3D Printing Post Processing Techniques
3D Printing Post Processing Technique: Image Source: ge.com
3d printing has come a long way in recent years, and there are now many different post-processing techniques that can be used to achieve different results in 3d prints. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most popular post-processing techniques in additive manufacturing and how they can be used to improve your 3d prints. This is important for anyone who wants to get into the field of 3D printing, or even if you're just curious about how it works. We'll be talking about things like sanding, polishing, and painting. But before that, it's important to have a look at the best 3d printing software that you can use to prepare your 3d designs.
Which is the Best 3D Modeling and 3D Printing Software?
3D modeling in SelfCAD.
There are a lot of 3d printing software available, but the challenge is usually getting the program that is easy to use, affordable, and powerful at the same time. If you would like to create your 3D models, one usually has to prepare their designs in one program then switch to another one for 3d slicing, but thanks to software like SelfCAD. SelfCAD is the only 3d design software that has combined artistic, technical, rendering, and 3d printing tools all under one program running on the cloud as well as in Windows and Mac.
After you are done with creating 3d models, you can simply select the 3d slicer button in the toolbar of the program and it will direct you to the in-built slicer where you can select your printer and slice your model and generate the g-code easily.
The software is easy to use and you don’t need to have previous experience in design to use it. There are also a lot of interactive tutorials available to help you get started quickly.
Having looked at the best 3d modeling software, it's time now to look at the what post processing activities in 3d printing are and the main techniques. So if you're ready, let's jump right in!
What is post-processing in 3D Printing?
Post-production in 3d printing refers to any method or activity that is done on a 3d printed item, as well as any technology used to improve the 3d object. Consider it a final step in creating and refining 3D-printed items. Removing support or superfluous material, cleaning and curing, sanding or polishing a model, and painting or coloring are all choices for post treating 3D printed details.
Post-processing costs for 3D printed parts
Post-production can be expensive, especially when done by hand. Manual after-treatment is time-consuming and inefficient. In large-scale production, it will also become unsustainable. The cost of post-processing can be nearly a third of the cost of producing a 3D printed model. According to 2018 Wohler's research, the costs, including the expense of part breakage, account for 27% of the total costs of making a model. Fortunately, thanks to the recent development of different methods, the task of finalizing 3D printed items may now be automated, lowering prices. To computerize post-processing activities, various businesses are developing various equipment. For example, DyeMansion focuses solely on post-processing machinery. Others, such as Carbon and FormLabs, are 3D printer makers that include after-treatment devices into their printing setups.
8 Key Post-Processing Techniques
Although not all procedures are required for all projects, we can distinguish eight steps in post-processing:
- Support Removal
- Sanding
- Vapor smoothing
- Priming and painting
- Polishing
- Electroplating
- Gluing and welding
- Hydrographics
Also, depending on the printing procedure used to make the model, the finalizing technique may differ.
1. Support Removal
Support Removal in 3D Printing: Image Source: blog.gotopac.com
The first technique for post-processing 3D printed items is support removal. Support materials are generally divided into two categories: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble: Insoluble materials include PLA, ABS, Nylon, PC, and other generic components. These are removed with pliers and flush-cutters or by hand. But, often, the supports are in tough-to-reach places, making it impossible to access and remove them. Soluble: Soluble materials, such as HIPS (used as a support with ABS) and PVA (used with PLA), are much easier to work with because they degrade in a chemical called Limonene and water, respectively.
Support removal normally leaves some marks on the contact locations; however, they can be smoothed down with additional furbishing.
2. Sanding
Sanding a 3d printed object. Image source:Makerbot
It is amongst the most basic post-polishing methods for 3D printed items. It works similarly to sanding wood products, but it’s time-consuming and strenuous. Sanding should be done in phases, starting with low grit sandpaper (typically 150 grit) and progressing to higher grit sandpapers such as 400, 600, and even 2000 grit, depending on the requirements. Sanding has the disadvantage of taking a long time and effort. Furthermore, the material is removed unevenly, compromising the part's dimensional correctness.
Aside from that, small particles of the material are emitted into the air and therefore can enter the lungs when breathing, so wearing a mask while sanding 3D printed items is recommended.
