Design Optimization of DR3AM Vapor Polishing Device for ABS 3D-Printed Parts

Abstract

3D printing is an additive manufacturing method that turns digital design into an actual product. A 3D-printed part sometimes requires post-processing to enhance its physical and mechanical properties. Acetone vapor polishing is one of those techniques which is highly beneficial in smoothing 3D-printed parts made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Previously, an acetone vapor polishing device using a mist maker was developed at the Bataan Peninsula State University. However, for a more efficient polishing method, an optimized vapor polishing device using heat has been developed in this study. Using a heating device, which is an insulated nichrome coil, shows a more gradual and fine vaporization of acetone unlike the mist maker. To further assess the efficiency of the optimized device, the researchers tested the dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, tensile strength, and impact strength of polished and unpolished ABS 3D-printed specimens. The findings showed that the change in surface roughness of the polished cube specimens did not significantly alter their physical geometry. The tensile test reveals that the overall elasticity of the polished tensile specimens has increased noticeably. The impact test also shows that the polished specimen can absorb more impact from a swinging pendulum compared with unpolished specimen. Thus, all testing procedures indicated that post-processing using the optimized vapor polishing device improved the overall physical and mechanical properties of the polished ABS 3D-printed specimens.