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中文Vapor Smoothing for 3D Printed Parts
IN3DTEC’s vapor smoothing service works across a range of 3D printing materials, delivering smoother, injection-molded-like surfaces that help bridge the gap between 3D printing and injection molding.
What is VaporFuse Smoothing?
Vapor Smoothing is a chemical surface finish method to improve the surface quality of plastic 3D-printed parts. Powder bed fusion processes such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) typically produce matte, granular surface textures, while Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) parts often have visible layer lines. Unlike mechanical surface finish methods that remove material from surface peaks, Vapor Smoothing uses controlled solvent vapor to soften the top layer of the polymer, allowing surface irregularities to reflow and reformation, resulting in a smoother and more continuous surface. In addition, depending on the material and application, this process can improve the functional properties of the parts.
With DyeMansion’s VaporFuse Surfacing technology, IN3DTEC can adjust the process parameters according to the material, part geometry, and target surface finish. This ensures consistent and repeatable processing results across different parts and batches, including a surface appearance similar to injection-molded parts. Vapor Smoothing is suitable for prototyping, low-volume production, and production applications with higher surface quality requirements.
Benefits of Vapor Smoothing
- Reduced Surface Roughness: Effectively reduces microscopic surface irregularities. Tests have shown that Vapor Smoothing can reduce Ra values by approximately 72%–81% for various SLS materials.
- Injection-Molded-Like Appearance: Bridges the gap between the flexibility of 3D printing and the typical surface appearance of injection-molded parts. The process can provide 3D-printed parts with a smoother, more continuous, and more uniform surface finish.
- Sealed Surface and Reduced Liquid Uptake: Seals surface pores and irregularities, reducing liquid penetration. Tests have shown that the weight gain of PA12 after 24 hours of immersion in diesel was reduced from 0.28% to 0.02% after treatment.
- Improved Elongation and Functional Properties: Can significantly improve the elongation at break of some materials. The extent of improvement depends on the material and processing conditions.
- Surface Finishing for Complex Geometries and Internal Channels: Can treat areas that are difficult to reach with conventional mechanical surface-finishing methods, including complex internal structures such as pipes and tubes.
- Easy to Clean and Suitable for Hygiene-Critical Applications: Smooth, sealed surfaces are easier to clean and can help reduce bacterial retention and growth. VaporFuse Surfacing has been used on SLS PA2201 components for food-production equipment, where the relevant materials and process can meet specific food-contact requirements.
What 3D Printed Materials Can Be Vapor Smoothed?
Materials compatible with IN3DTEC's chemical vapor smoothing service
How Much Does Vapor Smoothing Cost?
Based on the process and material you select, please refer to the table above. Most materials are available through our online quoting system, except for SLS TPU and PP, MJF PA11, and FDM PLA, ABS, and ASA, which require manual processing.
If you select vapor smoothing, the lead time will typically increase by an additional 2–3 business days compared with the standard lead time.
How to Design Parts for Vaporfuse Smoothing?
Wall thickness – Minimum 0.8 mm recommended. Avoid overly thin walls to prevent softening. Keep wall thickness as consistent as possible.
Hole Diameter – Minimum 1.0 mm recommended. For internal channels, ensure easy powder removal, as residual powder may affect the smoothing results.
Assembly tolerance- Minimum 0.25 mm clearance per side recommended.
Colors- Black is recommended. White parts may develop small black spots after smoothing.
Inserts- Chemical vapor smoothing does not affect insert installation. Make the installation hole 0.2–0.3 mm smaller than the insert's outer diameter.
Hanging point- Parts should include hanging points for suspension inside the container.
Applications for Vapor Smoothing
Ducts, housings, covers, and lightweight polymer components.
Functional parts, manifolds, tubes, and complex geometries.
Prosthetics, orthotics, wearables, and medical components.
Housings, enclosures, handles, and customized products.
Components requiring smooth, sealed, and easy-to-clean surfaces.
End-use parts and small-batch production without injection molding tooling.
Vapor Smoothing Service FAQs
A: Better within 450mm.
A: 1mm
A: 1.2mm
A: 2-3days
A: No, because the surface is coated, and the paint won't adhere to it.
A: Yes, it is food‑safe and skin‑friendly.
Media Tumbling & Other Surface Finishing Services
Media Tumbling
IN3DTEC also offers media tumbling to improve the surface finish of 3D-printed parts. For suitable parts and process conditions, surface roughness can reach approximately Ra 4 μm
Media tumbling can be used as a more cost-effective alternative to VaporFuse smoothing, or combined with VaporFuse when a smoother and more sealed surface is required.
Other Surface Finishing Service
Anodizing
Black Oxide
Polishing
Tumbling
Brushing + Electropolishing
Smooth machining
Electroless nickel plating
Sandblasting/Shot Peening
Part marking/Laser engraving
Color Matching/Painting
Heat treatment
Thread Tapping
Why IN3DTEC For Your Vaporfuse Smoothing Projects
Consistent, repeatable vapor smoothing across materials, geometries, and production volumes.
2,000 +
– Parts vaporfuse smoothed parts produced each month.
89+
– Countries served.
Broad Material Options
– 8+ metal materials.
Fast Turnaround
– Speed without compromising quality.
Expert Support
– Design optimization & engineering guidance.
Strict Quality Control
– Certified processes, reliable results.
Scalable Production
– From prototypes to mass production.
Global Service
– Worldwide delivery & logistics support.
Competitive Pricing
– Flexible and cost-effective solutions.
“IN3DTEC is a wholly trusted partner. They help us develop new products more efficiently and quickly. High-quality products and competitive prices are also why we recommend them to more people.” Luis Ford at Leica Medical Product Design Team
Excellent 4.9 out of 5 
So happy with IN3DTEC. The communication and customer support is incredible even for small orders they help with every aspect of the project. Can't recommend this company highly enough. Thanks for doing a great job guys. Kindly Nicola
Nicola Loder
My experience working with the team at IN3DTEC was wonderful. The team was easy to work with and provided me with useful feed back about my design. Also the price was just right.
Evan Kuester
Exceptional service, always willing to work with the customer to ensure parts are built to spec. Quick, reliable turn around, high quality and reasonably priced CNC/3D Printed parts.
Ron Miranda
I regularly use the 3D printing service that IN3DTEC offers and I'm very happy with the end products I receive as well as the quality of service. Parts arrive with very good dimensional accuracy and excellent finish. I also receive great advice about making my prints better. I definitely recommend IN3DTEC!
Dominik Dominiak
Working with in3dtec was great. The communication was really good - they responded always fast and to my satisfaction. Their statement about competitive prices is totally true and the quality is nothing to complain about. Hope in3dtec will continue with their great work. I will definitely order again.
Daniel Kuehnle
Gallery Of Vaporfuse Smoothing 3D Prints
How to Work With
Simply upload your CAD files.
Get real-time pricing and DFM insights within seconds. Or ask for manual design help.
Once your order is placed, we’ll begin production right away, and you can track and manage it anytime from your dashboard.
Partnering with FedEx, DHL, and UPS, we deliver your parts fast and on time, worldwide.