Expert Advice: Post Processing 3d Printed parts
This blog details everything you need to know about post processing 3d printed parts.
What is post processing?
Post-processing is an essential step in 3D printing that involves various techniques to remove support structures and improve the quality, strength, and appearance of printed parts.
The dangers associated with post processing
Post-processing can come with some dangers that users need to be aware of. Here are some of the dangers of post-processing 3D printed parts:
-
Chemical exposure: Some post-processing techniques, such as sanding, polishing, and painting, involve the use of chemicals that can be harmful if not handled properly. For instance, some chemicals used in painting or solvent-based smoothing processes can release harmful fumes that can cause respiratory problems if inhaled in large quantities.
-
Combustion: Some post-processing techniques which are working with metals such as titanium can result in combustion and be a huge safety risk to users. Titanium or aluminium are the common materials that most users recognised as reactive, but many alloys also have references to minimum ignition energy of
less than one mJ in their data sheets -
Fire hazard: Certain post-processing techniques such as annealing or heat treating can generate high temperatures that can lead to fire hazards if not done properly. Additionally, some chemicals used in post-processing can be flammable and can cause fire if exposed to heat or sparks.
-
Environmental hazards: Some post-processing techniques can generate waste materials or emissions and invisible airborne dusts that can harm the environment and the user if not disposed of properly.
https://youtu.be/AZRzepI2KMQ
What’s the solution?
The Eneska Post Processor is the perfect solution for finishing in 3d printing. It offers a one stop shop for all your post processing needs and requirements.
Advantages of the Eneska Post Processor at a glance
- High standard of safety
- No risk of explosion or deflagration
- No permanent damage due to respirable dust
- No need for additional protective clothing
- Ergonomic working and simple operation
- Many options for connecting various tools – either pneumatic or electric
Work steps that you can perform on the Eneska Post Processor
- Removal of residual powder
- Separation from the substrate material
- Removal of support structures
- Deburring
- Coarse surface finishing
- Fine surface finishing
- Finish
Materials that you can process
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Titanium
- Carbon
- Inconel
- Brass
- Ceramic
- PEEK
- POM
- Plastics
- Rubber-like materials
- Gypsum
and many more
In summary
For post processing of 3d printed parts, there really is only 1 solution – the Eneska Post Processor.
The ENESKApostpro makes it possible to carry out all work stages without any contact with the materials or fine dusts –
which means greater safety for both user and company.
The respirable dusts released during post-processing are blamed for cancer and cardiovascular diseases,
among other things. For this reason, the ENESKApostpro is completely enclosed and sealed. It has appropriate and safe extraction and filtering equipment. No dust can escape from its working area. Before the system can be opened, there is an after-suction phase and a special cleaning process – only then does the system unlock and the finished workpiece can be removed. The system complies with important legal regulations on dust control, such as that dust must be directly removed at the point of exit.
Reduced Explosion Risk
No more risks of explosions – particularly with reactive substances, such as titanium and aluminium, explosions and fires may occur simply through friction of individual particles. Therefore, all components of the ENESKApostpro are completely earthed to prevent spark discharge. An integrated moisture separator is optionally available for highly reactive substances. In addition, a compressed-air gun and special air showers enhance cleaning in more concealed corners.
The Eneska Post Processor is so versatile
It has integrated control units drive a range of electric and pneumatic tools for deburring, milling, grinding or polishing. Up to three different micromotors and two pneumatic devices can be connected simultaneously – which reduces setup times, and allows rapid, versatile work. A range of accessories may be used, such as magnifying glasses, turntables and magnetic clamping balls.
The Eneska Post Processor is made for user friendliness
Concentration and relaxation during work is a prerequisite for optimum postprocessing results. The joke development team has achieved this goal by means of many details of the equipment. Coloured instructions on the touch display indicate the current status of the ENESKApostpro. The lighting intensity can be dimmed, and the hand apertures, with a diameter of 240 mm, give the user great freedom of movement. The display also shows information about upcoming maintenance, filter cleaning and similar items. Both the lower limit of the particle count and the cleaning cycle can be adjusted on the display.
For more information give us a call – we have experts here who have been polishing for years!
And take a look at our You Tube page for videos of us hard at work finishing!