Post-processing is the final step to making the 3D printed designs usable. You can still use one of these programs, even if it’s a 3D printer. The best 3D printersPost-processing is used to remove any rough surfaces and textures that were left. The post-processing process can also improve the durability of an object. You can achieve this by adding more layers to the design or coating it. If you 3D print with a resin then post-processing will cure any resin that is left on your design and make it ready for further processing.
Even though you can apply the same post-processing to all 3D printers, some actions are unique to FDM or resin printing. Each of these will be covered. But before that, let’s look at the main tools you need in our process.
What You’ll Need
- Remove the supports from the prints using tweezers, pliers or a sharp blade.
- If your 3D prints were printed using resin, you can use a wash and cure station to cure them.
- You can use coarse and fine sandpapers to smoothen the print. Start with 80-grit before moving on to finer sandpapers like 220-grit.
- For cleaning, a basin of water with a cloth is all you need.
- Safety equipment, such as gloves.
- Filling in gaps with Epoxy Putty
- The spatula is used to mix and apply epoxy putty.
- Primer for use before painting.
- You can use any spray paint to create a unique design.
- Epoxy Coating Kit for coating your prints
- Glue to join parts. If your design is a 3D-printed single part, this step is optional.
1. How to Wash and Cure the Prints
Washing and curing are the first things you need to do after your machine has finished printing, if you’re using SLA, DLP, or one of the best resin printers. The washing process ensures that you remove any uncured resin left on the print surface. This uncured material can be sticky, and cause the print feel tacky. You can wash it in a washing machine, or expose to UV light. To wash and cure resin 3D prints, you can follow these steps:
- Set up Your washing and curing stations properly.
- Wear glovesRemove the print from the 3D Printer bed. Be careful not to touch any resin.
- Insert the image Close the chamber and set the time.
- Remove the print Rinse the surface of the washer under running water once the cleaning cycle is complete to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- Let the design air dry Use compressed air to remove the excess water.
- The print will dry out. It is best to place it in a curing chamber Close the station and set the temperature. After a few moments, you can remove the station and it will be ready.
- If you don’t have a wash and cure machine, you can fill a container with a cleaning solution like isopropyl alcohol and place the print inside and ensure that you submerge it completely.
- Gently swirl container Make sure the cleaning solution reaches every print surface.
- Next, Use compressed air or air to dry Remove excess liquid
- Then, you can. Expose it to light It is possible to cure the disease completely.
See our detailed tutorial on how you can clean and cure your resin prints for more information.
2. Remove unwanted parts
You may find supports in both prints made with FDM or resin 3D printing. To remove these without damaging your design, you must be able to do so effectively. To accomplish this, you will need to:
- Which parts do you need? If your 3D printed object has support structures, you should examine their connections to better understand how best to remove it.
- The support material can be found by searching for it. Gently hold them and gently pull them away You can also use tweezers or pliers. If you have easy access to your hands, then you can use them. Be as careful as possible so as not to damage the object.
- Knives can be used to cut through stubborn supports or those that are hard to reach. Slice or cut the pieces away.
- Look at the print After removing the supports from the wall, look for any attached or small pieces and trim them or cut them with your tools.
- Check for damage You can inspect The printed object should be checked for any unwanted marks left by the removal of support. You can repair any problems using the post-processing methods discussed below.
You should also remove any strings that are around your design.
3. Sanding and Smoothing
You will notice that some areas of your prints still have rough surfaces. These need to be smoothed out. You should sand your parts even if they do not have any unwanted elements. Depending on the print, you may want to use different types of sandpaper. How to effectively sand 3D prints and smooth them out:
- Find the areas in need of smoothingYou should avoid rough surfaces, and areas with imperfections. Avoid areas with fragile edges that could break.
- Remove rougher areas Start with coarse-grit, then move on to a finer grain. This will help refine surfaces and reduce any scratches the coarse-grit may have left.
- As you sand, Use light to moderate pressue Move the sandpaper back and forth or in a circular motion.
- Cleaning the Print Apply acetone vapour to smooth surfaces further.
4. Filling in Gaps & Joining Pieces
Fill in any gaps that appear after removing support or the print from the bed. Use epoxy putty for the job. It can hide imperfections and visible layer lines on your 3D Prints. How to do it effectively:
- Take a piece of epoxy putty Use it to fill in any gaps or imperfections on your 3D prints.
- Use your hands or a spatula. Press and shape the putty in the gapIt should fill the entire space.
- Let the epoxy putty dry By leaving it on for a couple of hours, you can ensure that the filling is strong and durable.
- Use sandpaper to Sand the area down. Sand the areas you have filled, just as you did in the previous step.
You can glue together 3D printed parts if you need to join them. As you do this, make sure you align all the parts carefully and that they fit together correctly.
5. Priming and Painting
To make your 3D printed unique, you can paint it in any color. However, before you do so, it’s essential to prime the model to create a smooth surface that is easier to paint. Priming can also help fill in tiny holes. Prime and paint your design as follows:
- Shake the primer can Apply a thin, even layer of primer on the entire surface. To avoid drips or over-application, hold the can of primer or brush at a safe distance.
- Apply a thin layer. Paint the primed surface with a paintbrush or spray.
- Let the paint dry Before you touch or use a 3D printed object, make sure that it is safe to do so.
6. Coating
It is important to coat the print with a protective or decorative coating to protect it against environmental factors like dust and humidity. You can choose from different coatings, such as epoxy, polyurethane or clear resin.
Here are the steps to coating 3D Prints:
- Apply a thin layer. Apply the coating material directly to the 3D printed surface. Work in sections. Starting at one end, move systematically across the print.
- Lightly press the button. To ensure that coverage and distribution is uniform.
- Let the coating dryAllow the coating to dry or cure.
Some of the post-processing steps may not apply to your entire project, but they might be done for a few of your designs. You should be very careful when you are finishing your designs.
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