Industrial 3D Printing Hub
industrial 3D printing

Post-Processing

Review post-processing options for 3D printed parts, such as heat treatment, machining, surface finishing, and inspection.

  1. Cost vs Lead Time: Machining vs Casting for AM

    Machining removes material to achieve tolerance; casting adds material. Post-processing cost depends on part geometry, material, and volume. Lead time varies by supplier

    Oct 31, 2026 · 7 min read
  2. Troubleshooting: Excess Porosity in PEEK AM Parts

    Excess porosity in PEEK AM parts usually stems from poor feedstock handling, unstable melt parameters, or incomplete stress relief. This guide maps common symptoms to

    Oct 26, 2026 · 7 min read
  3. How to Inspect Metal AM Parts for Porosity and Defects

    Metal AM inspection requires a layered approach to find internal porosity and surface defects. This guide covers X-ray, CT, and visual checks, explaining when and why

    Oct 7, 2026 · 7 min read
  4. Explainer: Annealing vs Laser Annealing for PBF Parts

    Conventional annealing uses ovens for uniform stress relief, while laser annealing applies localized heat. Buyers must weigh cost, part size, and tolerance requirements.

    Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min read
  5. Explainer: Heat Treatment for Alloy AM Parts

    Heat treatment restores mechanical properties in alloy AM parts by relieving residual stress and controlling microstructure. This section explains why alloy AM parts

    Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min read
  6. Outlook: Automation in Metal AM Inspections

    Automated inspection is moving metal AM quality control from manual sampling to full part verification. Buyers should plan for greater data integration, tighter

    Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min read
  7. Cost vs Lead Time: PBF vs Laser Annealing

    PBF and laser annealing differ in cost and speed. Laser annealing is usually faster and cheaper for basic cleanliness. PBF costs more but can improve mechanical

    Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min read
  8. Buyers Guide: Selecting a Surface Treatment Partner

    Choose a surface finishing partner by verifying their process capabilities, material handling, and inspection methods. Focus on their ability to meet specific Ra values

    Oct 5, 2026 · 6 min read
  9. Checklist: Verifying Resin Part Surface Finish

    This guide provides a practical method for verifying resin part surface finish using 3D printing post-processing techniques. It outlines specific checks for texture

    Oct 5, 2026 · 6 min read
  10. Troubleshooting: Rough Surfaces in Metal AM Parts

    Excessive roughness in metal AM parts usually stems from powder compaction, process parameter drift, or inadequate support design. This guide lists common symptoms

    Oct 5, 2026 · 10 min read
  11. Explainer: How Surface Finish Affects AM Part Life

    Surface finish directly affects AM part life by altering stress concentrations, chemical resistance, and wear behavior. Rougher surfaces trap contaminants and accelerate

    Oct 5, 2026 · 7 min read
  12. Comparison: SLS vs FDM Post-Processing Requirements

    SLS and FDM parts require different finishing steps due to material and machine characteristics. SLS typically needs unbagging, washing, and surface refinement, while

    Oct 5, 2026 · 6 min read