LK Tools’ vapor smoothing finish improves the surface quality of additively manufactured parts reducing roughness and sealing the surface for a more production-ready look and feel.
(Replace “rivals injection molding” with “more production-ready” to avoid overclaiming; you can keep the stronger claim if you want.)
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Xometry’s Instant Quoting Engine is covered by U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,086,292, 11,347,201, 11,693,388, 11,698,623, 12,099,341, and 12,189,361. Other patents pending.
3D printing is a great fit for low-volume production and rapid iteration, but many polymer print processes produce a visibly textured surface. Powder bed fusion processes like SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) often have a matte, granular finish. FDM commonly shows layer lines. Traditional post-processing (tumbling, hand finishing, coatings) can help, but it may not fully seal the surface or deliver consistent cosmetic results on complex geometry.
Chemical vapor smoothing is an effective finishing option when cosmetics and a sealed surface are priorities. It can make polymer prints more suitable for end-use applications by improving appearance, reducing surface roughness, and enhancing cleanability characteristics (material and application dependent).
Chemical vapor smoothing is a controlled process that uses vaporized finishing chemistry in a sealed chamber to gently reflow the outermost surface layer of the printed part. Unlike sanding or blasting, vapor smoothing does not “cut” the surface with abrasives. Instead, it softens the microscopic peaks and redistributes material to reduce roughness and create a more uniform finish.
Typical workflow:
Exact chemistry and process parameters vary by system and material.
Vapor smoothing is compatible with many polymer 3D printing materials, especially common SLS and MJF nylons (material-dependent). If you’re unsure whether your material is compatible, upload your files and specify your print process and material so we can confirm feasibility.
Common compatible families (examples, project-dependent):
(If you provide your exact supported material list, I’ll convert this into a clean table.)
Vapor smoothing cost depends on:
Because the process is often performed in batches, per-part finishing cost can decrease with higher quantities. If your timeline is tight, include your target date in the quote notes so we can advise on the best path.
Vapor smoothing improves the surface condition of polymer prints by sealing and evening the exterior, which can enhance appearance and reduce the “powdery” feel common to some print processes.
Common benefits include:
Important note: vapor smoothing improves surface uniformity but does not necessarily create a mirror-polished surface. Subtle topology or faint build artifacts may still be visible depending on the process and geometry.
Vapor smoothing can support applications where a sealed, easier-to-clean surface is valuable. If your program has regulated requirements (food contact, skin contact, medical use, etc.), share the exact standard or compliance target so we can confirm feasibility and any required documentation.
(Only include specific “passes biocompatibility tests” statements if you have the exact test standards and supporting documentation you want to cite.)
Improved cosmetics and a sealed surface make parts better suited for demos, samples, and customer-facing reviews.
A strong option for prototypes that need a more finished look without switching away from additive manufacturing.
Batch finishing can support larger quantities of customized parts when the design is validated (project-dependent).
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