Additive manufacturing and 3D printing have revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for the production of highly complex and customized parts. However, achieving the desired surface finish on these printed parts can be a challenge. At Mass Finishing Inc. (MFI), we have been providing parts finishing solutions for over two decades. We’re a trusted partner in the Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing industries, offering high-quality solutions to help companies achieve the finish they are looking for.
MFI’s commitment to the Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing industry extends beyond providing exceptional solutions. We actively participate in industry events and trade shows to stay updated on the latest trends and connect with professionals and experts. We recently exhibited at the RAPID + TCT tradeshow in Chicago, IL this May. Engaging with industry professionals allowed us to showcase our expertise, receive valuable feedback, and further enhance our solutions.
The Challenge of Surface Finishing in Additive Manufacturing
The additive manufacturing and 3D printing process often leaves behind rough surfaces and imperfections on the printed parts. These surfaces need to be smoothed and polished to meet the quality standards of various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and more. Traditional hand polishing methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased production time and costs. This is where MFI’s expertise in mass finishing comes into play.
MFI’s High-Energy Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Machines, specifically our HZ-Series, offer a quick and effective post-processing solution for improving surface roughness and achieving a high polish on 3D printed or additive manufactured parts. The combination of sufficient force generated by the machines and the use of highly abrasive tumbling media enables the removal of surface roughness and scale, resulting in a smooth and polished surface. The result is a high-quality finish that meets the stringent requirements of various applications, including aerospace components, medical implants, engine parts, and more.
With our HZ-Series machines, companies can significantly reduce the time required for surface finishing. Unlike traditional hand polishing methods that can take days to achieve the desired finish on complex parts, our machines can polish multiple parts simultaneously, reducing the process time to just two hours. This efficiency translates into reduced labor costs and improved production throughput, allowing companies to meet tight deadlines and increase their overall productivity.
Average Process Times
- Light Edge Break/Deburr | 20 – 30 minutes
- Rough Grind/Deburr | 60 – 120 minutes
- Full Polish from Raw Part | 90 – 150 minutes
*Achieving a polish on a 3D Printed part depends greatly on the material and the initial roughness and scale left over from the printing process.
Equipment Options for Different Needs
We understand that different companies in the Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing industry have unique requirements in terms of part size, production volume, and finishing specifications. To cater to these diverse needs, we offer a range of equipment options. We have 9 different HZ-Series models, each with different sizes and offering a variety of barrel dimensions. The HZ-40 is popular in this industry and is a compact machine ideal for smaller 3D printed parts with high production volumes. For larger parts, the HZ-120 and HZ-160 are popular full-size machines with spacious processing chambers. By providing a variety of machine models, MFI ensures that customers can find the perfect fit for their specific applications.
In Summary
In the fast-paced and evolving additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry, achieving the desired surface finish on printed parts is essential. MFI’s High-Energy Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Machines, specifically our HZ-Series, offer efficient and reliable solutions for surface finishing challenges. Whether it’s aerospace, automotive, medical, or other industries, MFI is committed to providing innovative mass finishing solutions that meet the unique needs of the additive manufacturing and 3D printing industry.
Ready to send in your parts?
The best first step in determining the right equipment for your part is running samples in our lab. Seeing is believing, so we offer sample processing at no cost to prove that we can give you the return on investment and quality finish you need to help make your business successful. Once we have your parts in-house, we’ll determine what type of equipment, media, and processing times it will take to get your desired finish.
It’s easy. Just fill out the Test Sample Request Form below to get started!