Prusament PVB 500g

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a design material suitable for easy smoothing with isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Print settings are similar to PLA, mechanical properties are slightly better (similar to CPE or PETG). Thanks to the IPA smoothing it’s optimal for printing visual models, such as unconventional vases, jewelry, lampshades, and other design parts. It’s good to tweak print settings, especially layer height, number of perimeters, and infill density. We recommend printing with a large nozzle diameter and spiral vase mode.

Main PVB disadvantages are its low-temperature resistance (approx. 60°C) and layer to layer adhesion which are similar to PLA.

Concerning the great printability (similar to PLA), PVB is a great material for experienced and new 3D printer users that would like to try something new.

Prusament PVB is our own in-house made filament. The whole manufacturing process is closely monitored and tested - we guarantee ±0.03mm precision and highly-consistent colors. You can inspect the parameters of every spool we made at prusament.com

Specification

PVB has similar mechanical and printing properties to PLA. However, thanks to its transparency and easy smoothing with IPA, this material is most suitable for the production of visual models, such as unconventional vases, jewelry, lamps, and other art pieces. The most ideal are models that should be printed with transparent filaments. It’s good to tweak various print settings, such as layer height, the number of perimeters, and infill density to make it look even better. Plus, we recommend using the vase mode in combination with a larger nozzle diameter.

Keep in mind that PVB is not the best option for printing mechanical parts. Its dimensional stability, tensile strength, and impact tenacity resembles CPE (and low-tier PETG) but its temperature resistance and layer-to-layer adhesion are similar to PLA.

Pros
	Print settings similar to PLA
	Filament transparency/translucency
	Great for design parts, vases, lampshades etc.
	Can be smoothed with IPA
	Great surface adhesion
	Good tenacity (similar to CPE)
	Good tensile strength (similar to PETG)
	Low warping (similar to PLA)
	Possibility of using 0.8mm nozzle

Cons
	Poor layer to layer adhesion (slightly worse than PLA)
	Low temperature resistance
	Hygroscopic filament (absorbs moisture)
	Higher price

PVB and larger nozzles simultaneously: It’s much easier and faster to print PVB models with vase mode and a 0.8mm nozzle. The walls will be more solid and more resistant to deformation caused by IPA smoothing. Models printed with 0.8mm nozzle and vase mode can be smoothed so well, they look almost like glass.

PVB chemical smoothing

Before we start with how-to manuals, let’s sum up basic safety rules. IPA is slightly less toxic than other substances used for smoothing (acetone, chloroform, dichloromethane etc.) but it’s still an organic solvent. Always work in a well-ventilated environment and use gloves and other protective equipment (glasses, respirator). Do not pour used IPA into drains and waste pipes! IPA can be used multiple times. Once it loses its properties, contain it in a bottle and dispose of it as a dangerous substance (according to your local legislative rules).

The main advantage of PVB is chemical smoothing. Unlike other materials, PVB can be dissolved with IPA. This solvent is less toxic than other used chemicals (acetone etc.) and can be usually bought at your local hardware store. PVB smoothing can be done at home if you follow the safety rules mentioned above. Let’s take a look at the most common methods for smoothing PVB models:

1. Smoothing station (Polymaker Polysher)
   An automatic smoothing station is a safest and fastest way to achieve a smooth, glossy surface on your prints. Simply put the model inside for 35-40 minutes and then let it dry for two hours. The main disadvantage is the high price of such stations.
2. 15-30 minutes of washing in IPA bath
   Immersing a 3D-printed PVB object in IPA can lead to a perfectly smooth surface. However, this method has several disadvantages you should take into consideration: The print usually floats (depends on its infill and other factors) and the surface becomes somewhat soft and “slimey”. This means that it’s difficult to remove the model from the bath without disrupting the smooth surface. Also, it takes a long time for the model to dry completely. The washing itself takes 15-30 minutes and drying takes usually several days.
3. Washing in IPA for short periods of time
   A good-looking surface finish can be also achieved with consecutive shorter washing times. Disadvantages are similar to the longer exposition, however, by immersing the model in IPA for a short time, it melts only on the surface, while inside it remains solid. Simply immerse the model in an IPA bath for 30 seconds, remove it and let it dry for at least 15 minutes. Repeat this process five times or more for good-looking results.
4. Smoothing in IPA vapors
   We’ve shown you this method in our older article. Its main advantage is low IPA consumption and easy solvent and model manipulation. But you should keep in mind that surface smoothing might be uneven without proper air circulation inside the box and it usually takes a long time (dozens of minutes to few hours). The process is simple: Pour a small amount of IPA inside the smoothing box, place the model on an elevated metal platform inside and wait. Check the model regularly to see whether it’s not melted too much. Keep the box warm and ensure good air circulation inside to get the best results possible.
   If you don’t have any proper box and need to smooth small models, you can use an improvised method with kitchenware. Take a cylindrical glass, put a napkin soaked with IPA on the bottom and secure it properly. Printing a circular gadget with flexible filament might help. This will serve as a lid for your smoothing box. The bottom consists of a plate filled with water and an elevated (metal) platform in the middle. Put the model onto the elevated platform and put the glass onto it (bottom facing up). Let it work for 2-3 hours, however, don’t forget to check it regularly.
5. Spraying IPA directly onto the surface
   This is basically the same method used in Polymaker Polysher. The main advantage is low IPA consumption, disadvantage comes with applying too much or too low IPA that might lead to uneven surface finish. IPA application and drying (at least 10 minutes) should be done at least five times.
6. Using a regular brush
   This is by far the simplest method you can use. However, it comes with three main disadvantages: Using the brush usually takes a long time, the brush can leave marks on the surface, and with the incorrect application, it may even leave bristles on the model. If you choose this method, apply IPA onto the model’s surface, then let the model dry for at least 30 minutes. Repeat if needed.

The example of results you can achieve with the Prusament PVB Natural

Tips and tricks for successful smoothing

• Use at least 70% IPA. More diluted solvents might not work enough.
• Prints should be placed on a non-adhesive platform (aluminum foil, metal plate, etc.). Other materials might stick to the surface too well (paper for example).
• Long drying requires the object to be rotated regularly. In some cases, the model might stay soft for a long time, stick to the surface or deform due to non-ventilated parts.
• Drying too fast or too slow causes bubbles of air to manifest inside the print. The best option is to dry it at room temperature and rotate it regularly.
• Long exposition leads to deformation, loss of details, and long drying times (a week or more).
• PVB dissolved with IPA should not come in contact with water. Wait at least 3 days before washing the model. Water leaves white marks on the dissolved (soft) surface and in some cases it can disrupt the internal structure. Dissolved PVB might also leave white marks on the smoothing container surface if it’s washed with water.

Keep the filament dry

PVB is very prone to absorbing moisture. Always put the spool back inside the bag with silica gel or let it dry for 4 hours at 60 °C before printing!

Typical applications for PVB

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Lampshade (Filament translucency)	Vase (Glass-like appearance after IPA smoothing)
Mask (Possible design application)	Miniature (IPA smoothed models with high detail)
Smoothed tabletop model (IPA smoothed models with high detail)	Tabletop model (Unsmoothed example)