Product Review: AMT PostPro SFX Vapour Smoothing Machine
Our review of the AMT PostPro SFX Vapour Smoothing Machine shows how this system delivers consistent, injection-moulded finishes on 3D…
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5.0
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Source: AMT PostPro
When it comes to professional post-processing in 3D printing, achieving a smooth, injection-moulded finish can be a challenge. Especially for complex geometries and functional prototypes.Â
Enter the AMT PostPro SFX Vapour Smoothing Machine, a desktop-friendly system designed to deliver high-quality surface finishing for thermoplastic 3D printed parts. In this hands-on review, we explore how the SFX performs in real-world applications, its ease of use, material compatibility, and whether it lives up to the promise of industrial-grade results in a compact, user-friendly package.
We rate this machine 4.5 stars – In this article we’ll explain about vapour smoothing, how it works, the benefits of automated systems and our review of this machine.Â
Vapour Smoothing is a post-processing technique used to improve the surface finish of 3D printed parts, especially those made from thermoplastics like ABS, ASA, and certain nylons. The process involves exposing the printed object to a controlled chemical vapour, commonly acetone or other solvents—that slightly melts the outermost layer of the material. As the vapour condenses on the part’s surface, it causes the rough outer texture left by FDM or SLS printing to smooth out, resulting in a glossy, sealed finish that resembles injection-moulded plastic.
This technique not only enhances the visual appearance of the part but can also improve mechanical properties, reduce porosity, and make parts more resistant to moisture or bacteria, which is ideal for applications in medical, automotive, and consumer product sectors
While vapour smoothing is a powerful method for improving the finish of 3D printed parts, the process can vary significantly depending on whether it’s done manually or with an automated system like the AMT PostPro SFX.
Manual vapour smoothing typically involves placing parts in a sealed container with an open solvent source—such as acetone for ABS prints—or using a heated chamber to vaporize the solvent. The part is then exposed for a specific time, often requiring close monitoring to avoid over-smoothing or warping.
Low Cost to Setup
Can work for simple or occasional smoothing tasks
Inconsistent Results
High risk of part deformation or surface defects
Potentially hazardous due to uncontrolled solvent exposure
Difficult to scale or repeat reliablyÂ
Consistent, high-quality surface finish
Safer for operators (sealed, filtered system)
Scalable for batch processing
Validated for use with multiple industrial-grade materials
Higher upfront cost
Requires some space and maintenance
Why did we choose the AMT PostPro SFX? Our most critical factor in deciding the best machine to suit our existing workflow was time..
Lead-times is always a critical point raised by our continuous feedback from customers. The difficulty with vapour smoothing is the solvent required to fill up the machine and also parts of similar wall thicknesses. The AMT PostPro SFX works off determining the wall thickness of the parts, we cannot run 1mm thick parts with 20mm parts as the process requires heat to be applied to the parts otherwise the solvent isn’t absorbed.Â
Parts ran too cold, leads to under-processed parts, potential contamination and wasted solvent material. This can usually be rectified by running on revised settings to match the actual part requirements. Where as, over heated parts leads to distortion and complete part failure. This will usually require the parts to be re-manufactured.
Our workload will always vary as an on-demand 3D printing service, where some parts might have a long-lead time and can be paired with similar geometries or we could have an express turnaround part. Similar machines such as the SF100 or SF50 require a higher volume of solvent to process the chamber (higher cost), but if packed efficiently are more cost effective. However, if an express turnaround order arrives this could potentially have to be manufactured at a loss to meet the customers deadlines if ran by itself. The AMT PostPro SFX has a smaller chamber size, ideal for parts requiring an express turnaround without requiring a large volume of wasted solvent.
At the time of writing this article, the following materials were widely available to all AMT PostPro SFX customers:
On the theme of time, preparing parts for vapour smoothing is by far the most time consuming stage of printing & post-processing SLS 3D printed parts.
As an on-demand 3D printing service, users upload their files to our online instant quote tool and self-serve based on their own requirements. We in some instances may have no involvement in the design stages which means parts can sometimes be difficult to hang. Why do we need to hang parts?
Parts have to be hung in an orientation which best supports this post-processing type. Any cups or cavities which may catch liquid need to be orientated at an angle so that it drains towards the base of the machine otherwise you can end up with over-processed sections and trapped solvent. Unfortunately parts can’t be plated directly on the trays inside the machine, as they retain heat, which is then directly transferred to the part causing deformation and non-conformances.
Vapour Smoothing is a post-processing technique used to improve the surface finish of 3D printed parts, especially those made from thermoplastics like ABS, ASA, and certain nylons
Whilst manual smoothing ABS is not-recommended at all. With a makeshift setup, smoothed results can be achieved in a couple of hours.
Due to the low melt point, PLA isn’t able to be automatically vapour smoothed. However, can be smoothed with other solvents available.
AMT PostPro uses the following solvents as part of the automated process; PostPro Pure, FA5802, FA326 & FA9202.
Try our free, instant quote tool to upload your 3D files and select vapour smoothing as an optional finish. You’ll receive real-time pricing, lead times, and material options—perfect for streamlining your workflow and delivering parts that look as good as they perform.
Experience the difference vapour smoothed SLS printing can make, backed by the same professional-grade equipment we reviewed including the AMT PostPro SFX Vapour Smoothing Machine.
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