Post-processing for 3D printing: cleaning, annealing, coloring|

There are multiple steps in the design of additive manufacturing process, and only each step of excellence can lead to final precision parts, including modeling stage and printing stage. Once the work of the 3D printer is completed, it is usually necessary to process the part itself: this is post-processing. Post treatment refers to all work performed on parts after they are taken out of the machine, including but not limited to cleaning, surface treatment, annealing and even coloring. Post processing technologies in 3D printing are as diverse as the manufacturing process itself, and each has its own specific requirements. But why is this step the key to 3D printing? What is the market structure of 3D post printing? Antarctic bears invite you to find out.
Post processing in 3D printing is mainly used to improve the aesthetics and performance of manufactured parts. For example, make the surface smoother or anneal the component to increase its strength and change its conductivity. Although some post-processing technologies can also be used for 3D printing process, most post-processing technologies are based on other manufacturing methods rather than additive manufacturing. The post-processing technology in additive manufacturing may be different, for example, the processing method of FDM parts must be different from that of metal parts. Therefore, post-processing is an important aspect to be considered in the 3D printing process.
Introduction of post-processing methods
The first step is to clean the parts. Cleaning of parts includes many things, such as de-bonding, flushing, brushing, blowing, etc. The goal is to remove all excess powder or resin materials. Depending on the printing process used, this step will take varying amounts of time. For example, for powder sintering, this is usually a time-consuming step that increases the manufacturing time.
The second type is annealing. This step is mainly to increase the temperature of the parts to improve their mechanical performance. These mechanical properties include heat resistance, ultraviolet resistance, and even its strength or thermal stability. This step mainly involves polymer components - for example, for resin processes, there are curing machines that are directly designed for specific printers. For powder bonding or indirect metal 3D printing, it must be degreased and then sintered in an appropriate oven. Therefore, annealing technology is often used to improve the final performance and function of parts.
Of course, post-processing also has challenges and limitations that the market has been trying to solve for many years. One of the biggest obstacles to 3D printing post processing is the time required. According to the annual study published by PostProcess Technologies, 53% of participants indicated that their biggest challenge was the working time for post-processing. These steps are still too time consuming and do not reduce manufacturing time with 3D printing. As a result, automated processes have become the choice of many professionals in this field. These automated steps reduce workforce and ensure employee safety. Therefore, the Antarctic Bear believes that automation is one of the main trends in the market, and we look forward to seeing further innovation in this area, both in post-processing and in the actual printing of parts!