Considerations for this method
PROS:
- Very rigid and durable
- High transparency/clarity (when polished)
- Can be used in a multi-material print
CONS:
- High cost
- Achieving high clarity requires multi-step polishing and finishing process
- Hue changes with exposure to UV light
- Non-planar or small surfaces are difficult to polish
Material options
| METHOD | MATERIAL | COST ($/cubic inch) | TIME: total | Production Steps | Time required | Special Equipment Needed | Conditions | Able to be colored? | health and safety | Chemical Composition | PPE | Where to Purchase | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glossy setting, Polished | Vero Clear | $19.85 (plus cost of sandpaper and polishing media) | Sample cube required 2 hours print time (plus 2 hours hand-polish time). | Upload STL to 3D printing queue, requesting Vero Clear material and glossy setting. Remove support material and perform additional wet polish to faces as needed. | Print time depends on volume and height of part, as well as other jobs in the print queue. | Objet Connex 3D Printer | Exposing printed part to strong sources of light may change the hue and transparency of the part. | Yes. At GSD can tint with Vero White or Agilus Black. Other colors possible elsewhere. | Considered a hazardous substance in liquid form: toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, can cause serious eye damage or irritation, can cause skin sensitization; for other hazards, consult SDS. At least one constituant chemical is considered to be carcinogenic and possibly mutagenic. When used as described, the hazardous liquid is released from a cartridge only inside a printing system, so exposure is limited. Once cured, part is considered to be non-irritating and not sensitizing to skin. No other data available. | Too many to list, see SDS: section 3 | Wear impervious gloves, tight sealing safety goggles, long-sleeved clothing. | Fabrication Lab: 3D printing online queue |
| Glossy setting, Unpolished | Vero Clear | $19.85 | Sample cube required 2 hours. | Upload STL to 3D printing queue, requesting Vero Clear material and glossy setting. Remove support material. | Print time depends on volume and height of part, as well as other jobs in the print queue. |
Fabrication Process
Polishing