THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF POST-PROCESSING IN AM

Post-processing is an often overlooked step in additive manufacturing (AM) that helps manufacturers transform raw 3D-printed parts into high-quality, end-use components. This article explores its role in bridging AM with industrial applications.

- 

In additive manufacturing (AM), much focus is on the build process — the layer-by-layer creation of intricate, high-performance parts. Yet, it is not the printing process but what happens next that determines the true success of AM in real-world applications.

Post-processing is the often-overlooked step that transforms raw 3D-printed parts into functional, end-use components that meet the rigorous standards of many industries. While unfinished parts are suitable for many functional end-use applications, finishing opens up the possibility of many more end-use applications. In a time when AM is being pushed towards mainstream adoption, the importance of post-processing has become more relevant.

Bridging the gap between 3D printing and usability

While AM has revolutionised part design, enabling complex geometries and rapid iteration, the raw outputs from even the most advanced AM technologies still fall short of industry requirements. Parts often emerge from the build chamber with surface roughness, inconsistent mechanical properties, and residual powder or support structures that must be removed or refined before parts can be used. While AM enables direct part production, many industries require additional finishing steps to meet specific functional and aesthetic standards. The misconception that AM produces a final-use product in a single step has hindered its adoption, as companies often underestimate the necessity of thorough post-processing techniques to bring parts up to industry standards.