Epoxy resin generates heat as it cures, so typical epoxies can warp 3D prints made from low-temperature materials like PLA. XTC-3D is a high-performance two-part epoxy resin coating formulated to smooth 3D prints. Methods to Smooth PLA Filament Prints XTC-3D Even sanding and spray painting your prints gives them more water and heat resistance.Īn additional benefit of epoxy coatings is that they can help make your PLA food safe. This is especially helpful if you plan to use your prints outside. The coatings seal the layers and protect them from moisture and dirt.

Some of the methods used for smoothing PLA prints, like epoxy coatings, also make your prints more resilient. For example, if you are using the print as a master for making a silicone mold, you may want to smooth it so the texture isn’t transferred and so that casting materials like resin end up being glossy instead of matte. You also may need to fill in or remove your layer lines for certain applications. This is especially true if they are making money with their 3D printer by selling 3D prints, since their customers may not appreciate the rough texture. Many enthusiasts don’t like the lined look of 3D prints and would prefer to remove them. There are several reasons for smoothing PLA 3D prints, but the most common one is aesthetic. Each method has its pros and cons and some are better for certain projects than others.

There are many methods to achieve a smooth look on PLA prints, and they usually require either by removing the excess plastic that causes the visible layers or filling in the tiny gaps between the layers with some sort of brush-on coating.

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