3d printed carbon fiber

[Rcampen]

Hey guys i recently had a prop 3d printed in carbon fiber but am having trouble finding a guide for smoothing it down and cleaning it up, does anyone have a link or just some general tips?

 

[Darth Lars]

It is ABS with carbon fibre reinforcement, right?
I would treat it as ABS but take extra precautions: gloves, respirator, etc.

 

[Futurescape3D]

Depends on the material, honestly. It's probably carbon fiber-infused PLA, not ABS. Because of this you won't be able to use acetone to smooth it. We use 400 grit sand paper to smooth the surface of the print as much as we can and then we use a compound called XTC-3D from Smooth-On. This helps create a very smooth surface to the print and then we lightly sand that once it's cured.

 

[MatterMaker]

It is ABS with carbon fibre reinforcement, right?
I would treat it as ABS but take extra precautions: gloves, respirator, etc.

I'll second this, being fibreglass you want to use a respirator, some heavy duty gloves and I'd also add, if you have it, full eye protection. Fibers can float around when sanding them. Don't do the work in an enclosed area where others are present and not wearing the same protection. Best to have external ventilation or work outdoors. Not on a kitchen table. ;P

mm.

 

[Nixon]

I'm guessing it'll something like Proto-paster carbon fiber PLA. You could try vapour smoothing it with ethyl acetate https://printedsolid.com/blogs/news...3d-printed-parts-pla-colorfabb-xt-t-glase-pet

 

[Futurescape3D]

I'm guessing it'll something like Proto-paster carbon fiber PLA. You could try vapour smoothing it with ethyl acetate https://printedsolid.com/blogs/news...3d-printed-parts-pla-colorfabb-xt-t-glase-pet

That's what I'm thinking. If it's PLA you CANNOT vapor smooth it with acetone. These types of chemicals only have an effect on ABS plastic.

 

[Nixon]

Ethyl Acetate is a solvent of PLA, so you ca vapour smooth PLA with it.