Sign in Get Instant Quote

Finishing Services

Vapor Polishing

At a glance

Applicable Materials

CNC Polycarbonate (Clear, Black)

Colors

N/A

Applications

Enhanced cosmetic appearance, near optically clear applications

Texture

Smooth and glossy

About the Process

Vapor polishing is a manual process that uses a vaporized solvent to melt the surface of the material so that it flows and fills in microscopic scratches or voids. The surface is polished at a microscopic level and no material is lost in the process, similar to vapor smoothing for 3DP. 

This process results in a near optically clear surface finish and is commonly used in applications where high levels of transparency are required.

Design considerations

  • Parts with uniform wall thicknesses will generally smooth more evenly
  • Radiused corners generally produce better results than sharp corners

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN

Design for Sustainability (DFS): A Guide for Engineering More Eco-Friendly Products

We want the products we design to last—to perform reliably, win market adoption, and deliver long-term value. But it’s not ideal if they last forever in a landfill, or negatively impact the planet we depend on.  That balance is at the heart of sustainable product design. As environmental awareness grows and regulations become more stringent, […]

Learn More

6+ Axis CNC Machining: Capabilities, Design Rules, and When It’s Worth the Investment

For engineers designing complex machined parts, the advantages of moving from 3-axis to 5-axis machining are well understood. The most capable higher-axis configurations— including 6-axis machining centers, turn-mill platforms, 9-axis and 12-axis cells, and Swiss-type turning—are less clearly defined and often poorly understood by engineers who haven’t worked with them directly.  This article explains what […]

Learn More

Also of Interest