent, which evaporates and spreads the vapour across the part, causing them to melt, liquify and redistribute material to even out any rough peaks or seal small cavities.

Andrea said: “This new service forms only part of the complete Protolabs offering. We manage the entire process from initial upload of a customer’s CAD to the shipping of finished parts, and with our teams of Application Engineers – engineering experts who provide support and advise along the way – we believe we offer a service that adds real value to our global customers.”

He explained that while the technology is only available for specific materials currently, it is also being tested for use with other materials.


Want to discuss? Join the conversation on the Additive Manufacturing Global Community Discord.  

Get your FREE print subscription to TCT Magazine.


https://www.tctmagazine.com/additive-manufacturing-3d-printing-news/additive-manufacturing-post-processing-news/protolabs-launches-vapour-smoothing-3d-printed-production/

Healthy Lifestyle Tags:Launches, parts, printed, production, Protolabs, smoothing, Vapour

Post navigation

Previous Post: Health insurance costs are growing for America’s middle class
Next Post: COVID’s cost for South Dakota health care: staff shortages, burnout

More Related Articles

The science says there’s no difference between a dry or a wet cold. Sorry The science says there’s no difference between a dry or a wet cold. Sorry Healthy Lifestyle
10 Random Issues I’m Loving Proper Now: Fall 2022 Version 10 Random Issues I’m Loving Proper Now: Fall 2022 Version Healthy Lifestyle
Create a healthier lifestyle 1 week at a time Create a healthier lifestyle 1 week at a time Healthy Lifestyle
‘How life began’: Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet, Science News ‘How life began’: Study explains how a moon helps create life on a planet, Science News Healthy Lifestyle
Creating a Nutritious Life style Alter – 6 Vital Techniques Creating a Nutritious Life style Alter – 6 Vital Techniques Healthy Lifestyle
10 Strategies – Feeding on Out and Remaining Wholesome 10 Strategies – Feeding on Out and Remaining Wholesome Healthy Lifestyle
Schads

Recent Posts

  • Relax and Unwind with Massages Near Youngsville
  • 5 Effective Ways to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) for a Healthier Gut
  • The Fast Food Temptation in Singapore: Could It Impact the Environment?
  • Men’s Diamond Wedding Bands: A Symbol of Elegance and Commitment
  • Discovering the Best Erythritol Sweetener for Your Health and Lifestyle
  • From Sapphires to Rubies: The Engagement Rings of German Nobility
  • Finding Reliable Erythritol Powder Suppliers: A Comprehensive Guide

Categories

  • Air Conditioning
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Dental
  • Disposable Vape
  • Education
  • Food and Beverage
  • Forex
  • Games
  • Health
  • Health and Beauty
  • Healthy Diet
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Parenting
  • Insurance
  • Jewelry
  • Medical Supplies
  • Pet
  • Pet and Animal
  • Real Estate
  • Software
  • Sport
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Treatment
  • Vape

Archives

Another example

Copyright © 2025 cdnaas.

Powered by PressBook Green WordPress theme