Surface Finishing
Precision Surface Treatments to Optimize Prototype Performance and Visual Appeal
What We can Do For You?
Surface painting is one of the most widely used surface processes.
Spraying has the following advantages:
(1) It can cover the surface defects of the workpiece after forming ;
(2) Through spraying, a variety of colors, different glossiness, different appearance effects and a variety of different feel can be obtained;
(3) Enhance the hardness and scratch resistance of the workpiece surface;
(4) Spraying effects include: matte, semi-matte, high gloss, various colors, various textures, etching, brushed effect, leather effect, elastic feel effect (rubber paint), etc.
Sandpaper polishing can be done by hand or with a belt sander. It is the most common and widely used technology for post-polishing of 3D printed parts.
Sanding requires caution when dealing with smaller parts because it relies on the reciprocating motion .
If the parts have minimum requirements for precision and durability , avoid over-grinding. Calculate how much material to grind away, otherwise over-grinding will cause the parts to deform and become scrapped.
Polishing is a process of modifying the workpiece surface by using flexible.
Polishing cannot improve the dimensional accuracy or geometric shape accuracy of the workpiece, but its purpose is to achieve a smooth surface or mirror gloss, and it is sometimes used to eliminate gloss .
The surface roughness of the workpiece after polishing process can generally reach Ra0.63 ~ 0.01 micron. PMMA transparent workpieces require very high grinding and polishing requirements , so the price of PMMA transparent parts is relatively expensive.
Sandblasting is a process that uses compressed air as a power source to form a high-speed jet beam to spray material at high speed onto the surface of the workpiece.
This process can make the workpiece obtain a certain degree of cleanliness and different degrees of roughness, improve the mechanical properties of the workpiece surface, increase the adhesion between the workpiece and the paint coating, extend the durability of the paint film, and is also beneficial to the leveling and decoration of the paint.
At 1toptech, sandblasting process can be completed in about 5 to 10 minutes. After the process, the product surface is smooth and has a uniform matte effect.
The blasting media are usually small, finely ground quartz sand, etc. They are relatively durable and can blast in a range of light to heavy abrasion.
Silkscreen printing is a type of printing that prints patterns where they are needed. Use a frame to frame the screen, and then the hollowed-out area of the screen is the pattern to be printed. Apply the dye to the screen, and finally use a scraper to scrape the dye into the hollowed-out pattern, and then the silk screen printing is completed.
Generally, product text or logos will be printed with silk screen. Common products that require silk screen printing include electrical appliances, toys, and daily necessities. Silk screen printing can only be used for flat products, so it is not possible to use silk screen printing on uneven or curved products.
The 3D printed parts are immersed in a steam tank with a boiling liquid at the bottom. The steam rises and melts a layer of about 2 microns on the surface of the part, making it smooth and shiny in a few seconds.
Steam smoothing technology is widely used in consumer electronics, prototypes and medical applications. This method has little impact on accuracy, but its disadvantage is that it has size limitations and is not very effective for products printed with high heat-resistant materials.
We also provide:
Powder Coat
Eletrophoresis
Sandblasting & Bead blasting
Heat treatment
Blacking
Water Transfer
We also offer various special surface treatments , including laser etching, anodizing, powder coating, metal plating, vacuum plating, chromate treatment, chemical treatment, passivation, heat treatment, etc.
Post-Processing Comparison Chart
| Process | Surface Finish | Dimensional Accuracy | Material Compatibility | Typical Applications | Advantages | Limitations |
| Sanding | Matte (Ra 0.2-3.2μm) | ±0.1mm | All materials | Surface smoothing, edge breaking | Low cost, simple | Labor-intensive, inconsistent |
| Bead Blasting | Uniform satin (Ra 1.6-6.3μm) | ±0.05mm | Metals, plastics | Cosmetic finishes, paint prep | Excellent adhesion promotion | Limited texture options |
| Polishing | Mirror (Ra <0.1μm) | ±0.01mm | Metals, clear resins | Reflective surfaces, optical parts | Highest gloss possible | Skill-dependent, expensive |
| Spray Painting | Gloss/matte (custom) | ±0.2mm | Most materials | Color matching, branding | Unlimited colors, UV resistant | Curing time required |
| Powder Coating | Textured/glossy | ±0.3mm | Conductive materials | Durable finishes | Thick protective layer | High-temp curing needed |
| Anodizing | Colored metallic | ±0.02mm | Aluminum only | Aerospace, automotive | Corrosion resistance | Color limitations |
| Plating | Chrome/nickel finish | ±0.01mm | Metals only | Decorative/hard surfaces | Wear resistance | Environmental concerns |
| Laser Engraving | Precise markings | ±0.005mm | Most materials | Serial numbers, logos | Permanent marking | Limited to 2D patterns |
Case Studies
