Polymaker Polysher, 3D Prints Polisher, Work with PolySmooth 3D Printer Filament to Create The Layer-Free Print Surface

An entirely new solution to dramatically improve the surface quality of 3D printed parts.

3D printing has witnessed significant advancement over the last couple years. Now we can print bigger, faster, and with a much wider choice of materials. However, one challenge still remains unsolved even today, that is, the surface quality of 3D printed parts. At Polymaker we always want to make 3D printing more useful; we want to see 3D printing in real-world applications rather than being used just to print useless trinkets. This has always been our core mission. We, therefore, challenged ourselves to solve this difficult problem. Today we are here with an affirmative answer. We are excited to introduce to you our latest innovation – PolySmooth and Polysher – an entirely new solution to dramatically improve the surface quality of 3D printed parts.

The core of the technology is the material - PolySmooth, which gives excellent printing characteristics, balanced mechanical properties, and most importantly, “polishability” when exposed to common alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol. The polishing process involves exposing a 3D printed part of PolySmooth to an aerosol (a suspension of micro-sized droplets) of alcohol.

The aerosol is generated by a unit called the nebulizer, which consists of a thin membrane with hundreds of tiny (< 10 microns) holes, attached to a piezoelectric actuator. When actuated, the nebulizer will generate a fine aerosol of micro-sized alcohol droplets, which will then adsorb onto the surface of the 3D printed part and eventually make it smooth. Everything is done seamlessly and effortlessly in the Polysher.

Operate the Polysher:

• 3D print your part with PolySmooth, just like what you normally do with PLA;
• Place the printed part in the Polysher;
• Set the polishing time by turning the knob; a typical part takes 20 - 40 minutes, depending on the size and environmental temperature;
• Once polishing is finished, the stage will automatically lift up for you to easily get the part.

In addition, the liquid reservoir of the Polysher needs to be filled with alcohol. Suitable alcohols are:

• Isopropyl alcohol (also known as isopropanol)
• Ethanol

with concentrations of no less than 70% (90% or higher recommended). You can choose whatever is more easily available for you. More information on the selection of alcohol polishing liquids can be found in the FAQ section

Specifications of Polysher


Technology: Micro-Droplet Polishing

Compatible Material: PolySmooth

Polishing Liquid: Isopropanol or ethanol, 70% or above [90% or higher recommended]

Polishing Time: 20-40 min typical [varies based on part size, alcohol concentration and ambient temp]

Product Dimensions: 230 x 300 x 360 mm [9.1 x 11.8 x 14.2 in]

Shipping Box Dimensions: 350 x 400 x 450 [13.8 x 15.7 x 18.1 in]

Product Weight: 4 Kg [8.81 lbs]

Shipping Weight: 6.8 Kg [15 lbs]

Maximum Part Size: Up to a 150 mm (diameter) x 180 mm (height) cylinder [5.9 in (diameter) x 7.1 in (height)]

Operating Temperature: 15-32 °C [59-90 °F]

Storage Temperature: 0-38 °C [32-100 °F]

Power Requirements: Power Supply: INPUT, AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz, 0.4A. OUTPUT: 5V 2000 mA. Polysher INPUT: DC 5V, 2000 mA

FAQs

Is the Polysher a new 3D printer?

• No – the Polysher is NOT a 3D printer. You still need a extrusion-based, FDM/FFF printer in order to use our new products. Specifically, PolySmooth is a new filament that you can print with your 3D printer, just like how you print with your PLA. Once the printing is done, you can post-process your printed objects in the Polysher to obtain the amazing surface finish. You can watch our campaign video or read the project description for more details.

• The Polysher is designed to only work with PolySmooth and alcohol; in addition PLA and ABS are not polishable with alcohol.

• In short, yes! Safety has always been one of the key considerations in designing the Polysher. Our technology is intrinsically safer – No heating is involved – The nebulizer technology requires only a very small reservoir – It is a liquid-phase polishing rather than vapor-phase polishing process (the latter is more dangerous for a number of reasons) We have also implemented a number of safety features into the machine: – Multiple sensors to detect any sign of malfunction of the nebulizer (e.g. running dry) – Chamber open/close sensor (the machine won't start if the chamber is open, and will automatically terminate if the chamber is accidentally open during polishing) – All electronic components (running at very low voltages) are properly sealed, and no spark can be generated inside the chamber We are working with a leading safety testing lab and the preliminary results are very positive. We are confident to deliver a safe and reliable product.

• The Polysher is designed to only use alcohol or alcohol solutions (with concentrations of 70% or higher) as the polishing liquid. We do not recommend other liquids/solvents other than isopropanol or ethanol. We have written an extensive article to compare our solution with PolySmooth/Polysher, and the acetone-polishing of ABS.

• PolySmooth is neither PLA nor ABS; it is a new material based on PVB (polyvinyl butyral), formulated/designed specifically to combine “smoothability” and excellent printing characteristics. It is the core of the technology.

• Based on our current understanding the toxicity is minimal, at least comparable to PLA.