Metal AM Post-Processing Guide: Support Removal to Finishing

Metal AM Post-Processing Guide: Support Removal to Finishing

Short answer: Metal AM post-processing removes supports, heat treats, machines datums and finishes the surface to reach spec, built on the printing service in our Metal 3D Printing Supplier page and the design rules in our Design for AM Guide.

At a Glance

Metal AM Post-Processing Guide: Support Removal to Finishing chart
Figure 1 – Metal AM Post-Processing Guide: Support Removal to Finishing overview.

Why Post-Processing Is Needed

As-built parts carry supports, residual stress and a rough surface; the chain brings them to tolerance and finish, with the process basis in our 3D Metal Printing Guide.

The Process Chain

Depowder, stress-relief heat treat, CNC machine datums and then bead-blast or coat the surface, with the machining comparison in our AM vs CNC Guide.

Step What happens Purpose
Depowder Remove loose powder Clean part
Heat treat Stress relieve Stabilize
Talaşlı İmalat Cut datums Hoşgörü
Bitirmek Bead blast, coat Yüzey

Isıl İşlem

Stress relief and aging set hardness and dimension stability, with the alloy basis in our Tool Steel Buyers Guide.

Surface Options

Bead blasting, polishing or coating improve look and fatigue, with the coating view in our Metal Surface Treatment Guide.

Quality and Inspection

Final dimensions and finish are verified, with the method in our AM Quality Inspection Guide and verification in our Quality Inspection Guide.

Buyer Checklist

Define finish, tolerance and heat treat; plan quantity and timing with our MOQ and Lead Time Guide and price with our Price Quotation Guide.

Get a Quote

Tell HXSCO your requirements and we will respond with a competitive quote and lead time.

Sıkça Sorulan Sorular

Is heat treat needed?

Usually yes – to relieve stress.

Can you machine AM parts?

Yes – CNC datums and holes.

Surface options?

Bead blast, polish, coat.

Does it add lead time?

Yes – plan a few extra days.

How is quality checked?

Dimensions and finish reports.

Finish Your AM Parts with HXSCO

HXSCO handles support removal, heat treat, machining and finishing of your metal AM parts with inspection reports. Send spec and volume for a quote.

Request a Quote