Vapor Polishing

Small scratches and other minor surface irregularities can be removed from Xantar PC parts by steam polishing. The process uses chemical vapours to attack the plastic surface and flatten it. If done correctly, steam polishing can result in an optical quality surface.
Dichloromethane vapour is commonly used in the PC vapour polishing process. The vapour is obtained by heating the methylene chloride container to its boiling point. The parts are exposed to the methylene chloride vapour for less than 3 seconds. The entire process must be carried out in a closed and well-ventilated room to prevent the operator from being exposed to the fumes. Parts should not be exposed to liquid dichloromethane. Once the polishing process is complete, the component must be allowed to dry so that the methylene chloride on the component can evaporate.
After the polishing process, the parts must be dried and any methylene chloride must be evaporated. Finally the parts are gradually heated on an air circulation oven and held at 120oC (250oF) for one hour to relieve surface stress and evaporate any dichloromethane that has penetrated. The parts should be carefully cleaned of dust particles and any foreign matter such as grease; they should be dried before polishing.
Due to its hazardous nature, this process must only be carried out by experienced personnel. The chemical vapours can be harmful if inhaled; special equipment must be provided to prevent the operator from coming into contact with the chemicals. In addition, there are strict regulatory limits on exposure to these chemicals by various government agencies. Please refer to the MSDS provided by the chemical supplier.