What Will Change for Post-Processing in 2026?

It’s been a while since PostProcess Technologies released its renowned study on post-processing trends. But now, the 5th edition is finally available, following the last release in 2022. The report highlights a growing focus on sustainability, safety, and health. As production volumes in additive manufacturing increase, concerns surrounding post-processing are also shifting. How can we keep up with production speeds and ensure that workers are properly protected? Let’s take a closer look at what’s on the horizon for post-processing in 2026.

Many post-processing trends and requirements have remained consistent over the years: since 2019, support removal and surface finishing have remained the two most commonly used methods among 3D printing users. 59% of participants use the former technique, while 48% use the latter.

Of course, these post-processing techniques are closely tied to the preferred additive manufacturing process. The study shows that material extrusion remains in first place, followed by resin-based processes, and finally powder-based methods. Similarly, there have been no major changes compared to previous years. So, what’s different about the post-processing sector in 2026?