Post-processing is the final step to making the 3D printed designs usable. Even if your 3D printer is one of the Best 3D PrintersThe post-processing removes any rough textures or surfaces that may have been left behind. The post-processing process can also improve the durability of an object. This can be achieved by adding extra layers of material to the design. Coating, or even painting, is another option. Post-processing can be done if you are 3D Printing with a Resin. It will cure any resin that is left on your design and make it ready for further processing.
Although you can apply the same post-processing to all 3D printers, there are still some specifics to FDM or resin printing. We will cover them all. But before that, let’s look at the main tools you need in our process.
What You’ll Need
- For removing the support from the prints, use tweezers or pliers.
- The wash and cure station is used to cure 3D printed objects if they are made of resin.
- Sandpapers are used to smoothen the print. You can start with an 80-grit paper before going to a finer one, like 220-grit.
- For cleaning, a basin of water with a cloth is all you need.
- Safety equipment such as gloves.
- Epoxy putty to fill in the gaps of your prints.
- Use a spatula to mix and apply epoxy putty.
- Primer for use before painting.
- Spray paint your design with any color you like.
- 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. The Prints After Washing and Curing
After the machine has finished its work, you should wash and cure the resin if you have used SLA or DLP technologies. 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. Follow the steps below to clean and cure your 3D resin prints.
- Set up Your washing and curing stations properly.
- Wear glovesAfter that, carefully remove the print off the 3D bed. Do not touch the resin.
- Insert the Print Place the unit into the washing station, ensuring that it is completely submerged. Close the chamber. Set the timer (usually a few seconds).
- Remove the Print After the cleaning cycle, rinse the surface with running water to remove any residue cleaning solution.
- Air dry the design You can also use compressed air for removing excess water.
- When the print has dried, 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 that the cleaning solution reaches each print surface.
- Next, Use compressed air or air to dry Remove excess liquid
- Then, you can. It is best to expose it to some light. Cure it completely
You can find out more about how to cure and clean resin prints in our tutorial.
2. Remove Unwanted Parts
Supports may be present in prints produced by FDM and resin technologies. It is important to remove these supports without damaging any of your design. 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. Hold them gently and gently remove them Use pliers and tweezers. You can also use the hands if you are able to reach them. Be as careful as possible so as not to damage the object.
- Use a knife if some supports are difficult to reach or stubborn. Slice or cut the pieces away.
- Check 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 Check out the latest inspections Check the printed object to see if there are any marks that were not intended and caused by the removal of the support. You can repair any problems using the post-processing methods discussed below.
Check for strings and remove them.
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. In this process you can use sandpapers of different textures, depending on the nature and size of your print. To effectively sand, smooth and polish 3D printed objects:
- Find the areas in need of smoothingYou should avoid rough surfaces, and areas with imperfections. Avoid delicate areas where they might break.
- Remove rougher surfaces Sand the surface with coarse-grit paper, and then use a finer-grit paper to reduce any scratches left by the coarse grit.
- 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 Gaps and Joining Parts
You need to fill in gaps if they appear on your 3D Prints after removing the supports or removing it from the bed. Use epoxy putty for the job. It can hide imperfections and visible layer lines on your 3D Prints. This is how you can do it:
- Take a piece of epoxy putty Apply it to any imperfections or gaps on your 3D printed model.
- Use your fingers or spatulas to remove the weeds. Press and shape the putty in the gapMake sure it covers the entire area.
- Allow epoxy putty time to dry By leaving it on for a couple of hours, you can ensure that the filling is strong and durable.
- Use sandpaper to Sand down the surface. 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. Primer And Paint
Paint your 3D model in the color you want to make it stand out. 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. To prime and then paint your design, follow these steps:
- Shake the primer container Use a brush to apply the primer or thoroughly mix it with a can. Then, apply a thin layer evenly over the entire print surface. To avoid drips or over-application, hold the can of primer or the brush at a safe distance.
- Apply a thin layer. Use a spray or a brush to apply paint on the primed surfaces.
- Let the paint air 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 elements such as humidity and dust. You can apply different coatings such as clear resin, polyurethane, or epoxy.
Follow these steps to coat 3D printed objects:
- Apply a thin layer. Apply the coating material directly to the 3D printed surface. Start at one end of the 3D print and work systematically along it.
- Lightly press the button. Ensure even distribution of coverage.
- Let the coat dryLet the coating cure or dry.
You may have to do several of these post-processing tasks in order to complete your project. When you are finished with your designs, be sure to not damage any sections.
MORE: Best 3D printers
MORE: Best budget 3D printing
MORE: Best Resin 3D Printers