Surface technology & assembly

Post-processing, finishing, plastic surfaces

Surface technology, FKM smooth®, assembly

3D print finishing of plastics

In many respects, laser-sintered plastic components already meet the standards of series production immediately after 3D printing. Nevertheless, their surface is usually slightly sandy-rough due to the additive manufacturing process, even with the finest print resolution. This surface quality is often sufficient for concealed functional parts. The situation is different for design and visible components or molded parts with high fluid and hygiene requirements. Here, it is important that the 3D print finish meets the high visual and technical requirements so that the components can be used in series production without any further work steps

Refinement and post-processing of 3D printed plastic parts

Sandblasting
Loops
Cutting end
Editing
Painting / infiltrating
Coating
Smoothing

Series-ready 3D printing post-processing plastic

We have perfected the finishing of 3D printed parts in order to deliver 3D print finishes that are ready for series production and can be used immediately. Thanks to targeted development work, employee training and investments in machinery, we are able to deliver perfect surfaces at series production level. We work quickly, precisely and economically.

"Perfect surface design is the key to series production."

Post-processing and finishing of 3D printed plastic parts

Sandblasting after 3D printing

After the construction process, 3D-printed plastic parts are first sandblasted. Excess plastic powder is removed from the 3D printed part and then reused.

Surface technology for perfect finishes

After pre-treatment, the 3D printed plastic parts are sent to for surface finishing and refinement. During 3D printing finishing, our customers have a wide range of mechanical and coating processes at their disposal to give the laser-sintered plastic parts the desired surface finish.

Mechanical post-processing

Vibratory finishing (barrel finishing)
Compaction blasting
Machining
Installing standard threaded inserts
Bonding of individual components (large prototypes)
.

Coating process

Painting in color
Infiltrate in color
Finish ready for painting
Gas- or watertight infiltration
Metallic coating
FKM Smooth® (smoothing)

Mechanical post-processing

We create the basis for an optimum surface for our laser-sintered plastic parts during mechanical post-processing. Depending on the desired surface quality, we offer vibratory grinding (barrel finishing), compaction blasting or machining. Typical post-processing operations include the installation of standard threaded inserts or the bonding of individual components to form a large whole (for prototyping only). Purchased standard parts can be installed in SLS components on request.

Coating processes for every requirement

The coating of surfaces makes it possible to achieve a particularly high-quality look, a certain feel or the required robustness. FKM offers various options for this. These include gas and water-tight infiltration, colored infiltration, paintable finish and colored lacquering. A heated paint booth is also available for the application of modern textured and standard paints. This is large enough for a mid-range car and is therefore also ideal for automotive suppliers.

FKM smooth®

Homogeneously smooth and securely sealed: The innovative FKM smooth® process sets new standards in the surface optimization of laser-sintered plastic parts. The fully automated, thermochemical finishing technology is suitable for all laser-sintered plastics and is perfect for sophisticated functional components with intricate geometries. It has no influence on the dimensional accuracy of the components.

"The properties generated with FKM smooth® cover the surface evenly and completely. This also applies to internal structures and areas that cannot be reached with conventional processing techniques."

Perfect surfaces for every requirement

The surfaces of components can be given a high-gloss finish, smoothed, leveled, matted and protected with FKM smooth®. Quality and intensity can be defined very precisely in advance. It is also possible to optimize the hygiene friendliness, permeability, food conformity and mechanical strength of the plastic parts as required.

Surface technology for various areas of application

3D printed plastic parts with a machined surface ready for series production are important for more and more industries and areas of application. In addition to the automotive and mechanical engineering industries, this also includes the consumer industry. The customization of the look and feel of surfaces also offers many advantages, particularly in medical technology, fluid technology and the food industry. FKM smooth® technology is a real insider tip for complex parts with the highest demands on surface quality.

FKM is your high-end 3D printing service provider

for ready-to-install parts made of plastics, filled polymers or metal.

From materials consulting and design optimization to joint project co-engineering, we are our customers’ experts and partners for tricky tasks. With our complete after-print service consisting of testing technology with IATF certification and a range of surface technology with various finishing processes, we have been offering 3D printing services as a complete solution for almost 30 years – from a single source, with a lot of understanding.