How do different 3D printing technologies require different post-processing techniques?

How Do Different 3D Printing Technologies Require Different Post-Processing Techniques?

Powder Bed Fusion (PBF)

Processes like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) create high-density metal parts with fine detail but leave rough surfaces and residual stress. Common post-processing includes:

• Heat Treatment: To relieve internal stress and modify microstructure.

• Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): To eliminate internal porosity and enhance fatigue life.

• CNC Machining: For precision surfaces and tolerance-critical features.

• Surface Finishing: Includes polishing, sandblasting, or electropolishing for improved function and appearance.

Material Extrusion (FDM/FFF)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) often produce parts with visible layer lines and low dimensional accuracy. Post-processing requirements include:

• Support removal via trimming or chemical dissolution.

• Surface smoothing by sanding, vapor polishing, or epoxy coating.

• Painting or UV coating for aesthetic or functional finish.

• Thermal annealing for select materials to improve strength and reduce warping.

Vat Photopolymerization (SLA, DLP, CLIP)

Processes like SLA, DLP, and CLIP yield smooth-surfaced resin parts but require:

• Post-curing under UV light to achieve full mechanical properties.

• Washing with solvents (e.g., IPA) to remove residual resin.

• Painting or PVD coating for surface protection or visual enhancement.

• Polishing for transparent or high-precision applications.

Binder Jetting

Binder jet parts are typically weak in their green state and require:

• Debinding and sintering for strength and density.

• Heat Treatment to further improve mechanical properties.

• HIP for metal parts to remove internal porosity.

• Surface Treatment such as coating or impregnation to improve durability.

Material Jetting (PolyJet, MMJ)

PolyJet and Multi-Material Jetting (MMJ) produce highly detailed resin parts but often require:

• UV post-curing and cleaning of support material.

• Light polishing or coating for visual quality.

• Special care in handling due to low thermal resistance of uncured or thin-walled parts.

Ceramic 3D Printing

Ceramic 3D Printing requires:

• Binder removal and high-temperature sintering.

• HIP to improve density and reduce flaws.

• Minimal machining due to ceramic brittleness—parts must be near-net shape.

Recommended Services by Technology

Neway offers full post-processing capabilities tailored to printing methods:

• CNC Machining: For metals and rigid resins.

• Heat Treatment: For superalloys, titanium, and tool steels.

• Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): For metal and ceramic densification.

• Surface Treatment: Includes painting, anodizing, polishing, and coating.

• Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC): For high-temperature metal parts.