MINNEAPOLIS,MN — Additive fabrication system maker, Stratasys, introduces the Smoothing Station,(TM) which improves the surface finish of ABS-based thermoplastic parts made via FDM. The improved smoothness is equal to an injection molded part.
The system’s semi-automated process provides a surface finish of 32 to 63 microns. Without the process, design and manufacturing engineers requiring an FDM part with this level of smoothness must manually fill, sand, and paint the part. By using a Stratasys FDM additive fabrication system with the new Smoothing Station, injection molded-quality parts can be created in just a few minutes, saving hours of labor.
The smoothed part creates an ideal surface for painting, electroplating, vacuum metallization, liquid sealing, and making mold masters such as silicone molding, sand casting, or investment casting.
The Smoothing Station consists of two interior chambers that together are approximately the size of a small chest freezer. The first chamber treats the thermoplastic part for 15 to 30 seconds to smooth the outer surface of the part. The part is then moved to the second chamber, which holds the part while it cures from the initial process. After just 30 – 45 minutes, parts can be touched, with parts fully cured in 12 – 18 hours or less.
There is virtually no preparation required with the smoothing process. Users simply remove support material and place the cleaned and dried part into the chamber. Parts typically are finished in one to three exposures, depending on the smoothness desired.
The system is engineered to work with Stratasys ABS-based thermoplastics only, including ABS, ABSi, ABSplus ABS-M30 and ABS-M30i.
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