A new video shows several ways to achieve a mirror finish on an FFF 3D print.
FFF is the most popular 3D print process, but it always produces prints with layer lines. That’s the nature of the process. The layers can be minimized by printing with a smaller nozzle and tightening up the layers, but they’re always there. Layer lines can also be “embraced” by using the fuzzy skin option, but that’s not really smoothing the surface.
The effect is noticeable and sometimes you don’t want the layer lines present. But how do you get rid of them? Sanding is one method, but how, exactly, does that work?
The answers are found in a new video by HEN3DRIK, a YouTuber that specializes in tutorials for electroplating 3D prints. The process of electroplating is complex, as we wrote previously, but a key step in the process is smoothing the print surfaces.
In this video, HEN3DRIK explores three different approaches for smoothing a 3D print:
- Spray filler
- Putty
- Photopolymer resin
Each of these still involves sanding with sandpaper of increasing grits, and there’s a considerable amount of work required.
One tip I learned by watching the video was to use alternating colours when spraying on layers. This allows you to see which areas are higher and lower: the higher areas are sanded off, revealing a different colour underneath.
The three methods all work, but HEN3DRIK recommends the first version, as it seems to be the easiest and most effective.
The result was a perfectly smooth print that was then ready for electroplating. The video also briefly shows the electroplating process, but HEN3DRIK has other videos that explain that part in more detail. This video is about surface smoothing, which is something all FFF 3D printer operators should learn.
If you want to learn how to smooth your FFF 3D prints, definitely watch this video.
Via YouTube
