Use Cases Post-Processing

Standard High-Quality Easy to Clean Subjected to Friction Contact with Liquids

Use cases sorted by surface condition/surface objectives.

In additive manufacturing, numerous post-processing methods can be used, which can also be combined with each other. On this page, you will find recommendations for the finishing options that can be used for each application case.

Recommended Post-Processing Methods by Objective

3D printed component in Polyamide 12 using Multi Jet Fusion process in gray

Components without Special Surface Requirements (Standard)

Examples
“Non-visible parts” such as brackets, mechanical components, etc.

Desired effect
–

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
none, only cleaning

Explanation
Most economical solution due to the elimination of further processing steps.

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Standard High-Quality Easy to Clean Subjected to Friction Contact with Liquids

PA 12 3D-printed component housing drill machine with shot peening

Components with High-Quality Appearance (High-Quality)

Examples
Housings, structural components in the exterior area of a system (control panel, etc.).

Desired effect
black

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Dyeing
Shot Peening

Explanation
Economical solution for producing fully black and high-quality components.

Examples
Housings, structural components in the exterior area of a system (control panel, etc.).

Desired effect
colorful

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Chemical Smoothing
Painting

Explanation
Special colors can be achieved through painting, which are difficult or not feasible with dyeing (e.g., metallic).

Examples
Housings, structural components in the exterior area of a system (control panel, etc.).

Desired effect
colorful

Materials
TPU

Finishing methods
Painting

Explanation
TPU can be painted as long as the dynamic load on the material is not too high.

Examples
Housings, structural components in the exterior area of a system (control panel, etc.).

Desired effect
high gloss or smooth surface

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Dyeing
Chemical Smoothing

Explanation
Surface smoothing and achieving a higher gloss level.

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Standard High-Quality Easy to Clean Subjected to Friction Contact with Liquids

two 3D printed components made of PA 12 W and PA 12

Components with Easily Cleanable Surface (Easy to Clean)

Examples
Housings in medical technology or cleanroom applications.

Desired effect
sealed surface

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Chemical Smoothing

Explanation
Sealing the surface through chemical smoothing.

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Standard High-Quality Easy to Clean Subjected to Friction Contact with Liquids

Components Subjected to Friction (Subjected to Friction)

Examples
Housings in medical technology or cleanroom applications.

Desired effect
sealed surface

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Chemical Smoothing

Explanation
Sealing the surface through chemical smoothing.

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Standard High-Quality Easy to Clean Subjected to Friction Contact with Liquids

Components in Contact with Liquids (Contact with Liquids)

Examples
Liquid-carrying components

Desired effect
Leak-tightness against liquids

Materials
PA 12

Finishing methods
Chemical Smoothing

Explanation
Prevention of capillary effects by sealing the surface. Note: The effect cannot be achieved inside narrow channels due to technical reasons.

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