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Chemical vapor fumigation for SLS 3D printing post processing

Chemical vapor fumigation after 3D printing SLS (selective laser sintering) is an important post-treatment process aimed at improving the surface quality and performance of printed parts.
Aug 21st,2024 109 Views

    Chemical vapor fumigation after 3D printing SLS (selective laser sintering) is an important post-treatment process aimed at improving the surface quality and performance of printed parts. The following is a detailed analysis of the process:

First, basic principles

    Chemical vapor fumigation is carried out on the SLS printed parts in the cabin after gasification with a special chemical solvent. In the fumigation process, the surface of the part will dissolve. Due to the microscopic inconsistencies of the surface, the micro-convex part of the surface will dissolve preferentially, and the dissolution rate is higher than that of the concave part. The surface of the dissolved liquid is affected by tension, and the raised part will flow down the concave part, resulting in a uniform and smooth surface after solidification. Finally, the solution on the surface of the parts is evaporated and recovered, and there is no residue on the surface of the parts, only the original material is left, and the entire fumigation and polishing process is completed.

Second, the main role

    1.Improve surface smoothness: chemical vapor fumigation treatment can significantly remove the graininess on the surface of SLS printing, improve gloss, and change the surface from matte texture to bright texture, smooth touch and higher appearance level.
    2.Improve mechanical properties: the surface roughness of the treated parts is reduced, the cracking point disappears, and the elongation at break is significantly improved, and the comprehensive data shows that it can be increased by about 30% or more for some materials. At the same time, the toughness of the thin-walled parts has also been significantly enhanced, and it is not easy to break.
    3.Enhance air tightness and water tightness: For parts that need to consider air tightness and water tightness, such as pipes, various types of joints, outdoor use product shells, etc., chemical steam polishing can effectively improve the density of the surface to meet the above needs.

    Meet the needs of specific industries: In the medical field, the use of green solutions through safety certification of chemical steam polishing, can improve the surface smoothness of long-term skin contact products such as medical rehabilitation AIDS, prevent bacteria from breeding in small pores, to ensure safe use

Third,Operation process

    Preparation stage: Put the SLS printed parts into the fumigation cabin, and set the processing parameters, including fumigation time, temperature, solvent type, etc.

    Fumigation stage: Start the equipment, vaporize the special chemical solvent and fumigate the components in the cabin. During the fumigation process, pay close attention to the operating status of the equipment and the surface changes of the parts.

    Recovery and cleaning stage: After the treatment is completed, the solution on the surface of the part is evaporated and recovered. Parts are cleaned and dried as necessary to remove residual solvents and other impurities from the surface.

Fourth,Application cases

    In medical, automotive, consumer electronics and other industries, SLS printed parts after chemical vapor fumigation treatment, can significantly improve the surface quality and performance to meet the needs of practical applications. For example, in the medical field, treated rehabilitation AIDS are smoother, more durable and safer; In the automotive sector, parts such as pipes and joints after treatment are more airtight and watertight, improving the reliability and safety of the vehicle.

    In short, chemical vapor fumigation is an important process in SLS 3D printing post-processing, which can significantly improve the surface quality and performance of printed parts to meet the actual needs of different industries.