How to Reduce Costs by Automating Post-Processing in 3D Printing

Process and workflow automation is a fundamental aspect of Industry 4.0. These types of automation systems serve to control and monitor a process, machine or device in a computerized way, with the goal of operating it automatically to improve production. As stated by Fortune Business Insights, the industrial automation market is expected to reach a value of almost $300 billion in 2026, which is double its value from back in 2018. All these collected data show us the vital importance of these systems today as they allow companies to optimize and improve the performance of all their industrial operations. This is also particularly relevant if we take it to the additive manufacturing sector where, though still requiring human labor, more and more automation solutions are being adopted for production and post-processing especially as AM continues to industrialize.

Against this backdrop, the international company AMT offers automated post-processing solutions for 3D printed parts. Thanks to the advantages provided by its solutions and innovative technologies, many of its customers have already managed to reduce manufacturing costs and optimize production. One of them is Blue-White Industries, a company dedicated to the development of devices, accessories and machinery for water treatment. Due to high capital investments, they began to evaluate the possibility of integrating 3D printing as an alternative to manufacturing molds for their products. They needed to adopt a solution that would increase production throughput and offer a durable and aesthetic surface finish. That’s when they turned to AMT.

The CD1 pump developed by Blue-White Industries using AMT’s technology (photo credits: AMT)

Benefits of Automation in Post-Processing

When a company looks to automate certain processes in the supply chain, it is primarily looking to reduce costs, minimize errors and increase production traceability. Focusing on post-processing, automation allows companies to gain a number of benefits over other surface finishing systems. In the case of Blue-White Industries, teams needed to 3D print and post-process some of the components for its CD1 pump, which is responsible for delivering chemicals smoothly and continuously. Patrick Murphy, Director of Engineering at Blue-White Industries, commented, “We decided to adopt AMT’s PostPro Depowdering and Chemical Vapor Smoothing technology which enabled us to reduce bead blasting time, increase throughput, and overcome early part failure for running under maximum load conditions. All through a process that was repeatable and reliable.”