3. Vapor Smoothing
Acetone Vapor treatment of a 3d model. Image source:Youtube
This post-processing activity makes use of acetone. When working with ABS filament, this technique is most commonly used. The 3D printed item is exposed to acetone vapors in a controlled atmosphere. When the mists contact the object's exterior layer, it begins to melt. The technique softens the layer lines and smooths the object's outer layer, giving it a lustrous appearance. The unequal removal of material, which compromises the product's dimensional accuracy, is still another disadvantage of using this approach. Due to the inability to regulate the process, the part must be constantly monitored and removed from the cage after the required finish is obtained.
This method is appropriate for high-end products when aesthetics dominate dimensional accuracy.
4. Priming and Painting
Painting 3D Printed Part: Image Source: maketboat.com
The application of primer to a part is known as priming. It is mainly used as a foundation for further painting. One of the most common polishing processes for 3D printed items is priming and painting. After sanding the 3D printed items with medium-grit sandpaper, priming can be done (close to 600 grit). Following sanding, apply two coats of primer to the component. Follow the safety measures before spraying the primer and even when painting the next stage. Sand the piece again after the first primer application and apply a second priming coat. Use fast, gentle sprays to apply the primer.
Allow for drying time after priming before painting. Regular brush or spray painting are both options. While brush painting can help create elaborate designs, spray painting is a rapid way to paint specific color zones. One idea is to mask the areas that will not be painted with a specific color since this will aid in sharp color intersections.
5. Polishing
Nail polishing 3d prints. Image source: Youtube
A buffing wheel and a Dremel tool can be used to polish. Makers and artists can purchase a specialized Dremel toolkit for 3D printing. After sanding, polishing is done. The print's finish will be improved as a result of this.
6. Electroplating
Electroplating 3D Print: Image Source: youtube.com
Post-processing FDM 3D printed items with electroplating is a fantastic choice. Plating services are usually offered. ABS is easily electroplated, so caution should be exercised while selecting a material for the part.
Electroplating can improve the part's look and feel while increasing its strength.
7. Gluing and Welding
Fixing and gluing a 3d printed part. Image source: All3dp
The part will be broken down into many pieces if it is larger than the printer's build volume. During this period, bonding chemicals such as Anabond, primarily employed in industrial applications, can easily fuse the PLA components.
Welding ABS prints together is possible. Acetone is used for welding here. Light acetone layers can be applied to the mating surfaces and clamped together. It will be chemically bonded together as a result of this procedure. These types of ties are quite powerful. The larger the surface area, the stronger the bond of the connecting pieces.
8. Hydrographics
Hydro dipping 3d prints. Image source:learn.adafruit.com
Hydrographics is one of the most promising approaches for FDM 3D printed items. Hydro Dipping and Immersion Printing are some examples of it. Putting printed graphic designs into solid things is known as water transfer imaging, water transfer printing, etc. Plastics, wood, metals, glass, and other materials are used in this post-production procedure. Hydrographics is widely utilized in various industries, and it may also be used for 3D printed products.
Why do 3D printed items require post-processing?
After-treatment can be done on 3D printed objects for practical and aesthetic purposes. Although rough prototypes may not need post-polishing, almost all other printing does.
Functional Reasons
- Sintering and debinding are two processes that can transform brittle and weak metal pieces into strong ones.
- Resistant to water or UV Smoothing procedures reduce pore size and improve water and UV resistance on part surfaces.
- Tolerances for important parts can be tightened using precise techniques such as CNC machining.
- Stability in the heat resistance of a printed object can be improved through methods such as annealing, which enhances its mechanical reliability.
- Polishing can increase the smoothness of parts that must contact other details with the least amount of friction.
Reasons of Using Aesthetics
- Surface finishing treatments can improve the appearance of printed items by smoothing them out.
- Smoothing and polishing parts make them feel softer to the touch, which may be desirable in ergonomic consumer products.
- The manufacturer can determine and manage the level of glossiness of a part using post-processing.
- Sanding can eliminate layer lines and hide a part's machine of origin, which is great for prototypes of components that will be injection molded in the future.
- Parts can be created in multiple colors, thanks to dyeing and painting.
Conclusion
The post-processing strategies mentioned above will improve your 3d print. The finished product has a tidy, sleek appearance with gleaming surfaces. You can also utilize these approaches to enhance the aesthetics of your printed parts. It's critical to underline that post-processing isn't just about improving the object's appearance but also its other attributes like texture and strength. It is critical to choose the most appropriate method for a particular application. You can completely revive your creation by making the right option.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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