Improving Performance and Cosmetics in 3D-Printed Parts with Secondary Operations
Industrial 3D printing creates functional plastic parts quickly, but often times the parts can benefit from secondary operations that improve on cosmetic appearance and functionality. 
Improving Performance
Threads don’t form well in 3D printing due to layering, tolerances, and over curing of the material. One option for improved thread performance is to have holes threaded or tapped after the build has been completed—this provides smooth threads and enhanced performance. Alternatively, threaded inserts can be installed to further improve strength. With stereolithography (SL), we install threaded inserts by gluing them in place and with selective laser sintering (SLS), we heat stake them in as SLS uses commercial-grade thermoplastic nylon.
Colours and Cosmetics
Colour and cosmetic appearance options are limited as manufactured, but many times this often can be improved in post-production so that 3D-printed parts resemble injection-moulded parts. We have a few different ways of altering part colour, which include applying a coloured dye, custom paint, or soft-touch paint to SL and SLS parts. A dye is generally going to be less expensive and faster than paint.
- With part dyeing we offer five primary colours: black, red, yellow, blue, and green. Dyeing results in an opaque or transparent appearance depending on the base material.
- Custom painting is also available with for those looking for different colours on various features. We can match to any Pantone number provided.
- If you’re looking for an early prototype of an overmoulded design, soft-touch paint can add the look and feel of an overmoulded part.
- Light, medium or heavy texturing can also be painted on to represent a mould finish.
- To have these finishes added to a part, we simply need a detailed PDF of the part, colours, and regions of the locations for each finish.
Also, many times decals or stickers work well for additional design elements like a company logo, for example. Since 3D printing typically produces small quantities of parts, this is easily achievable as long as the decals are provided to us before parts are produced.
Polishing, texturing, and clear coating are yet more options when a clear part without layer lines are required or a matte finish is needed. A clear coat is often times applied to SL parts when polishing is applied to a part or if longer UV protection is required.
How to Request a Custom 3D Printing Finish
When you request a quote for 3D printing, you’ll need to:
- Select the 3D printing process for manufacturing and material
- Upload an STL file to receive an instant, interactive quote that includes your base price and lead time
- Select “custom finish” in a drop down menu within the quote and enter a note with your desired finish
- Provide a PDF with clear instructions on how to complete your request
- Finalise your order after you receive a manual quote from one of our applications engineers that contains updated pricing and lead time—this normally takes less than a few hours to complete a non-auto quote
If you have questions regarding secondary operations for 3D printing, please contact our Application Engineers at +44 (0) 1952 683 047 or [email protected].