We understand your need to feel complete satisfaction when you finally gaze upon and touch a creation that you developed from the very beginning. Finding your finishing process is an important final step to perfecting your product or prototype. There are different methods and we can help you determine what is right for your model.

Whether you will be using Fused Deposition Molding (FDM) Technology or PolyJet Technology, we have information to help make the process easier.

PolyJet Technology Finishing Processes

Stratasys PolyJet 3D printed models are built up from layers so thin that they cannot be detected by the naked eye, giving them smooth, flawless surfaces that are easily mistaken for an end product. The models can be painted with off-the-shelf acrylic paints and lacquers or decorated as soon as they are printed, with no preparation or polishing necessary.

Because you can base decisions about your end products on accurate, unambiguous and compelling interaction with near-real products, just a little skill along with acrylic paint and lacquer is needed to achieve true product realism.

Read about how Legacy Effects created a lifelike battle-scarred armor model for Microsoft’s Halo 3 marketing campaign here.

When gluing is needed to create a part larger than the build tray, or to combine 3D printed parts with other components, the process with parts printed from PolyJet photopolymers is quick and easy, using simple, inexpensive household glue.

FDM Technology Finishing Processes

FDM parts are often considered to be ideal for prototyping, research and non-visible production applications. However, there’s a commonly held belief that FDM parts cannot be finished to the level required for models that will be photographed, displayed or be visible production parts.

Rest assured, they can be finished and painted to meet the cosmetic requirements for virtually any application. FDM technology prints models in production-grade thermoplastics, so you can sand, drill, glue and paint just as you would any plastic part. You can also bond 3D printed parts together to grow beyond the build-envelope when needed. There are several options when finishing an FDM printed product.

Finishing Processes

Bead Blasting
Bonding and Gluing
Electroplating
Mass Finishing
Painting
PPSF Finishing
Sealing FDM Parts
Smoothing FDM Parts