Which materials can be acetone smoothed?

Acetone vapour smoothing works on ABS, ASA, and HIPS. PLA, PETG, Nylon, and TPU are NOT affected by acetone. For PETG, ethyl acetate can be used instead. For PLA, THF works but is more toxic and harder to obtain.

How does acetone vapour smoothing work?

Acetone dissolves the surface of ABS slightly, causing layer lines to melt together and flow smooth. The part is placed in a sealed chamber with warm acetone, which evaporates and creates a vapour that contacts all surfaces evenly.

How long should I smooth for?

Start with 15-20 minutes and check. Light smoothing removes layer lines while preserving detail. 30+ minutes gives a glossy finish but may soften sharp edges. Over-smoothing (60+ minutes) can distort the part and lose detail.

Is acetone smoothing safe?

Acetone is flammable and the vapour is irritating. Always work in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection. Never heat acetone with an open flame — use a heated bed or warm water bath under the container.

Can I smooth large parts?

Yes, but you need a larger chamber and more acetone. A plastic storage box works well for large parts. Line the bottom with paper towels soaked in acetone and seal the lid. Larger volumes need more time to reach effective vapour concentration.

3DPrintCalcs

Acetone Smoothing Calculator — Vapour Bath Settings

Calculate acetone vapour bath time and chamber size for smoothing ABS prints.

Chamber Volume

Internal volume of container

Part Surface Area

Material

Smoothing Level

Acetone Cost

How We Calculate This

Acetone Smoothing Calculations

Acetone volume = Chamber volume (L) x ml per litre rate
Exposure time = Base time x Material factor
Chamber temperature = ~50°C for effective vapour production

The acetone is heated to produce vapour which fills the chamber. At ~50°C, acetone produces enough vapour for effective smoothing. Higher temperatures are faster but harder to control and more hazardous. Room temperature works but takes much longer.

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify settings with test prints before committing to final prints.