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Solvents for smoothing PLA?

genebren

I am still having fun with my 3D printer!image  But I have run into a bit of a challenge.  I am trying to build a 'Hat' to sit upon a tiny Micro Blower, so I can plumb up a airflow meter for testing.

 

Here are some (out of focus) pictures of the part (mounted and un-mounted) along with the design images:

 

imageimage

The problem is with the small inset port on the bottom of the part.  This is a cup for a tiny o-ring.  The opening is very rough (like due to the scaffolding added by cura, as the port is on the bottom), and air appears to be leaking around the seal.  I have heard of people using Acetone to soften and smooth out ABS, but is there a similar way to do this on PLA?  Has anyone had any luck sanding surfaces smooth with PLA?  I guess that I could invert the part (scaffolding along side of the exhaust port), so that the finish might improve. Might that help?

 

Thanks,

Gene

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  • 0 in reply to jw0752

    Hi John,

     

    I hope all is going well for you.  Thanks for the reply.  I have tried to use a little light oil (food grade grape seed oil) and I have ordered some food grade grease to try also.  The grade seed oil helped but did not eliminate the leakage. I am currently re-printing the part upside down to see if the cup for the O-ring comes out any smoother (without the extra scaffolding inside the cup).  I might also try the silicone glue as you suggested.

     

    Funny how all this works.  I am doing this project for a client and halfway through it I can now see better ways to do this.  I have already approach the client about a slight re-do on the PCBs to eliminate multiple interfaces where air might be escaping.  Live and learn.

     

    Thanks,

    Gene