Post-Processing for 3D Printing
At VMT, we offer comprehensive post-processing services for 3D printed parts, ensuring that your final products meet the highest standards of quality and appearance.
ISO 9001 IATF 16949 Rohs Certification
What is Post-Processing in 3D Printing?
Post-processing in 3D printing refers to the series of steps taken after a part is printed to improve its appearance, functionality, or mechanical properties. It includes removing supports, smoothing surfaces, painting, or applying coatings to achieve desired characteristics.
Post-processing enhances a 3D-printed object’s quality, making it ready for its intended application. Read on to discover our various post-processing techniques and their benefits.
What is the Role of Post-Processing in 3D Printing?
Post-processing is a vital step in 3D printing that ensures the printed parts meet the required standards for appearance, functionality, and performance. Below is a detailed explanation of its roles.
1. Improving Surface Quality
Post-processing helps reduce visible layer lines and smoothens surfaces. Techniques like sanding, polishing, or chemical smoothing enhance the texture of the part, creating a polished finish that is visually appealing and suitable for high-quality applications.
2. Enhancing Mechanical Properties
Through processes like annealing, infiltration, or reinforcing, post-processing improves the mechanical strength and durability of printed parts. This ensures the object can handle stress and function effectively in demanding environments.
3. Removing Support Structures
Support structures are often necessary during the printing process but must be removed post-printing. Careful removal prevents damage to the printed part and prepares it for further processing or immediate use.
4. Customizing Appearance
Painting, dyeing, or coating the 3D-printed parts during post-processing enhances their visual appeal. This customization allows for vibrant colors, unique textures, or professional finishes suitable for consumer products or prototypes.
5. Enhancing Fit and Function
Post-processing ensures precise dimensions by using techniques like sanding, machining, or trimming. This precision is essential for components that need to fit together seamlessly or operate efficiently in assemblies.
Our Post-Processing for 3D Printing Services
At our 3D printing services, we understand that the journey of creating a perfect 3D printed object doesn’t end with the completion of the printing process. Post-processing is a crucial step that ensures the final product meets your expectations in terms of quality, aesthetics, and functionality. Here’s our main post-processing services:
Removal of Support Structures
Once the 3D printing process is complete, many prints require the removal of support structures that were essential during the printing process to prevent sagging or collapsing. Our team uses a combination of manual and automated tools to carefully and precisely dismantle these supports. We ensure that the removal process does not damage the printed object or leave behind any unwanted residue.
Surface Finishing
We offer a range of surface finishing options, including sanding and polishing, to achieve a smooth, seamless look. Our sanding processes remove layer lines and other imperfections, while our polishing techniques can give the surface a glossy or matte finish. We also use chemical treatments, such as smoothing solutions, to further enhance the surface quality of specific materials.
Assembly
For multi-part prints, our assembly services ensure that all components are correctly aligned and securely joined. Our technicians use precision tools and techniques to piece together the parts, ensuring that the final product meets your specifications and functions as intended. We also offer custom assembly solutions, such as the use of adhesives, screws, and other fasteners, to meet the unique needs of your project.
Quality Control and Inspection
We use a combination of manual inspection and advanced measurement tools to ensure that your final product meets or exceeds your specifications. Our technicians carefully examine each print for imperfections, and we offer corrective actions if any issues are identified. We are committed to delivering high-quality, reliable 3D printed objects that meet your expectations.
Metal
Standard
The roughness is generally between 3~5μm, and can reach up to 2μm.
Sandblasting and Grinding
Physical removal of excess material and powder particles from the surface, thereby reducing roughness.
Laser Polishing
The surface roughness of parts after laser polishing can be significantly reduced, usually reaching a level of Ra of about 2~3μm.
Custom
Our customized surface treatment services include sandblasting, laser polishing and heat treatment, to meet customers’ special needs for part surface quality and performance.
Plastic
Selective Laser Sintering
Standard
The parts are ground to remove burrs and uneven parts produced during the sintering process and to improve the surface finish.
Polishing
Polishing can remove tiny surface defects and make the surface of the workpiece smoother and brighter.
Coating
The application of one or more layers of material to a part to improve its appearance, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance.
Custom
A fine process that can be customized to meet specific appearance, performance and functional requirements of parts through removal of excess powder, fine grinding and polishing, and application of specific coatings.
Stereolithography
Standard
Polish your print using a polishing tool to remove imperfections such as layer lines, scratches, etc.
Coating
One or more layers of material can be applied to the surface of a print.
Electroplating
A metal coating can be formed on the surface of the printed part to improve its conductivity, corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Custom
Provide customized surface treatment services to improve the surface texture of SLA printed parts through customized processes such as fine grinding, polishing and personalized coating.
Why Choose Us for Post-Processing for 3D Printing?
Our 3D printing post-processing services are delivered by a dedicated team of professionals, who are committed to providing high-quality, customized solutions with a focus on meticulous attention to detail, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.
1、Customized Solutions
We offer customized post-processing solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s achieving a specific surface finish, adding protective coatings, or modifying the mechanical properties of the printed parts, we can provide the necessary services to meet your requirements.
2、Professional Expertise:
Our team is highly skilled in handling various materials and understanding the nuances of different printing processes, ensuring precision and quality in every step of the post-processing workflow.
3、Hour Quote
2 hours quotation, 4 hours manufacturing feasibility program service and advice.
4、Own Quality Inspection Room
We have a 3D CMM measuring instrument, altimeter, salt spray tester, etc. Every job has undergone strict quality testing, and the yield rate of customized CNC machining parts can reach 99.8%.
5、Attention to Detail
We pay close attention to every detail in the post-processing stage, ensuring that each printed part meets the highest standards of quality.
6、Certificate
VMT has passed ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, SGS On-site audit and 11 patents. Provide Thickness, Roughness, RoHS, and Material certification.
Custom Finishing
| Material | Surface Treatment Method | Description |
| Metal | Sandblasting | A process where compressed air is used to propel fine abrasive particles onto the surface to achieve a matte or textured finish. |
| Polishing | Using abrasives and polishing compounds to create a smooth, reflective surface. Can range from a matte to a mirror-like finish. | |
| Anodizing | An electrolytic passivation process that creates a protective oxide film on the surface of the metal, often used to add color and durability. | |
| Powder Coating | A durable finish applied as a dry, free-flowing powder that is electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the metal surface, then baked to a smooth finish. | |
| Plastic | Painting | Applying paint to the plastic surface using brushes, sprayers, or dip tanks. Can be used to add color, texture, and protective properties. |
| Vapor Polishing | Using a chemical vapor to smooth the surface of the plastic, creating a glossy finish without removing significant material. | |
| UV Printing | Applying ink directly to the plastic surface using UV-curable inks and a digital printer, then curing the ink with UV light for a durable finish. |
Get Your Post-Processing for 3D Printing Project Started Today
Just send us your 3D CAD file along with your surface treatment preferences, and our expert customer service engineer will meticulously assess the manufacturability of your design. We guarantee that your parts will meet your expectations and budget requirements, offering unparalleled precision and satisfaction. Contact us today for a free quote!
