Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Chemical Smoothing vs Vapor Smoothing
Chemical Smoothing and Vapor Smoothing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; 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.
Vapor Smoothing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Vapor smoothing briefly softens the outer skin of compatible powder-bed polymers so surface peaks flow together.
When to choose which
Choose Chemical smooth
Choose Chemical smooth when FDM ABS or a resin-specific liquid solvent process is intended.
- Reduces visible FDM layer lines
- Can reach Ra about 0.8–6.3 µm (32–250 µin)
- Reaches complex external surfaces
Choose Vapor smoothing
Choose Vapor smoothing when a qualified PA12 or PA11 MJF-SLS process is intended.
- Reduces Ra to about 0.8–6.3 µm (32–250 µin)
- Improves cleanability and gloss
- Can reduce surface-connected porosity
What the numbers say
- Chemical smooth is the lower-cost option ($$$).
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 | Vapor smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | — — | — — |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 75 Very good | 80 Very good |
| Lubricity | 30 Low | 35 Fair |
| Cost | 45 $$$ | 55 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Chemical smooth | Vapor smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Chemical smooth vs Vapor smoothing — frequently asked
What is the difference between Chemical smooth and Vapor smoothing?
Chemical Smoothing and Vapor Smoothing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; chemical smooth is the lower-cost option ($$$).
When should I use Chemical smooth instead of Vapor smoothing?
Choose Chemical smooth when FDM ABS or a resin-specific liquid solvent process is intended. Conversely: choose Vapor smoothing when a qualified PA12 or PA11 MJF-SLS process is intended.
Is Chemical smooth or Vapor smoothing cheaper?
Chemical smooth is the lower-cost finish ($$$ against $$$ for Vapor smoothing) 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.