Additive manufacturing has transformed the way manufacturers design and produce parts. 3D-printing makes it possible to create complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible with traditional machining. While additive manufacturing offers incredible design freedom, every printed part still requires one important step before it reaches the customer. Finishing.
Surface quality, support removal, burr removal, and creating a consistent appearance are all critical parts of the post processing workflow. Mass Finishing helps manufacturers improve efficiency while delivering repeatable, high-quality results.
The Challenge of Additive Manufacturing
Many metal and polymer 3D-printed parts require support structures during the printing process. These supports help stabilize complex features and prevent distortion while the part is being built. After printing, support material must be removed without damaging the finished component. And hand finishing can be time consuming and inconsistent, especially when processing larger production volumes or intricate geometries.
A well developed mass finishing process helps smooth areas where supports were removed while reducing manual labor and improving consistency across every batch.
And, depending on the application, post processing may be necessary to
- Improve surface finish
- Remove burrs and sharp edges
- Eliminate support marks
- Prepare parts for coating or plating
- Improve cosmetic appearance
- Create more consistent part to part quality
Without an efficient finishing process, these steps are often completed by hand, increasing labor costs and limiting production capacity.
How Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Improves Additive Manufacturing Finishing
Mass Finishing’s centrifugal barrel finishing equipment uses high energy processing to rapidly finish multiple parts at the same time.
Rather than finishing each component individually, manufacturers can process entire batches while achieving consistent, repeatable results.
Depending on the material, media, and process recipe, centrifugal barrel finishing can help
- Smooth surface roughness
- Blend support removal areas
- Remove small burrs
- Produce uniform surface finishes
- Polish parts for improved appearance
- Reduce manual finishing time
- Increase production throughput
The result is a faster and more scalable post processing workflow.
Process Development Makes the Difference
Every additive manufacturing application is different. Material type, part geometry, printed orientation, support design, and desired surface finish all influence the finishing process. That’s why Mass Finishing works with customers to develop the right finishing recipe for their specific application. Our test lab allows us to evaluate parts, recommend the proper media and compounds, and optimize processing times before equipment is put into production. Instead of relying on trial and error, manufacturers receive a proven process designed to meet their production goals.
Supporting a Wide Range of Industries
Mass Finishing equipment supports additive manufacturing applications across many industries, including
- Medical device manufacturing
- Dental laboratories
- Aerospace components
- Automotive manufacturing
- Industrial tooling
- Consumer products
- Research and development
Whether producing prototypes or high volume production parts, manufacturers benefit from a finishing process that is consistent, repeatable, and scalable.
Complete Your Additive Manufacturing Workflow
3D-printing has changed how manufacturers create parts. But successful production doesn’t end when the build is complete. With decades of experience in high energy centrifugal barrel finishing, Mass Finishing helps manufacturers reduce manual labor, improve throughput, and develop repeatable finishing processes that support long term production success.
If your additive manufacturing operation is looking for a faster and more consistent approach to post processing, the experts at Mass Finishing are ready to help you find the right solution. Send your parts, free of charge, to our test lab and see if our machines will work for you!