and tracking at the beginning and dedicated post-processing and finishing capabilities at the end .
Automated Ordering at the Front End Automation is a technology area that has also progressed significantly in the last decade . A forward-looking AM service bureau will have grasped this opportunity to develop and embed enhanced efficiencies into its ordering system to improve user experience . A dedicated automated ordering system will greatly streamline the ordering process , allowing clients to place their orders quickly and intuitively , while also providing full tracking capabilities .
An intuitive automated ordering platform should enable customers to upload their files , select material / s , and specify finishes with ease . It should then be able to provide immediate pricing feedback based on material cost , print time , and complexity . Once the order is confirmed , the system can then provide status updates of all orders in real-time , greatly improving transparency and communication .
By leveraging technology to automate ordering , AM service providers enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency , making AM more accessible and speeding up the front end of the workflow significantly .
Dedicated Post-Processing Services at the Back End While we ’ ve established that the printing process is pivotal , the finish of the parts that come off the AM system often determines its quality and , importantly , its usability . Dedicated post-processing services are also essential for ensuring that 3D printed parts meet client expectations .
It ’ s probably important to note here , that post-processing is actually an umbrella term for a number of stages that AM parts may need to go through after they come out of the AM system and before they are fit for purpose .
This is especially true for powder bed fusion ( PBF ) AM processes . The term “ post-processing ” is often used interchangeably with “ finishing ”, which is somewhat of a misnomer . With any PBF process there are a series of essential post-processing steps that are non-negotiable and must be undertaken prior to the AM-produced part finishing stages , which are optional . Thus “ finishing ” is actually an important subset of post-processing , not a term that should be used interchangeably with it .
Post-processing for PBF parts typically involves :
• Depowdering / excess material removal
• Cleaning
Of note for polymer PBF processes , support removal is typically not required as the powder bed acts as the support system . Neither are heat treatments to cure the materials .
Finishing of parts can include any or all of the following to improve the aesthetics of the surface finish and , for some applications , the mechanical properties of the part :
• Surface finishing - Vibro polishing - Vapour Smoothing - Bead blasting - Sand blasting / Sanding
• Machining
• Colouring ( Dyeing / Painting )
• Plating
• Inspection .
For AM production applications , finishing of parts is often a considerable , but overlooked , section of the workflow that can significantly impact the overall cost-per-part and project timelines . This is especially true if the final part characteristics need to be enhanced in terms of functionality and / or aesthetics .
Investing in dedicated finishing capabilities allows an AM service provider to offer a superior product quality , which is vital for industries where precision and aesthetics matter significantly .
Quality finishing , quite simply , differentiates an exceptional part from an average one . Any AM bureau that prioritises high-quality finishing can cater to specific client requirements , under one roof , to raise the bar for AM parts .
To Sum Up Any business looking to utilise the services of an AM bureau should identify one that is committed to the highest quality 3D printed parts but that also understands how to add value before , during , and after the build . The team at 3D People continues to deliver parts in this way to a growing constituency of clients that recognise their expertise in these areas . We welcome any questions — or , indeed , any challenging applications — from anyone that wants to know more .
www . 3dpeople . uk | print @ 3dpeople . uk | Tel 020 4530 8250
Issue 72 PECM 81