Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Surface Sealing vs Vapor Smoothing
Surface Sealing and Vapor Smoothing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
Surface Sealing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Surface sealing fills connected pores in printed or cast parts with a compatible resin or sealant.
Vapor Smoothing
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$$ · instant quote
Vapor smoothing briefly softens the outer skin of compatible powder-bed polymers so surface peaks flow together.
When to choose which
Choose Surface seal
Choose Surface seal when pore sealing rather than reflow is primary.
- Reduces connected porosity
- Improves cleanability
- Can make parts liquid-tight after validation
Choose Vapor smoothing
Choose Vapor smoothing when compatible nylon surface reflow can reduce porosity without an added sealer.
- Reduces Ra to about 0.8–6.3 µm (32–250 µin)
- Improves cleanability and gloss
- Can reduce surface-connected porosity
What the numbers say
- Surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
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 | Surface seal | Vapor smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 30 Low | — — |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 55 Good | 80 Very good |
| Lubricity | 20 Low | 35 Fair |
| Cost | 40 $$$ | 55 $$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Surface seal | Vapor smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ≥ 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | clear, custom | — |
| 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 | Surface seal | Vapor smoothing |
|---|---|---|
| Binder Jet | Yes | — |
| MJF | Yes | Yes |
| Polymer | Yes | With care |
| SLS | Yes | Yes |
| DMLS / SLM | With care | No |
| FDM | With care | Limited |
| Aluminum | Limited | No |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | No |
| Magnesium Alloy | Limited | No |
| SLA | Limited | No |
| Stainless Steel | Limited | No |
| Steel | Limited | No |
| Titanium | Limited | No |
| Zinc Alloy | Limited | No |
Surface seal vs Vapor smoothing — frequently asked
What is the difference between Surface seal and Vapor smoothing?
Surface Sealing and Vapor Smoothing are both 3d-print & moulding post-processing finishes; surface seal is the lower-cost option ($$$).
When should I use Surface seal instead of Vapor smoothing?
Choose Surface seal when pore sealing rather than reflow is primary. Conversely: choose Vapor smoothing when compatible nylon surface reflow can reduce porosity without an added sealer.
Is Surface seal or Vapor smoothing cheaper?
Surface seal is the lower-cost finish ($$$ 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.