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Vapor Polishing

A solvent-vapor process that restores near-optical clarity to clear plastic parts without mechanical abrasion.

What is Vapor Polishing?

A chemical finishing process that uses solvent vapor to briefly soften and smooth the outer surface of a clear plastic part, restoring near-optical clarity without abrasive contact.

How it works

The part is exposed to a controlled solvent vapor that briefly softens the outermost layer of the plastic. Surface tension pulls the softened material smooth as it re-hardens, filling in the microscopic ridges left by machining or printing.

Benefits

  • Restores clarity to machined or printed clear plastic
  • Doesn't remove material the way abrasive polishing does
  • Fast for batches of small clear parts
  • No mechanical contact with the part surface

Applications

Machined polycarbonate parts where surface clarity is a functional requirement — light guides, viewing windows, and optical housings.

Vapor Polishing example

Applicable Materials & Colors

Polycarbonate. Full applicable-materials list, color range, and which finishes can combine are confirmed per order — see the Materials & Finishes page →

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