Design Tips and Dimensions for the PostPro SF100 Vapor Polisher

When working with the PostPro SF100 Vapor Polisher, it’s important to understand both the dimensional limitations of the machine and the best design practices that can help ensure a successful post-processing experience. The SF100 is a highly effective tool for improving the surface finish of 3D printed parts, but knowing how to design your prints with the machine’s capabilities in mind will yield the best results. In this blog post, we’ll cover the key dimensions the SF100 can accommodate, along with some expert design tips to help you make the most out of this powerful post-processing tool.

Dimensions of the PostPro SF100 Vapor Polisher

One of the first considerations when planning to use the SF100 is the size of the parts you want to process. The PostPro SF100 has specific dimensional limits that determine how large or small the objects can be to fit comfortably into the vapor chamber.

Chamber Size

The vapor chamber is where the 3D printed parts are placed to undergo the vapor polishing process. The maximum chamber dimensions for the SF100 are:

Features	PostPro SF100
Chamber Dimensions	15.7” x 23.6” x 15.7” (400mm x 600mm x 400mm)
Process Chamber Volume	96 Liters
Machine Dimensions	33” x 55.5” x 72” (830mm x 1400mm x 1830mm)
Power Requirements	400V 3-Phase 16A

 

This means that the SF100 can accommodate parts up to a cubic size of 320 mm x 320 mm x 320 mm, making it ideal for medium to large prints. For anything larger, you would need to either print smaller sections or use a different vapor polishing solution, as the SF100 cannot accommodate larger parts without splitting them into smaller sections.

Maximum Weight Capacity

The PostPro SF100 can hand

le parts up to 5 kg in weight. This is an important consideration for heavier prints, as the weight of the object can affect the ease with which it’s placed in the chamber and the uniformity of the vapor smoothing process.

Part Geometry and Shape

In addition to the size constraints, the shape and geometry of the part are also important. Since the parts are suspended in the vapor chamber during the polishing process, they should be designed in a way that they can be properly supported. It’s essential to avoid overly large, unsupported overhangs or excessively thin structures that may warp under the influence of the vapor.

Design Tips for Optimal Results with the SF100 Vapor Polisher

While the PostPro SF100 is highly effective at polishing 3D printed parts, certain design strategies can make a significant difference in the final result. Here are some tips to help you optimize your 3D designs for the SF100 vapor polishing process:

Avoid Thin, Fragile Features

The PostPro SF100 works by applying

solvent vapors to the outer layer of the part. Thin, delicate features such as small overhangs or intricate details may be softened or deformed during the process. To avoid this, ensure your designs have thicker walls and more robust features that can handle the vapor polishing process. If delicate parts are essential to your design, consider printing them separately and polishing them with a different method.

Design for Minimal Supports

While the SF100 works well with various geometries, it’s always a good idea to minimize the use of supports when printing your parts. Excessive support structures may interfere with the vapor smoothing process, leaving rough or uneven surfaces where supports were attached. Additionally, supports might obstruct the part from being evenly exposed to the vapor, leading to an inconsistent finish. If supports are necessary, try to design them in a way that they can be easily removed before post-processing.

Optimize Part Orientation

When designing parts for the SF100 vapor polishing, consider how the parts will be oriented inside the chamber. The vapor smoothing process works best when the part is suspended in the chamber, allowing solvent vapors to evenly affect the su

rface. If your part has a specific side that requires a smoother finish, orient that side so that it faces outward in the chamber.

Additionally, consider how your part’s orientation during printing impacts layer lines. Printing with the right orientation can reduce the visibility of layer lines that might not be as easily smoothed during the vapor polishing process.

Use Draft Angles and Contours

For better results, especially with complex geometries, use draft angles or rounded contours in your design. These features help reduce the sharp angles or sudden transitions that can trap solvent vapors, preventing them from evenly smoothing the part. By designing with smooth transitions and angles, you allow the vapors to work more effectively, creating a smoother surface.

Consider Post-Processing for Large Parts

For larger parts that approach the SF100’s maximum chamber size, you might need to perform vapor polishing in stages. This involves breaking the object down into smaller parts or sections, vapor polishing each separately, and then assembling them afterward. Although this adds extra work, it can ensure a consistent finish across all surfaces, as the parts will receive equal exposure to the vapor.

Account for Material Shrinkage

Certain materials, like ABS, may shrink or warp slightly when exposed to the solvent vapor. If this is a concern, design your parts with a little extra room for potential shrinkage. This is particularly important for parts that need to fit into tight spaces or those that must maintain dimensional accuracy after the smoothing process.

Experiment with Different Materials

While the PostPro SF100 works best with ABS and ASA, it’s worth experimenting with different types of filaments to see how they react to the vapor polishing process. Some materials, like PETG, may require different vapor settings to achieve optimal results. Understanding how your filament behaves will help you fine-tune the vapor polishing process for your specific application.

Colors

Some colors may come out completely different then your expecting with the different material you go with for printing. Our MJF comes out a grey color and once you put color on top it is very hard to see. Most people go with our PA2200 or our PA11 because its white and the color shows up a lot more vibrant. If you look below I put a couple pictured showing you how color and vapor polished looks on MJF colors because it is a light grey color when printed.

 MJF before and after being died red then vapor polishes                     MJF before and then vapor polished                            MJF before then died blue and then vapor polishes

Conclusion

The PostPro SF100 Vapor Polisher is a powerful tool that can drastically improve the surface finish of your 3D prints, transforming them into sleek, glossy parts suitable for high-quality production. By understanding the machine’s dimensional limitations and incorporating thoughtful design practices, you can optimize your prints for the best possible results. Pay attention to the size constraints, avoid fragile features, minimize support structures, and design with smooth, flowing contours to ensure that your parts not only fit into the SF100 chamber but also come out with a flawless finish. With these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the SF100’s capabilities and produce high-quality, professionally polished 3D printed parts.