Polymer Post-Processing
Refine the surface of 3D printed parts to perfectly meet application requirements
Parts from the 3D printer are fully functional straight away. Their natural surface has a sand-like, grainy appearance and feels slightly rough to the touch. This surface finish is not ideal for some applications. The surface can be refined with various post-processing methods.
Depowdering
Process description
Excess material is removed from the part using glass or plastic beads. Blasting with CO2 ice is also possible.
Properties
-
Manual or automated cleaning
-
No material removal
-
Surface gentle treatment
Blasting
Process description
The part is bombarded with a blasting medium, which compacts the surface and smooths out any roughness.
Properties
-
Matte glossy, scratch-resistant and dirt-resistant surface
-
No material removal
-
Process does not depend on part geometry
Coloring
Process description
The surface of the part is colored homogeneously in a water bath. Using pressure and heat, the colors penetrate into the plastic by means of a chemical reaction.
Properties
- Unlimited selection of colors for white parts
- No material deposit, part geometry is unchanged
- ISO certified colors
Spray Painting
Process description
Using compressed air, the paint is atomized from a nozzle and applied to the part.
Properties
-
Unlimited selection of colors for white parts
Polishing
Process description
The surface of the component is mechanically smoothed in a drum with abrasive media and under the influence of vibration.
Properties
- Smooth surface
Chemical Smoothing
Process description
The surface of the part is chemically dissolved, which smooths it.
Properties
- Smooth, highly glossy, sealed and washable surface
- Suitable for hard and flexible plastics
- Injection molding look
Flocking
Process description
The surface being flocked is coated with an adhesive to which fibers are then applied.
Properties
- Velvety-soft surface
Coating
Process description
Small pores on the part are sealed by coating it with an aqueous solution.
Properties
- Smooth and sealed surface
- Modified part properties, e.g. water-tightness, UV and chemical resistance
Galvanisation
Process description
The part is coated with a thin layer of metal using electrolysis.
Properties
- Metallic appearance
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Coating
Process description
The coating material is first evaporated, then condensed onto the part, covering it with a thin layer of metal.
Properties
- Metallic appearance
- Vacuum-based coating
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Coating
Process description
A coating is created by depositing a solid component from the gas phase onto the heated surface of a part using a chemical reaction.
Properties
- Coating of complex three-dimensional surfaces
- A variety of chemical reactions enables a large number of different materials to be used
Machines and Materials
for Additive Manufacturing with Polymers
Polymer 3D Printer
Our plastic 3D printers are available with various build volumes and laser powers to meet your production challenges.
Polymer 3D Printing Material
EOS offers an extensive portfolio of high-tech polymer materials for our pioneering SLS technology. Find the perfect material for your application.
