Reading Plastic & Metal is not only dedicated to getting you the best custom parts to make sure everything is working under the hood, we also utilize our expertise to give you an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance for those custom parts. One such method to achieve a finished look is vapor polishing. Vapor polishing is a specialized technique used to create a highly polished, optical-quality appearance on post-machined parts. It uses a heated solvent to react with certain polymers, changing the surface to a smooth, clear appearance. The result is a water-clear shine and transparent finish that enhances the clarity of a part’s internal attributes. 
Benefits of Vapor Polishing
- Aesthetic appearance: As mentioned above, this process produces a highly-polished, optical-quality appearance.
- Smooths out surface roughness: Vapor polishing ensures a debris-free flow through the part. This is particularly important for parts that require a high level of cleanliness, such as those used in medical devices or food processing equipment.
- Allows light to pass through: This is essential for applications such as optics, where clarity and transparency are critical. Vapor polishing can improve the clarity of a part’s internal attributes, making it an ideal choice for components such as lenses, light pipes, and indicators.
- Cost-effectiveness: Another advantage of vapor polishing is that it is a cost-effective alternative to other finishing techniques, such as buffing or polishing. These methods require additional labor and equipment, which can add to the cost of the finished part. Vapor polishing, on the other hand, can be done quickly and easily, without the need for specialized equipment or training.
- Part performance: In addition to its optical and aesthetic benefits, vapor polishing can also improve the performance of a part. By smoothing out the surface roughness, it can reduce friction and wear, extending the life of the part. This can be particularly important for components that are subjected to high levels of stress or wear, such as gears or bearings.
Materials for Vapor Polishing
Vapor polishing is especially effective for materials such as:
- Acrylic: Acrylics are polymers of methyl methacrylate (PMMA).
- Polycarbonate: Optical grade polycarbonate is an extremely tough, optically clear material that provides total luminous transmittance with a very low haze factor and low distortion.
- PEI (Ultem): One of the most dimensionally stable thermoplastics on the market, Ultem® has a unique balance of mechanical properties and processability which provides superior flexibility and design freedom.
Vapor Polishing at Reading Plastic & Metal
If you’re looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your custom parts, trust Reading Plastic & Metal for your vapor polishing projects. Call us at (610) 926-3245 or email site2@readingplastic.com to get started.
