Finishing 3D Printed Parts Will Enhance Your Overall Product
When first printed, 3D printed parts are still in a raw state. Rarely are these materials ready to be packaged and shipped “as is” without some type of additional attention. Among the completion actions recommended for 3D printed parts is surface finishing Even though the part is produced with precise printing technology, where surface roughness and shape can be finely controlled, finishing can deliver supreme product quality.
The Benefits of Finishing 3D Printed Parts
Improve appearance
Finishing can add shine and luster to a piece, as well as properly prepare it for the application of coatings like paint or sealants.
Even out surfaces
The pressure applied from a finishing technique can ensure that any ridges or bumps are flattened. This includes evening out the lines that are sometimes visible when new layers are added during the printing process (think about the layers visible when looking at a part from its side). Finishing using a tumbling technique is one of the best ways to even out these imperfections.
Adjust the surface texture
A finishing process will reduce the overall surface roughness of a 3D printed part if the surface roughness measurement is higher than what was intended for the project.
Reshape to meet specific dimensions
When 3D printing parts that need to fit together precisely, size is everything. Should a piece be printed outside of the exact required dimensions, a finishing method can reshape and resize.
Finishing 3D printed parts should be a standard step in your production process. You can think of it as both a form of quality control and as a final step in your production process when looking to enhance appearance. The type of finishing to be used should be identified in the planning stages of production, so that you can prepare accordingly without disrupting your output schedule.
For more information on finishing 3D printed parts (and why it really is so important), give Kramer Industries a ring at 1-888-515-9443 or reach out to us online today!
Photo credit: Trusty Joe
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