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g monkey
(@g-monkey)
Trusted Member
PVB smoothing

Has anyone used Prusament PVB and successfully smoothed a model (not using a Polysher)?  I sprayed IPA using a mist/spray bottle, and then enclosed the model in an airtight container overnight.  This did indeed result in a smooth model but left it in a very soft state - which it is still in almost a week later!  At this rate it could take months to dry out . . . 

Does anyone else have experience of using PVB/IPA?

Posted : 12/03/2021 5:35 pm
g monkey
(@g-monkey)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: PVB smoothing

Am I the only one who has tried this stuff?  It is still like fresh chewing gum a week after the IPA treatment.  Does it ever go back to a rigid state or does it always stay like this?

Posted : 13/03/2021 11:27 am
Lize
 Lize
(@lize)
Estimable Member
RE: PVB smoothing

I haven't tried the PVB but your experience sounds similar to when I first had a go at acetone smoothing.

I used the jar and paper towel method, all seemed to be going well until I got distracted and left it in there for a couple of hours.  It was super smooth and exceptionally squishy.  Would have been ideal if I wanted to drape it over a form to take a new shape.  It eventually went harder but it took a month or so and never returned to the same rigidity as it came off the printer.

I'd have an experiment with the jar method and do it in several steps - short bursts and leave to harden in-between each go.

Posted : 13/03/2021 11:54 am
fuchsr
(@fuchsr)
Famed Member
RE: PVB smoothing

Old thread but I only recently printed my first objects with PVB, some vases and the inside of a Stargate. I *love* this stuff. With 0.8mm nozzle and vase mode it looks like glass after IPA treatment. I didn't do the vapor method. I simply applied IPA with a brush, then let it dry for 15 or 20 minutes, with 5 or 6 repetition. It did get a bit squishy and needed three or four days to solidify but it looks gorgeous.

Posted : 10/12/2021 12:09 am
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