Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Chemical Smoothing vs Polishing
Chemical Smoothing (3d-print & moulding post-processing) and Polishing (mechanical finishing) solve the same problem by different routes; chemical smooth is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Chemical Smoothing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Chemical smoothing applies a compatible liquid or vapor solvent to reflow or level selected printed polymers.
Polishing
Mechanical finishing · $$$ · instant quote
Mechanical polishing progressively removes surface peaks and scratches to produce a smooth glossy surface.
When to choose which
Choose Chemical smooth
Chemical smooth is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Polished's.
- Reduces visible FDM layer lines
- Can reach Ra about 0.8–6.3 µm (32–250 µin)
- Reaches complex external surfaces
Choose Polished
Choose Polished when solvent compatibility is unacceptable.
- Reduces Ra to about 0.1–0.8 µm (4–32 µin)
- Improves cleanability
- Creates a glossy cosmetic surface
What the numbers say
- Chemical smooth is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Chemical smooth | Polished |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | — — | 8 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 75 Very good | 82 Very good |
| Lubricity | 30 Low | 20 Low |
| Cost | 45 $$$ | 55 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Chemical smooth | Polished |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | Premium ($$$) |
| Added lead time | 2–7 working days | 2–7 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Chemical smooth | Polished |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | No | Yes |
| Brass | No | Yes |
| Copper Alloy | No | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
| Steel | No | Yes |
| FDM | With care | — |
| Magnesium Alloy | No | With care |
| Polymer | With care | With care |
| Titanium | No | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | No | With care |
| MJF | Limited | — |
| SLA | Limited | — |
| SLS | Limited | — |
Chemical smooth vs Polished — frequently asked
What is the difference between Chemical smooth and Polished?
Chemical Smoothing (3d-print & moulding post-processing) and Polishing (mechanical finishing) solve the same problem by different routes; chemical smooth is the lower-cost option ($$$).
When should I use Chemical smooth instead of Polished?
Conversely: choose Polished when solvent compatibility is unacceptable.
Is Chemical smooth or Polished cheaper?
Chemical smooth is the lower-cost finish ($$$ against $$$ for Polished) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.