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3D SYSTEMS, INC
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3
POST-PROCESSING
This chapter covers various techniques for improving part surface finish after breakout and only highlights a limited number of
basic post-processing techniques. Many companies develop their own techniques based on their unique needs.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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Tools and Cleaning Media
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Cleaning Procedures
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Repairing and Joining Parts
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Power Sanding
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Wet Sanding Procedure
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Sealing and Infiltrating Parts
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Sealing with a Water-Based Polyurethane
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Sealing with Imprex Superseal
TOOLS AND CLEANING MEDIA
The following is a typical list of tools and cleaning materials that you can use for post-processing:
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Hand-held files
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Round sanding tools
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Flat sanding tools
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Sandpaper (approximately 150 grit)
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Glass media blaster with a recommended bead size of 70 to 140 µm
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Cleaning cloth
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Pin vise with small drill bits
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Mini belt sander with 120 grit sandpaper belts
CLEANING PROCEDURES
Before performing any other post-processing technique, thoroughly clean the parts. To clean a DuraForm ProX PA Plastic part:
1. Remove the print cake from the print chamber.
Caution: 3D Systems recommends allowing the print cake to cool to room temperature before removing
parts from it .
2. Brush away all loose material to expose the part.
3. Use appropriate hand tools to remove all remaining material in corners and holes. Use a drill bit to clear holes.
NOTE: Do not recycle or blend this powder. It should be discarded.
4.
Using a glass bead media blaster at 4.8 bar (70 psi), hold the part approximately 127 mm (5 inches) from the nozzle and
blast it.
NOTE: Holding the nozzle too close to the part can cause “burning” (surface discoloration and degradation).
For a better surface finish, continue with the “Wet Sanding Procedure”.
REPAIRING AND JOINING PARTS
3D Systems recommends cyanoacrylate (super) glues for repairing or joining parts made with DuraForm ProX PA Plastic
materials. Use an accelerator with the cyanoacrylate. As an alternative, you can use a thin epoxy (such as a 5-minute epoxy).
POWER SANDING
You can use a mini-belt sander (with 5/16-inch belt, 120 grit, medium speed) to remove layering on the side walls of parts
printed with DuraForm ProX PA Plastic materials.
WET SANDING PROCEDURE
