Post-fabrication treatment process for ABS printed parts using acetone vapor

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of intricately designed components, eliminating traditional tooling requirements and significantly reducing manufacturing times. However, challenges persist in achieving the desired surface finish. Post-processing methods, such as acetone vapor treatment, have emerged as effective means to enhance surface quality. This study investigates the effects of various parameters-temperature, exposure times, and acetone concentrations-on the surface finish and mechanical properties of AM-produced ABS components. The results indicate a notable improvement of over 10% in surface smoothness, accompanied by a negligible weight increase (<0.1%). Furthermore, enhancements in mechanical properties, including a 4.2% increase in stiffness and a substantial 16.75% boost in yield strength, were observed. These findings suggest the feasibility of employing acetone-treated ABS components in vehicle cabins, offering both esthetic refinement and enhanced mechanical performance.