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3D Printing Finishing
Finishing options for 3D printed prototype parts
Finishing options for 3D printed parts are largely common across the four 3D printing technologies we have in-house, namely SLA prototyping, SLS prototyping, PolyJet and DLP. However, there are differences between the finishes that can be applied. For example, SLS dyeing is only offered for SLS 3D printed parts. Furthermore, some 3D printing technologies can be used with multiple materials, in which case the finishing options depend on the material.
The intended application for the 3D printed part also has a bearing. Is it for a concept model, functional prototype, jig or fixture, vacuum casting master, investment casting pattern or end-use part? Is the finish required for aesthetic or functional reasons?
Whatever your finishing requirements, we will endeavour to fulfil them.
Finishing and service levels
For our Express service, with which we ship parts the next working day, we restrict the finishing options because of the time available. Our Standard service level – with shipping in three working days – offers a greater choice and our eight-day Economy service gives customers the widest choice of finishes. If we use a subcontractor for specialist finishes, shipping is subject to the subcontractor’s lead time.
Finish Codes
To simplify the ordering process, we use Basic, Standard and Detail Finish Codes to identify the options for 3D printed parts, as well as Finish Codes just for Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL). These are summarised in the table below.
Basic Finish Level
Finish Code | Description of Finishing Process | Process | Material |
Basic Finish Level | Dispatch Level - Express | Standard | Economy | ||
B1 | Support witness marks left on down facing surfaces | SLA/DLP | ALL |
B2 | Support witness marks removed ("A" Surface only) | SLA/DLP | ALL |
B3 | Support witness marks removed ("A" Surface only) and a light bead blast | SLA/DLP | Opaque |
B4* | Support witness marks removed - 1 coat of clear lacquer | SLA | Translucent |
B5 | Support removed washed in cleaning solution | Polyjet | ALL |
B6 | SLS cleaning | SLS | Nylon |
B7* | Lacquer to seal surfaces | ALL | ALL |
B9 | Support witness marks removed - 1 coat of paint (light blow over) | ALL | ALL |
*B4 and B7 finish levels are not available on our Express service level
Standard Finish Level
Finish Code | Description of Finishing Process | Process | Material |
Standard Finish Level | Dispatch Level - Express | Standard | Economy | ||
S1 | Build lines removed and light bead blast to smooth surfaces | SLA/DLP | ALL |
S2 | SLS surfacing | SLS | Nylon |
Detailed Finish Level
Finish Code | Description of Finishing Process | Process | Material |
Detailed Finish Level | Dispatch Level - Standard | Economy | ||
D1 | Primer coat - Grey/White ("A" Surface only) | SLA/DLP | Opaque |
D2 | Paint surface finish: Satin, Gloss, Textured (fine medium, course) ("A" Surface only) | SLA/DLP | Opaque |
D3 | Lacquer - To give gloss effect ("A" Surface only) | SLA/SLS/DLP | ALL |
D4 | Rubberised - soft feel plastic coating to painted surface ("A" Surface only) | SLA/DLP | ALL |
D5 | SLS Colouring | SLS | Nylon |
D6 | Assembly including fitting of inserts/helicoils | ALL | ALL |
D7 | Lacquer to give maximum clarity on Clear SLA parts (geometry specific) | SLA | Translucent |
D8 | BLACKOUT/RFI/EMC coating to internal "B" surfaces | ALL | ALL |
-- | -- | ||
Medi | Cleaning according to USP CLASS VI standards - no post or pre work to be carried out | SLA | Accura Clear Vue |
PµSL Finish Level
Finish Code | Description of Finishing Process | Process | Material |
PµSL Finish Level | Dispatch Level - Express | Standard | Economy | ||
P1 | Support witness marks removed | PµSL | ALL |
What other finishing options are there for 3D printed parts?
To complement the standard finishes, we also offer the following:
Vacuum metallisation:
A metal, usually aluminium, is vaporised in a vacuum chamber and deposited uniformly onto the substrate. If the part has been polished prior to metallisation, it becomes highly reflective (SLA only).
Vacuum casting:
Can be used to overmould a 3D printed part completely or partially with polyurethane resin. Different colours are available including clear, as well as a range of grades from hard to soft. Customers can also specify the surface finish, such as matt, satin and high gloss.
Talk to us
Whatever finishing options you need for your 3D printed prototype parts, particularly if your preferred finish is not mentioned above, talk to us about your project on 01763 249760 or complete the enquiry form below to request a quote.
Model Making & Workshop team
Our model making and AP/AM workshop team deliver high-quality 3D printed and vacuum cast prototype parts. We offer next day dispatch on SLS, SLA, Polyjet and DLP. Request a quote for your next prototype project.
Tim Rowell
Quality & Operations Manager
Gemma Zouher-Lewis
Senior RP Workshop Technician - Team Leader
Mark Avory
RP Technician
Jordan Cooney
RP Technician
Nick Crown
RP Technician
Chris Johnson
RP Technician
Adam Sharkey
Senior RP 3D Technician - Team Leader
Alex Barnett
Senior RP Technician
Jan Mlynarcik
3D Print CAD Technician