US Patent 8123999 Smoothing method for layered deposition modeling

Disclosed is a method for smoothing the surface of an object built from a polymeric or wax material using a layered manufacturing rapid prototyping technique. After the object is built it is exposed to a vaporized solvent such as in a vaporizer for an exposure time sufficient to reflow the object surface. A solvent is chosen based on its ability to transiently soften the material which forms the object, and thereafter evaporate off the object. The object is removed from the solvent and allowed to dry, producing a smooth finished part.