Topic: Lil test in smoothing PLA
First off I found this blog entry with smoothing PLA http://www.printedsolid.com/smoothpla/ and tried to replicate this.
Things to correct for next test
- I ran this through the process twice, next time only once at first
- More sanding needed before smoothing
- I got impatient, and turned the temp all the way up. I probably shouldn't of had
Notes:
- This PLA chess peice had some pretty bad over hangs in some parts. Wasn't the M.E.Ks substitutes fault
- I used the "Presto cooker"
- I made sure I did this outside
- Seems about as noxious as Acetone
- I went to the home depot and got Klean Strip MEK Substitute
- Treated it like a acetone vapor treatment
- I used purple translucent PLA for the print
Results:
- Took a lil longer for the MEK Substiute to vaporize, but not too much. Maybe goes at a higher temp
- Smoothed less then actone and ABS, but still a decent amount
- Some white areas created white lines but I think that is quite possibly my mistake on how I did the experient and running it in twice
- Tactile-wise It seemed only a lil soft to the touch after 5 minutes. Less so then with ABS
I hope to try this again soonish (I have a E3D to install soon though! 
))
Solidoodle 2
E3Dv6 Hotend, MK5 v6 version, Glass Bed, Anti Z backlash slop nut, SureStepr SD8825 1/32 Extruder Driver, makeshift breakaway plexiglass case; . L-Cheapo 3.8 Watt Laser Attachment w/Custom built enclosure
From Buffalo, NY, USA
