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Post-Processing for smooth 3D printed parts

Post-Processing for smooth 3D printed parts

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Why Post-Processing
is Necessary in 3D Printing

Post-processing is necessary and critical for functional parts. Before undergoing post-processing, some common issues in 3D printed parts include visible layer lines, surface roughness, warping, and poor dimensional accuracy, impacting significantly both aesthetics and functionality. Post-processing comprises a series of techniques meticulously crafted to refine these imperfections inherent in additive manufacturing. These techniques, ranging from sanding and polishing to chemical smoothing and painting, are selected based on desired outcomes and material characteristics.

Post-processing is essential as it may take 3D printed parts from prototypes to finished items that are ready for the market. Post-processing optimizes the components' mechanical qualities, surface finish, and dimensional precision, hence improving their overall performance and marketability. It not only makes things seem better, but it also makes sure they fulfill durability and performance standards.

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Different post-processing between metal and plastics 3D printing

Due to the unique properties of each material, post-processing for 3D printed metal and plastic components varies greatly. Metal parts are frequently undergoing machining, grinding, and heat treatment procedures in order to achieve exact measurements and smooth surfaces. Also, for corrosion resistance or improved aesthetics, metal parts may need to be surface finished using methods like shot peening, polishing, or electroplating.

In contrast, in order to get rid of layer lines and produce smoother surfaces, plastic parts usually go through post-processing methods like sanding, vapor smoothing, or chemical polishing. Plastic parts can also undergo painting, dyeing, or coating procedures to change their color or give them a better appearance. The post-processing method selected for each individual part is determined by the material qualities, intended use, and desired result.

Post-Processing of 3D Printed Parts

LUSHI provides customizable, high-quality post-processing services for 3D printed parts, tailored to meet diverse customer requirements effectively.

01

Support Removal

In order to get away of temporary structures that support overhanging features during printing, support removal is essential in 3D printing. The overall quality of printed products is improved by these supports, which guard against deformities and guarantee correctness in intricate geometries.

02

Cleaning

Cleaning involves taking out additional materials and support structures after printing. It assures the accuracy and flawless surface finish of the finished product, improving quality overall. In additive production processes, efficient cleaning reduces waste and saves time and resources.

03

Machining

After 3D printing, CNC machining offers extra fine work to make the surfaces smoother, guarantees dimensional correctness, and refines tiny details. By producing exact geometries and surface finishes, this subtractive method improves part quality and adds value to the finished product.

04

Annealing

For functional prototypes and final pieces, annealing is the process of heating a printed object to strengthen its mechanical qualities and reduce internal stresses. This increases the dimensional stability and durability of materials like PLA or nylon.

05

Media Blasting

Media blasting is the process of removing smooth surfaces and support structures with abrasive materials. It allows for complex designs, reduces post-processing time, and improves print quality. This method ensures that built-in pieces have accurate, spotless surfaces.

06

Vapor Smoothing

Vapor smoothing is a post-processing technique for 3D printing that uses solvent vapors to improve the surface smoothness of the manufactured items. It improves the overall quality of the print by assisting in the removal of layer lines and roughness, giving the image a smoother, more polished appearance.

07

Chemical Treatment

The purpose of chemical treatment in 3D printing post-processing is to improve produced objects' strength, durability, and surface polish. It raises the quality of prints overall by eliminating support structures, smoothing surfaces, and adding coatings for better appearance and functionality.

08

Vibratory Tumbling

Placing printed items in a vibrating chamber containing abrasive media is known as vibratory tumbling in 3D printing post-processing. This process effectively improves part aesthetics, smoothes surfaces, and eliminates support marks—all of which contribute to higher print quality overall.

09

Spray Paint and Lacquer

Spray paint and lacquer provide a smooth surface for additively made parts that hides defects and layer lines. They elevate prototypes into polished final goods with eye-catching colors and protective coatings, improving their appearance, robustness, and surface quality.

10

Waterproof Coatings

During the post-processing stage of 3D printing, waterproof coatings offer a layer of protection against moisture, increasing the longevity and durability. They ensure that the finished product is both functional and aesthetically pleasing by preventing corrosion, deterioration, and water damage.

11

Dyeing

Dyeing in 3D printing post-processing involves coloring created items to improve their beauty and functionality. It enables customisation, branding, and duplication of elaborate designs in brilliant colors, increasing the value and adaptability of the finished product.

12

Electroplating

By adding a layer of metal, electroplating improves the strength, conductivity, and visual appeal of an object made of printed plastic or resin. This method enhances printed parts' conductivity, durability, and flexibility for customization.

Available Processes of 3D Printing Technologies by LUSHI

Selective Laser Melting

SLM

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a leading metal 3D printing technology, similar to DMLS. Base on powder bed fusion (PBF) principles, SLM is commonly used for building functional end-use metal parts with tight tollerence for high-level industry.

3d metal printing materials
Selective Laser Sintering

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) employs polymers or resins for 3D modeling, akin to SLM. It's increasingly favored in industrial manufacturing, particularly for end-use parts or rapid prototyping due to its superior mechanical properties, sometimes surpassing injection molding.

3d metal printing materials
Stereolithography

SLA

SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing utilizes a UV laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer, creating precise, high-resolution models. Commonly used for intricate prototypes, dental models, jewelry, and detailed architectural models.

3d metal printing materials
Multi Jet Fusion

HP MJF

MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printing fuses nylon powder using fast inkjet arrays, enabling the highly precise creation of complex structures. Low cost and excellent part quality are the advantages of MJF, making it appropriate for low volume manufacturing.

3d metal printing materials
Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing service offers cost-effective prototyping and low-volume production solutions. Ideal for industries such as automotive, medical, and consumer goods, FDM produces durable, functional parts with quick turnaround times.

3d metal printing materials
Digital Light Processing

DLP

DLP 3D printing technology has excellent precision and fast printing speed, making it widely used in parts manufacturing, especially in industries including dental, medical and jewelry industries, DLP has become an ideal choice.

3d metal printing materials