PLA Finishing - Which method? – Prusa i3 kit (Archive)

simone.f

(@simone-f)

Estimable Member

PLA Finishing - Which method?

Hello to all!

Well, this argument is often discussed on the net, but cannot find a real good answer. I'm new with 3d printing, so my first model is printed! But needs to be finished.
On your experiences, which is the best method to finish smooth a PLA print?

I've read about:

Acetone - but should work only on ABS? Seems online tests shows how it works on PLA as well

Ethyl acetate - some tests are made with this as well. Seems nail polish works

THF Tetrahydrofuran - seems really expensive!

Sanding, wet / dry (80-120-240 up to 1000). Well, that's a hard work!

XTC-3D® - really expensive as well. Cannot find easly the product in my country

What else?

Thanks all for sharing your experiences.

Simon

Posted : 14/11/2016 9:46 am

JoanTabb

(@joantabb)

Veteran Member Moderator

Re: PLA Finishing - Which method?

Spray filler/primer and car paint.
sands easier than PLA

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 14/11/2016 1:26 pm

simone.f

(@simone-f)

Estimable Member

Topic starter answered:

Re: PLA Finishing - Which method?

Spray filler/primer and car paint.
sands easier than PLA
Ok, so your aproach is to fill the lines instead to polish it?
Any hit for this approach?
Could be a good way as well!

Any suggestions/experiences with the methods I've listed?

Thanks,

Simon

Posted : 14/11/2016 2:48 pm

JoanTabb

(@joantabb)

Veteran Member Moderator

Re: PLA Finishing - Which method?

I have used acetone on PLA, it makes the surface go nasty and discoloured, but as I was trying to de bond some magnets that were attached with superglue, I wasn't bothered about the plastic,

I have done a little sanding with wet and dry abrasive paper which is time consuming...
and I use a deburring tool to remove the first layer flange (Squish)

I have two of these, one has a plastic handle, cost about £1.35 from China. the other has an aluminium handle and came from England at about £5.45

I haven't tried the other methods

I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK

Posted : 14/11/2016 3:34 pm

simone.f

(@simone-f)

Estimable Member

Topic starter answered:

Re: PLA Finishing - Which method?

I have used acetone on PLA, it makes the surface go nasty and discoloured, but as I was trying to de bond some magnets that were attached with superglue, I wasn't bothered about the plastic,

I have done a little sanding with wet and dry abrasive paper which is time consuming...
and I use a deburring tool to remove the first layer flange (Squish)
I have two of these, one has a plastic handle, cost about £1.35 from China. the other has an aluminium handle and came from England at about £5.45

I haven't tried the other methods

Thanks!
I think I'll try with "Ethyl acetate" meanwhile, in waiting for other experiences 😉

Posted : 14/11/2016 3:52 pm