Smoothing pla with ethyl acetate

[tonybuckley]

I did a bit of an experiment tonight.

Printed a very small piece (an Audi branded key fob) in two colours - White and black at 0.1 layer height.

Came out very nice (didn't really need smoothing) but I wondered if I could smooth it a little so soaked it in ethyl acetate for 30 seconds.

Not a vapour treatment but proper full 100% solution soak.

The result is not much smoothing but a print I can bend 90 degrees with no break.

I will repeat with vapour once I can get some kit together.

Anyone got anything good to say about ethyl acetate? Success?

[Hugues]

Caution, ethyl acetate vapors are irritating:
http://hazard.com/msds/mf/baker/baker/files/e2850.htm

"Inhalation can cause severe irritation of mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. High concentrations may cause lung damage. An irritant to the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations have a narcotic effect and may cause liver and kidney damage. "

[Mjolinor]

It also affects skin directly so you shouldn't really be handling it until it dries completely and by that time it will be hard again I suspect.

[tonybuckley]

Yes precautions need to be taken but little more than normal household chemicals.