Avoid sanding in one direction only, especially in the direction of the stepping lines to prevent striations or “trenches” in the print.īeware that ABS is very easy to sand, so be careful not to overdo it. Pro Tip: Sand in small circular movements evenly across the surface of the part. First start with 100 – 200 grit sandpaper to remove stepping lines and then gradually increase up to 600 grit to achieve a smooth finish without sanding lines. Sanding the ABS print is simple and straightforward.

Foam brush, mixing cups and popsicle sticks.

We chose XTC-3D for its viscosity, sandability, and ability to penetrate small perforations, which makes it desirable over Bondo putty)

XTC-3D brush-on coating (As an alternative, Bondo putty is a common solution to fill holes in parts.

Medium, fine, and extra-fine sanding sponges.

Thankfully, removing these will be easy thanks to ABS’s high melting point and easy sandability. If we don’t remove these stepping lines, they’ll show up in the final paint coat which will ruin our smooth finish. There are, however, clear stepping lines between the printed layers. The Dimension Elite prints are smooth, clean, and ready to sand out of the NaOH bath. The process for each material is detailed separately and at the end we’ll compare the results. The finishing process we’ll use on these three parts is going to involve a combination of repairing and preparing the print for post-processing, sanding, and painting.Īll three models will be finished to achieve a smooth, matte black surface and each print comes with unique challenges and considerations to arrive at the best finish possible. This will give you the best dimensional accuracy and best overall polished look.

VeroBlack or VeroWhite: For the highest quality parts go with VeroBlack/VeroWhite.

It’s not as cheap as PLA but still at a low price point and the material is more reliable than PLA.

ABS: If your budget is moderate then go with ABS.

PLA: If you’re working with a tight budget then PLA is going to be your best material choice the results aren’t as polished but the price is cheapest.

Here’s a quick overview of the main points this article covers: In this article, we’re going to look at different finishing methods for FDM and PolyJet 3D printed parts and the techniques and tips that can elevate the look and feel of your prototypes.Īs a case study, we’re going to use a simple Apple Watch stand design, a model with pockets and internal and external features that needs to be surface finished to a standard that does the watch justice!

How to remove paint 3d