What is a common method to achieve a smoother surface finish on 3D prints?

Sanding or vapor smoothing is a widely recognized technique to enhance the surface finish of 3D prints. This method involves physically smoothing the printed surface with sandpaper or utilizing a vapor solvent that can soften the surface layer of the material, allowing imperfections to fill and create a more uniform and glossy appearance.

When sanding, you can gradually remove layers of material, starting with a coarse grit and moving to a finer grit for a polished finish. Vapor smoothing specifically works well with certain types of filaments, like ABS, where exposure to a solvent can lead to a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing surface. This technique not only improves visual quality but can also reduce the friction of parts that need to fit together or move, which is important in functional applications.

Achieving a smoother finish through other methods, like adjusting print speed or thickness of filament, does not provide the same level of refinement without potentially compromising other aspects of print quality, like strength or dimensional accuracy.