Overview – Vapour Fuse
Our vapor fusing service offers the highest-quality finish for SLS, MJF, and SAF technologies. In just one step, your parts are transformed from a natural, granular texture to a sleek, high-gloss finish, resembling the look of injection-moulded parts.
Our machine, the Dyemansion PowerFuse S, uses a powerful yet eco-friendly vapour-based chemical to melt and smooth the part’s outer surface. This process refines both the interior and exterior, resulting in smoother, stronger, and lower-friction parts that are easier to clean.
Also referred to as vapour surfacing, vapour smoothing, PowerFuse, chemical smoothing, or chemical surfacing.
How much does it cost?
25p per part + 10%
This covers the process of hanging the individual parts plus the cost of the process.
Maximum size of a part we can vapour fuse in one piece:
300mm x 270mm x 580mm (Express, Economy & Trade service)
What materials can be Vapour Fused?
SLS Nylon PA12 (PA2200), SLS Flexible TPU, MJF Nylon PA12, SAF PA11 ECO (Polyamide 11)
Powerfuse S by Dyemansion – How it works
Parts are individually hung on a frame with either a wire through a hole in the part or a hook. The parts are then automatically loaded into a sealed chamber and heated up. The chamber’s ambient temperature is hotter than the outer surface of the parts. Vapour is then released in cycles into the sealed chamber. With the surface of the parts being colder than the atmosphere they are in, the vapour condenses on the surface of the part. This contact with the vapour on the surface of the part causes a chemical reaction that melts the surface of the part. This melting creates a smooth and homogeneous surface to the parts. After a set period of time, the vapour is expelled from the chamber and the parts are automatically unloaded from the machine.
Requirements
Parts are individually hung on a frame with either a wire through a hole in the part or a hook. The parts are then automatically loaded into a sealed chamber and heated up. The chamber’s ambient temperature is hotter than the outer surface of the parts. Vapour is then released in cycles into the sealed chamber. With the surface of the parts being colder than the atmosphere they are in, the vapour condenses on the surface of the part. This contact with the vapour on the surface of the part causes a chemical reaction that melts the surface of the part. This melting creates a smooth and homogeneous surface to the parts. After a set period of time, the vapour is expelled from the chamber and the parts are automatically unloaded from the machine.
The Powerfuse S by Dyemansion
Our vapor fusing service offers the highest-quality finish for SLS, MJF, and SAF technologies. In just one step, your parts are transformed from a natural, granular texture to a sleek, high-gloss finish, resembling the look of injection-moulded parts.
Our machine, the Dyemansion PowerFuse S, uses a powerful yet eco-friendly vapour-based chemical to melt and smooth the part’s outer surface. This process refines both the interior and exterior, resulting in smoother, stronger, and lower-friction parts that are easier to clean.
Also referred to as vapour surfacing, vapour smoothing, PowerFuse, chemical smoothing, or chemical surfacing.
Vapour Fuse is highly recommended for
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Super Smooth Finish – glossier finish compared to vibro-polishing or shot peening, suitable for complex geometries. - +
Eco-Friendly Solvent – Utilises sustainable, non-hazardous solvent, certified eco-friendly. - +
Technology Compatible – works with SLS, MJF and SAF parts
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Penetrating Vapour – smooth internal surfaces and channels - +
Organic Shapes – smoothing internal surfaces and channels. - +
Colour Enhancement – coloured parts looks amazing with vapour fuse surfacing
Mechanical properties
In the chart below you can compare the main mechanical properties of MJF PA12 against our other materials. To make it easier to compare, we have given each value a rating out of 5 (0.5 increments). This can also be seen in the table below. You can toggle each material visibility on/off using the buttons on the right.
Properties
Accuracy
Expected: 0.1mm or 0.1%
Guaranteed: 0.3mm or 0.3%
Repeatability
Great repeatability, though not quite as good as SLS PA12 or SAF PA11
Strength
Great material in terms of tensile and impact resistance. [data below]
Flexibility
Great flexibility, suitable for snap fits.
Melting point
Great thermal resistance with a melting point of 180 degrees C
Resistance to Warping
MJF PA12 can warp more than SLS PA12 and is harder to correct afterward. If you have a warpable part, SLS PA12 is recommended.
Elemental and UV Degradation
Great resistance to the elements can be used for outdoor products.
Chemical and Water Resistance
Has great chemical and water resistance.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Mean | Unit | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 48 (7397) | MPa (psi) | ASTM D638 |
| Elongation at Break | 20 | % | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Modulus | 1730 | MPa/psi | ASTM D790 |
| Melting Point | 187 | °C | DIN EN ISO 306 |
Datasheets
For more information on MJF PA12 please download the datasheet you require from the list below. If you have any further questions please feel free to give us a call to discuss your project.
Colours Available
Black only.
Talk to Andrew, our Head of Technical Sales, and discover how our services can save you time and money while achieving the highest quality prints.
Appearance and finish
SLS Nylon PA12
This is as it comes off the machine. Parts have a granular texture similar to an extra strong mint and is the roughest of all the finishes. Ideal for parts with thin walls, or finer details that may get damaged in the other processes.
MJF Nylon PA12
Use our vibro polishing service to take the roughness away from the natural finish. The result takes the surface from the texture of an extra strong mint to a softmint/mentos. This process is both low cost and high impact, but can cause damage to delicate parts below 2mm wall thickness. It is ideal if you are looking to paint parts afterward.
SAF PA11 ECO
This is using our DM60 deep dye machines – takes parts from their natural colour to black or other colours. Can be used in conjunction with all other finishing processes. Parts are coloured on the surface only and can be used for applications that involve skin contact.
SLS Flexible TPU
This is using our vibro polishing machines – a rough abrasive process that smoothens the outside of the part from an extra strong mint type texture to a surface similar to a softmint/mentos. Not suitable for thin walls or features.
Vapour Fuse – Get an Instant quote using our online system
Grab a quote for our smoothest finish. Our Uploading System takes price breaks into consideration for higher quantities and is the fastest way to get a quote for your project.
Other finishing options available on our service
