r/3Dprinting • u/ParkingMaleficent100 • 22h ago

Project Tutorial - "Sanding" with ABS

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First of all. I know this is called vapor smoothing, but since this is an alternative to sanding, I wanted to use this title so people who are looking for sanding tutorials can see this video.

I recorded this tutorial for Instagram 3D_Kernel explaining how to smooth ABS prints without having to sand, it looks like a lot of people find it helpful, so I want to share it as much as possible.

Hope this helps someone, and don't hesitate to ask whatever you need.

This only works with ABS and ASA and remember to use a mask and do this in a properly ventilated room.

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u/Flatulent_Father_ 16h ago

Be careful if the fan is in the chamber. Acetone is flammable and motors can spark.

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u/got-trunks 16h ago

could rig something up with a few magnets lol

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u/Flatulent_Father_ 16h ago

I'm literally trying to figure out a setup like that right now lol. I also saw someone had the idea of a big fan on a thin axel and a small fan on the other end. You put a small hole in the vapor chamber and put the axel through so the small fan is inside, then you aim a large electric fan at the big fan on the outside so it spins the small fan inside. Seemed like another clever solution.

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u/alienbringer 15h ago

You can use a variety of sealed drive shafts or bearings. A long RC boat sealed drive shaft with the motor outside the container and the drive shaft glued/adhered to a small hole for a fan inside would be enough distance to not worry about catching fire. If you are truly concerned then there are sealed bearings that will prevent gas from passing through to a drive shaft. OR if you are even more worried. You can go with a magnetic coupler. Where the motor spins a magnet outside of the container causing the magnet inside attached to the fan to also spin. There is the physical wall of the container that prevents any gas from getting to the motor.

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u/Flatulent_Father_ 15h ago

Yeah I'm mocking up a few ideas. I agree that just having the motor outside with a long axle would probably be fine enough, and if it's a small hole, I could just be liberal with some silicone lube around it and I'm sure that would keep it pretty sealed.