CNC machining since 2008 · 3D printing since 2017

FINISHING & POST-PROCESSING / COMPARE ALL

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Choose the finish.

Compare the original surface and the finished result before choosing a finishing route.

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THE FINISHING OPTIONS

Metal 3D Printing finishes.

Metal 3D printing support removal
Metal printed component with supports
WITH SUPPORTSSUPPORTS REMOVED

01 / Metal 3D Printing

Support removal

Prepare the printed part for the agreed finishing route.

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Metal 3D printed flow manifold after blasting
As-printed metal 3D printed flow manifold
AS PRINTEDBLASTED

02 / Metal 3D Printing

Blasting

Discuss texture and access to functional or cosmetic surfaces.

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03 / Metal 3D Printing

CNC post-machining

Plan mating faces, bores, threads and critical interfaces.

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A metal printed manifold during a thermal cycle, with warm furnace lighting
A metal printed manifold before a thermal cycle, retaining its printed surface and supports
AS PRINTEDHEAT TREATMENT
Thermal-cycle scene; not a finished-surface comparison.

04 / Metal 3D Printing

Heat treatment

Confirm the alloy, condition and any thermal processing requirements.

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Polishing on suitable printed aluminium
An aluminium 3D printed component after support removal, before polishing
AS PRINTEDPOLISHED
Selected external surfaces only.

05 / Metal 3D Printing

Polishing

Agree the appearance and measurable surface requirements.

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Anodising on suitable printed aluminium
An aluminium 3D printed component after support removal, before anodising
AS PRINTEDANODISED · Black
Suitable printed aluminium alloys only.
Black

06 / Metal 3D Printing

Anodising

Explore colour appearance for suitable aluminium components.

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Electroless nickel plating on suitable printed aluminium
An aluminium 3D printed component after support removal, before electroless nickel plating
AS PRINTEDNICKEL PLATED
Printed aluminium with agreed pretreatment.

07 / Metal 3D Printing

Electroless Nickel Plating

Adds a uniform nickel layer for improved wear and corrosion resistance.

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The same cleaned printed stainless steel component; passivation may not visibly change appearance
A cleaned printed stainless steel component before passivation
BEFORE TREATMENTPASSIVATED
Appearance may remain unchanged.

08 / Metal 3D Printing

Passivation

Review suitability for the selected stainless steel and specification.

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Powder coating on suitable printed aluminium
An aluminium 3D printed component after support removal, before powder coating
AS PRINTEDPOWDER COATED
Yellow coating; masking to be agreed.

09 / Metal 3D Printing

Powder Coating

Adds a durable coloured coating for a uniform finish and improved corrosion resistance.

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Material compatibility and further operations
Home → / Finishes / Metal 3D printing
Finishes / Metal 3D printing

SLM / DMLS finishing & secondary operations

Options for metal 3d printing. The exact material, geometry and required result determine compatibility.

Operations to discuss for SLM / DMLS

This is a process-specific shortlist, not a finishing package. Read each material condition; not every option applies to every grade. The quotation defines the agreed operations.

Support removal

Material condition: SLM / DMLS. Included or quoted according to geometry

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Bead blasting / sandblasting

Material condition: Standard for many SLM parts. Media and target appearance confirmed by sample or specification

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Polishing

Material condition: Stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and copper. Manual, mechanical or project-specific polishing route

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Painting / spray coating

Material condition: Available after suitable preparation. Color reference, gloss and texture required

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Vacuum metallization / plating

Material condition: Selected metal plating routes. Substrate and performance requirements must be reviewed

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Anodising

Material condition: Aluminum after compatible machining/finishing. Printed alloy and surface condition affect appearance

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Passivation

Material condition: Stainless steel. Standard and certification requirements quoted separately

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Heat treatment / stress relief

Material condition: SLM metals. Cycle depends on alloy and specification

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CNC secondary machining

Material condition: Critical bores, threads, datums and sealing faces. Machining allowance and datum strategy should be included in CAD

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Threading and inserts

Material condition: Tapping, inserts and machined threads. Thread class and insert specification required

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Welding and assembly

Material condition: Welding and segmented-part joining. Joint location and distortion risk reviewed during DFM

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Silk screening / marking

Material condition: Selected coated metal surfaces. Artwork and adhesion requirements required

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Inspection and documentation

Material condition: Dimensional report and material documentation on request. Scope, sampling plan and certificate type quoted separately

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A FEW USEFUL ANSWERS

Finishing FAQs.

Practical questions about Metal 3D Printing finishing, samples and specifications.

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Will a metal printed part look like a CNC-machined part?

A printed surface usually has a different texture from a machined surface. Machining or polishing can refine selected areas. Specify the surfaces that need a machined appearance or a measured roughness.

What is the difference between heat treatment and a surface finish?

Heat treatment controls the material condition; it is not a cosmetic colour or gloss treatment. The alloy and required properties determine the thermal route.

Can I combine more than one finishing process?

Yes, where the material and geometry allow. The order matters: for example, smoothing may precede painting or coating. Identify the required result and protected surfaces so the complete route can be reviewed.

What should I include with my enquiry?

Send the 3D CAD model, any 2D drawing and the parts list. Include the material, quantities, target appearance, colour reference, roughness requirements, masked areas and critical dimensions.

Will finishing affect the dimensions?

It can. Material removal, coating buildup or thermal processing may affect dimensions and edges. State whether tolerances apply before or after finishing and identify mating faces, bores and threads.

Can I approve a finish sample before a batch?

Request a representative sample during quotation when colour, texture or gloss is critical. The sample scope, cost and timing are agreed for the project.

Is every listed option suitable for every material?

No. Compatibility depends on the exact grade, geometry, surface access and intended use. The quotation confirms which operations are included and any sample approval required.

Christina, Director of Sales at CK

Need help choosing a finish for your project?

Speak with Christina, our Director of Sales, about finishing options that match your material, surface requirements and intended use.

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