Using CA glue to smooth 3D printed items

[GLMFAA1]

I watched an Adam Savage video regarding making miniature figures and the professional manufacture dips the figures in CA vats to smooth the figure. Has anyone tried just brushing CA glue on small parts to remove the ridges? I don't expect anyone to have a vat of CA glue?

greg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MeatMan]

On 9/7/2023 at 10:38 AM, GLMFAA1 said:

I watched an Adam Savage video regarding making miniature figures and the professional manufacture dips the figures in CA vats to smooth the figure. Has anyone tried just brushing CA glue on small parts to remove the ridges? I don't expect anyone to have a vat of CA glue?

greg

No, but you can brush resin on to them and sit them out in the sun to cure. I tried it once and it worked but req'd multiple light coats to get it right.

[robdebie]

On 9/7/2023 at 4:38 PM, GLMFAA1 said:

I watched an Adam Savage video regarding making miniature figures and the professional manufacture dips the figures in CA vats to smooth the figure. Has anyone tried just brushing CA glue on small parts to remove the ridges? I don't expect anyone to have a vat of CA glue?

Not having seen that video, could it be that the figures were printed from laser-sintered nylon? It's a white nylon powder that is 'welded' together using a laser. I've used that once, and it really soaks up CA, because it's porous. If you don't fill it, the paint will do the same thing, and the painting cycle becomes endless.

Rob

[Rick L]

This is not a good method. An open container of CA is pretty nasty stuff on your sinuses in large volume. Be careful to use ventilation if you choose to go that route.

[bobss396]

CA glue is also tough to sand, not good if you need to do that. Especially with fine details.

[bobthehobbyguy]

1 hour ago, robdebie said:

Not having seen that video, could it be that the figures were printed from laser-sintered nylon? It's a white nylon powder that is 'welded' together using a laser. I've used that once, and it really soaks up CA, because it's porous. If you don't fill it, the paint will do the same thing, and the painting cycle becomes endless.

Rob

Yes that is what the figures are made of.