Finishing and post processing
Do you need to make a prototype look like the real thing for a photoshoot or customer presentation? This is a common use of additive technologies, and we have the tools and skills to make this happen. There are many tricks of the trade that our in-house craftsmen use, so if you don’t see something here, be sure to ask our project managers.
Most additive manufacturing materials are receptive to advanced finishing, and we offer multiple solutions from basic cleanup to custom finishes.
Multicolor painted models, tinted, dyed, translucent, electroplating (copper, nickel, or chrome), ink transfers, sandblasted, laser engraved logos, and vinyl graphics are just a few of the tricks our talented finishing staff has used to create the professional, realistic look you expect. Below is a list of the finishing and post-processing procedures by technology. Also, be sure to check out our PostPro3D page, highlighting our automated vapor smoothing equipment.
Laser Sintering Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Excess powder removed and lightly bead blasted
Standard finish. Parts have visible layer lines and sandstone texture.
2
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and sealed to lessen porosity
Sealed finish. Parts have visible layer lines, sandstone texture, and a slight gloss. Parts have a watertight finish.
2 +
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and smoothed using PostPro3D
PostPro3D equipment is used to perform physiochemical smoothing. Smoothed parts have an air-tight, injection molded like finish
3
Sealed, primed, or smoothed with PostPro3D and sanded to 320 grit
Near show quality finish, removes layer lines. Parts may have very fine scratches from sanding. Parts are prime and paint ready.
Multi Jet Fusion Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Excess powder removed and lightly bead blasted
Standard finish. Parts have visible layer lines and sandstone texture.
2
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and sealed to lessen porosity
Sealed finish. Parts have visible layer lines, sandstone texture, and a slight gloss. Parts have a watertight finish.
2 +
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
Excess powder removed, lightly bead blasted, and smoothed using PostPro3D
PostPro3D equipment is used to perform physiochemical smoothing. Smoothed parts have an air-tight, injection molded like finish
3
Sealed, primed, or smoothed with PostPro3D and sanded to 320 grit
Near show quality finish, removes layer lines. Parts may have very fine scratches from sanding. Parts are prime and paint ready.
Stereolithography Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed and support faces lightly sanded
Standard finish, supported surfaces appearing dull and non-supported surfaces appearing glossy. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2
Supports removed, support faces lightly sanded, and entire part bead blasted
Even surface finish, gloss removed from non-supported surfaces to create a more consistent finish. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2 +
Supports removed, support faces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit, and entire part bead blasted
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
3
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit, and entire part bead blasted
Show quality finish, removes layer lines from cosmetic surfaces. This finish is recommended for priming, painting, and urethane mold masters.
4
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, cosmetic surfaces wet sanded to 600 grit
Highest quality finish, recommended only for plating and optically clear parts.
Digital Light Processing Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed and support surfaces lightly sanded
Standard finish, supported surfaces appearing dull. Parts will have visible lines.
2*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and entire part bead blasted
Even surface finish, more consistent matte finish. Parts will have visible layer lines.
2 +*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit and bead blasted
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
3*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit
Show quality finish, removes most visible lines. Parts are prime and paint ready.
4*
Supports removed, support surfaces lightly sanded, and wet sanded to 600 grit
High gloss finish, recommended only for plating.
* Elastomeric materials can only be finished to Level 1. For a higher quality finish, these materials may be coated in soft touch.
Fused Filament Fabrication Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed
Standard finish. Parts will have prominent layer lines.
2
Supports removed and part sealed
Sealed finish. Parts have prominent layer lines.
2 +
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 180 grit
Functional finish, removes some layer lines. Parts have a light texture from sanding.
Supports removed and part smoothed using PostPro3D
PostPro3D equipment is used to perform physiochemical smoothing. Smoothed parts have an airtight, injection-molded like finish.
3
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit
Near show quality finish, removes layer lines. Parts may have very fine scratches from sanding. Parts are prime and paint ready.
Material Jetting Finishing Levels
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed
Standard finish, supported surfaces appearing matte and non-supported surfaces appearing glossy. Parts will have slight layer lines.
2
Part built using matte build settings and supports removed
Standard finish, parts built surrounded in support. All surfaces appear matte. Parts will have slight layer lines.
3*
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit
Show quality finish, removes layer lines. Parts are prime and paint ready.
4*
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces wet sanded to 600 grit
High gloss finish, recommended only for plating and optically clear parts (note that clear-coat and light bleaching is necessary for optimal clarity).
* Elastomeric materials can only be finished to Level 1 and Level 2. For a higher quality finish, these materials may be coated in soft touch.
Additional Finishing Processes
Finish
Applicable Technologies
Description
Primer
All technologies
Prepares parts for application of paint or other coatings.
Paint
All technologies
Color matching can be performed upon request.
Soft Touch
All technologies
Soft, rubberlike part coating.
Clear Coat
All technologies
Gloss and matte finish available.
Light Bleaching
MJ
UV treatment used to enhance the clarity of Vero Clear material.
Dyeing
LS, MJF*
We offer the following colors:
- Black
- Blue
- Brown
- Burgundy
- Green
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
- True Blue
- Yellow
Vacuum Plating
SL, other AM technologies upon consultation
Aluminum
Electroplating
SL, other AM technologies upon consultation
Copper and nickel are available.
Electromagnetic (EMI) Shielding
All technologies
Conductive paint coating is applied to the part.
