Effect of Acetone Vapor Smoothing Process on Surface Finish and Geometric Accuracy of Fused Deposition Modeling ABS Parts

Abstract

FDM is a widely used additive manufacturing process, however, it has some limitations, such as surface finish, due to the staircase effect caused by the layer-by-layer deposition. Studies have been conducted on surface finish of ABS parts with the use of acetone, but the process parameters and the resulting effects have not been fully investigated in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acetone vapor smoothing process on surface finish and geometric accuracy of fused deposition modeling ABS parts. Specimens with different geometries were created and printed using two directions in different scales. The parts were exposed to acetone vapor for 20, 30 and 40 minutes. 3D deviation maps, roughness and microscopic analyses were conducted. The staircase effect was reduced at the expense of some geometric deviations, which varied according to the exposure time and part orientation. The smoothing process applied to the flat surfaces proved to be quite effective in reducing roughness by 90%, however, this reduction led to an undesirable rounding of the sharp edges. The results obtained in this study are consistent with those found in the literature and may help improve the quality of the ABS printed parts.