Color dyeing
Shotpeening
Vapor polishing
Food-Coatings
Inserts and threading
More tech?
Have you seen our materials?
Do you have any burning questions?
It may be true that 3D printing hasn’t been used as long for production as turning, milling or injection molding. As an engineer, maybe you don’t really have that ‘feel’ with printed parts yet. And you are not confident about how 3D printed products hold up in your machines. We fully understand that! And we will help ease your mind.
So: do you have a 3D printed application in mind? Use a 3D printed part and taste the pudding? See if it will hold up? Then contact Neil for a free sample. On the house!
What customers say
“Custom work, especially in the high-end segment. 3D printing provides the design freedom needed for complex, functional parts.”
Machine Building
Read the story →“Making the impossible possible. Complex geometries that are not achievable with traditional techniques, printed in series.”
Engineering
Read the story →Frequently asked questions about post-processing
What post-processing options are available for SLS parts?
Vapor polishing (smooth, pore-closing surface), dyeing (colour through the entire part), metal coating (nickel, copper, chrome), tumbling, and dimensional quality control. PA 950 HD requires no dyeing as it is structurally black.
Does post-processing affect the mechanical properties of the part?
Vapor polishing closes surface porosity, which can slightly increase water tightness and chemical resistance. Dyeing penetrates the material without affecting strength. Metal coatings add conductivity and surface hardness. Our engineering team advises on the impact per application.
How long does post-processing take?
Standard lead time for post-processing is 2 to 5 additional business days on top of production. For vapor polishing or dyeing of large batches we align planning with your delivery schedule.
Can you dye parts to a specific RAL colour?
Yes. We dye SLS parts through and through to the desired colour. This means scratches or wear do not reveal a different colour underneath. Colour matching to RAL or Pantone references is possible.
Is vapor polishing the same as acetone smoothing?
No. Acetone smoothing only works on ABS (FDM). Vapor polishing for SLS uses a proprietary chemical process that smooths the surface of PA12, PA11 and PA 950 HD parts without dissolving the material. The result is a glossy, pore-closed surface with consistent wall thickness.
Which post-processing is best for food-safe parts?
PA12 Blue MD is food-grade certified (EC 1935/2004, FDA) and can be used directly without post-processing. For standard PA12, vapor polishing closes surface pores, making the part easier to clean for hygienic applications.
Need post-processing advice?
Upload your file for a quote including post-processing, or discuss the best finishing option with an engineer.