An Introduction to Post-Processing in 3D Printing

The value chain of additive manufacturing consists of multiple steps before having a final part. There is, of course, the printing phase, but also the modeling phase, which is start of any project. But once the 3D printer has finished its work, it is often necessary to work on the part itself: this is where post-processing comes in. Post-processing includes any work that is carried out once the part has left the machine; including but not limited to cleaning, surface finishing, annealing and even coloring. Post-processing techniques in 3D printing are as varied as the manufacturing processes themselves and each has its own specific requirements. But why is this step key in 3D printing? How is the market structured? This introduction to post processing can answer these questions, so read on to find out.

Post-processing in 3D printing is mainly used to improve the aesthetics of manufactured parts and/or to improve their properties. For example, to make a surface smoother or to anneal a component to increase its strength and optimize its resistance. While some post-processing techniques can be used with any 3D printing process, others are technology-specific. Indeed, an FDM part must be treated differently to a metal part. Post-processing is therefore an important aspect to take into account when you want to start 3D printing.

Post-processing is used to improve the aesthetics of 3D printed parts (photo credits: Sinterit)

Introduction to Post-Processing Methods

To help to better understand the different types of post-processing, this introduction will be the first of a number of articles dedicated to the subject in the coming months. First of all, the cleaning of the parts. As the name suggests, this includes all the techniques that will make our part cleaner: de-soldering, rinsing, brushing, blowing, etc. The goal is to remove all excess material, whether it is powder or resin. Depending on the printing process used, this step will take more or less time. For example, with powder sintering this is often a lengthy step that increases the manufacturing time.