MicroCare^® SSF
Smoothing Fluid

Finishing Touch™ Smoothing Station

The only smoothing fluid certified for use with the Finishing Touch system is the MicroCare^® SSF material. The use of other solvents or liquids may damage parts and/or the system, and may void the warranty.

The Process

Once a part has been produced on the Fortus 3D production system, the part is placed into the smoothing chamber of the Finishing Touch. Vapors from the smoothing fluid surround the part and gently polish the surface. After the process, vapors are recovered and re-used on the next part.

One concern voiced by engineers involve the possibility that any irregular or inconsistent flow of vapors around the part may change the shape or size of the part. To analyze the potential for this effect, an independent study was conducted by the University of Texas-El Paso to test part accuracy after the smoothing process.

Before smoothing, 49 measurements were recorded on 6 test parts manufactured on a Fortus system. After three 20-second exposures in the smoothing chamber, the mean deviation of pre-smoothing dimensions versus post smoothing dimensions determined that the smoothing process changed the parts by only .0009 inches (.023 mm).

The authors of the study concluded that polishing plastic parts using Finishing Touch produces negligible, if any, dimensional changes on the smoothed parts.

The Application

Finishing Touch is ideal for applications where a smooth surface finish is desired:

• Mold masters
  
• Finish painting
  
• Electroplating
  
• Vacuum Metallization
  

Another excellent application is any situation that requires a sealed surface:

• Liquid applications
  
• Moderate air pressure applications
  
• Moderate water pressure applications
  

Health and Safety

Local regulations for use of industrial solvents must be observed. This product is nonflammable, ROHS compliant, completely ozone-safe, and REACH pre-registered. An MSDS sheet is available here. While the Smoothing Station Fluid is nonflammable and very safe, MicroCare^® and Stratasys still strongly recommend that clients read and understand the safety data sheet before using the product.

Packaging

The Smoothing Fluid is packaged in sturdy metal 20 liter (5 gallon) pails that weigh approximately 20 kilos (45 pounds) each. Nonhazardous, the material may be shipped by air without hazmat fees. You can buy the MicroCare^® SSF Smoothing Fluid here.

Part Numbers

To order, call out: MCC-SSF01P

Additional Information

MicroCare® offers great cleaning products at a very affordable prices. If you have any questions or would like samples for testing, please contact MicroCare.