FINISHING
the material of the part and the specific chemicals used, which can make it difficult to achieve consistent results across different parts or applications.
Mass finishing technologies: such as vibratory and centrifugal finishing, use abrasive media and mechanical energy to smooth and polish printed parts. These processes are highly scalable, and capable of handling large volumes of parts simultaneously. They are also versatile, working with various materials and part geometries. Moreover, mass finishing technologies are cost-effective, fast, and environmentally friendly.
AM POST-PROCESSING: ALL IN THE FINISH
landscape, offering unparalleled design freedom, material efficiency, and rapid production times. Despite these advantages, post-processing remains a critical aspect of ensuring the desired surface finish, accuracy, and functionality of AM parts. With a variety of post-processing technologies available, it is essential to understand their capabilities and limitations. In this article, we speak to Colin Spellacy, Head of Sales at AM Solutions UK (part of the Rosler Group), who will benchmark different post-processing technologies and explain why mass finishing technologies are the best fit and the most efficient solution. Post-processing encompasses various
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techniques to improve the surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties of printed parts. There are four common post-processing technologies: hand finishing; CNC machining; chemical finishing; and mass finishing technologies.
Hand finishing: is a traditional AM post-processing method that involves manual sanding, grinding, and polishing to achieve the desired surface finish. The key advantages of hand finishing include the ability to achieve precise, custom finishes that may be difficult to achieve with automated methods, as
dditive manufacturing (AM) has been a game-changer in the manufacturing
well as the ability to quickly identify and correct errors or imperfections in the part. However, hand finishing can also be time- consuming and labour-intensive, leading to increased costs and reduced efficiency.
CNC machining: is a subtractive manufacturing process that can be used. The key advantages of CNC machining include the ability to achieve high precision and accuracy, even for complex geometries. CNC machines are also highly customisable and can accommodate a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. Additionally, CNC machining can be automated, reducing labour costs and increasing production efficiency. However, one of the main drawbacks is the high cost of equipment and setup, that can be a barrier to entry for some manufacturers.
Chemical finishing: this method involves treating AM parts with chemical solutions to alter the surface finish or properties of the part. The key advantages of chemical finishing include the ability to achieve precise and uniform finishes across complex geometries, as well as the ability to alter the material properties of the part, such as corrosion resistance or biocompatibility. However, there are also some disadvantages to using chemical finishing, key among which is that the effectiveness of chemical finishing may depend on factors such as
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Mass finishing technologies offer several advantages over other post- processing methods, making them the preferred choice for AM parts. Scalability is important for several
reasons. First, mass finishing enables the treatment of a large volume of parts at once, which can significantly reduce the time and labour required for finishing compared to treating parts individually. This can improve overall efficiency and reduce production costs. Also, mass finishing ensures consistent finishing results across a large batch of parts, which can be difficult to achieve with manual or individual finishing methods. This can help ensure that parts meet specified requirements for surface finish, roughness, and other critical parameters. Treating a large batch of parts
simultaneously can also help reduce variability in the finishing process, as each part is treated in the same way for the same duration. This can help reduce the risk of defects or inconsistencies in the finished parts. Mass finishing technologies work with
a wide range of materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics. This versatility enables manufacturers to use a single post-processing method for various AM applications, simplifying the production process. By using a single post-processing method for multiple materials, manufacturers can reduce the need for separate equipment or processes for each material. This can help reduce equipment costs, space requirements, and maintenance needs. Mass finishing technologies can be
adapted to various shapes and sizes of parts, making them a versatile
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