Laser melting has been proposed as an alternative to filler materials or vapor smoothing for removing layer lines in FDM 3D prints. In the setup using two diode lasers, smoothing the top surfaces proved easier than smoothing the walls; the results varied depending on the object’s size and geometry. The study is linked to previous attempts to increase layer adhesion using lasers.
Why it matters
This approach offers a different post-processing option for surface smoothing in FDM prints, alongside filler materials and vapor treatment. The fact that laser melting trials did not produce the same result across every part of the printed surface links the method’s feasibility to the object’s shape and scale. The easier smoothing of top surfaces shows that vertical sections such as walls present distinct technical challenges. The study’s connection to previous laser applications also shows that the method is based not only on research aimed at improving appearance, but also on a line of research related to adhesion between layers. Therefore, the key unresolved issue is whether consistent results can be achieved with different geometries, particularly on walls.