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FDM parts have micro cracks and holes in germs can accumulate. I’m looking for a sealant to make 3D parts easy to clean. Basically making sure the parts have a smooth surface within (micro) cracks and holes. I’m thinking about coating the prints with silicone.

People have experience with silicone coating or other sealants that might work?

BTW the parts are printed with ABS.

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XTC-3D is a 2-part epoxy coating from the company Smooth-on, specifically designed for smoothing and sealing 3D prints.

I’ve not got personal experience with other materials to know if it’s better, or how much better, but there are a lot of reviews online that say it is.

This, of course depends a lot on the type of surface you’re looking to achieve. XTC-3D is a rather hard, glossy finish, whereas you might be looking for something more rubbery or altogether different.

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Hi Valdenice.

Please wait until this Thursday at 2.30pm Australian time. I believe we have, exactly what you’re looking for. After launch, I would be delighted to send you some samples for your assessment.

derek@3dformulations.com.au

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Wow! These seem very interesting indeed! I’m glad to see more products geared specifically for us additive manufacturing enthusiasts!

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Also there is a more suitable filaments than using ABS

Antibacterial http://shop.3dfilaprint.com/antibacterial-189-c.asp

FDA Approved/Food Safe http://shop.3dfilaprint.com/fda-approvedfood-safe-181-c.asp

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Thank you so much, my Distributors will kill me, for talking pre-launch, I’m sure you can keep a secret until Thursday, but it has been a tough 18 months, developing products to reduce your burden of post-processing. I call it safety in numbers. 1,2,3,4.
henry_moore_statue_in_bronze.pdf (1.03 MB)
henry_moore_statue_in_bronze_0.pdf (1.03 MB)
milk_bottle.pdf (420 KB)
shoe_prototype.pdf (822 KB)
sls_nylon.pdf (896 KB)

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Hey,

This looks interesting. Would you mind sending me a sample too?

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have you considered acetone smoothing? It’ll leave your print smooth and easy to clean :slight_smile:

I use the same method as this guy: Simple way to make ultra-smooth 3D prints at home - YouTube

or if you dont like acetone, this guy uses epoxy to do the same. You could even use a food grade epoxy if you want it to be food safe…

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Thank-you Zapaer,

I will be in contact with you after Thursday, I would appreciate your feedback. There is a lot more information that I cant release until then, but I believe the industry can leap forward, with new products and practices.

Cheers,

Derek.

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I look forward to it!

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That bronze finish is amazing! I just had about 30 new ideas for projects!

- Will you have distributors in Europe? Or are you looking for them?

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Wow, I cant wait to get my hands on some of this stuff!

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Firstly Silicone won’t adhere to anything unless it physically bonds meaning your prints would have to be pretty rough or have literal holes in it for the silicone to seep into and form a bond. Your best bet is a polyurethane resin, it can be brushed on or dipped sanded and will fill in all pours giving it a hard shell. You could however cast it in silicone after prepping your part then cast resin copies. But silicone will not on it’s own bond to anything but silicone due to it’s very chemical makeup even paint will flake off.

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Hi Derek,

Yes I would like to try some samples. No problem waiting till Thursday.

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You’re right about the silicone. I’ve (dip) coated a sample. As the silicone is around the object it will stay there. However it is very fragile as it is not bonding the ABS. The silicone is easy to tear and then it comes off really easy. So indeed a no go.

I’ll try polyurethane resin later.

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I’ve tried the acetone smoothing a some samples. First results are encouraging. On “micro” scale the surface seems smooths as it get’s shinny. On “macro” scale not much smoothing happened. I’m trying some samples with different times and temperatures.

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A different filament material will not solve the micro cracks and gaps. Food safe is only interesting when there is a long contact between the material and food. I’m interested in cleaning the object not putting it for a long time in contact with food.

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I work for a print shop and it’s what we do to any printed part we want smooth is a 2 part resin but you can also use fiberglass resin but it’s a bit more messy and generally something we only use on large parts.

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@3DFormulations did you receive my email?

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Hi Zapaer,

I don’t believe that I did. My email address is derek@3dformulations.com.au

Cheers,

Derek