Post Processing of Metal Additive Manufacturing

Post-processing is an important procedure in 3d printing, so how to post-process 3d printed metal parts?

1. Tools for post processing

a. Supports removal tools

b. Grinding tools

 c. Polishing tools

2. Post-treatment process for 3d printed metal parts

Post-treatment process mainly includes: heat treatment, wire cutting, support removal, grinding, machining, polishing and sandblasting, etc.

a.Heat treatment

After the parts are taken out from 3d printer, the residual powder on the surface of parts should be cleaned with explosion-proof vacuum cleaner and then put into

the vacuum furnace for heat treatment, so as to release the internal stress and change the physical properties of the parts.

b. Wire cutting

Use a wire cutting machine to cut the parts from the building plate, as shown in the picture below.

c.Support removal

Remove the support from the parts with tools such as pliers.

d. Grinding

After most of the supports are removed, grinding head can be used to polish the remaining supports on the surface, until all the supports are removed.

e. Sand blasting

After polishing, the surface of the 3d printed metal parts after grinding is still rough, and the surface color is uneven. Sand blasting is necessary to be performed. After sandblasting, the surface is relatively smooth and uniform in color.

The above is an introduction to post-processing of 3d printed metal parts. Please contact Eplus3D for more details.