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Aerospace & Defense 3D Printing Services 19 Nov 2025

Additive Post Processing

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updates@lform.com

Types of Additive Post-Processing

01 Surface Enhancement

Often, the surfaces of 3D-printed parts require preparation to make them ready for use. Common processes include sanding, media blasting and vapor smoothing. Sanding is often used to remove marks left by support structures or to smooth layer lines. Vapor smoothing makes it easier to paint, coat or dye parts. It can also eliminate surface porosity and enhance the part’s mechanical properties.

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02 Painting/Coating

Many types of 3D-printed parts can be primed and painted in a variety of colors to match your needs. Coatings can provide corrosion resistance, enhanced adhesion qualities, surface protection, as well as improved visual and aesthetic properties. Electroplating can significantly boost the tensile strength of 3D-printed parts, making them almost as strong as metal parts. Dyeing is a preferred finishing method for complex part geometries where painting may be impractical.

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03 Mechanical Improvements

Post-machining is used when a part must meet tolerances that are tighter than 3D printing can support. Threaded inserts may be added to parts to make them easier to join to other parts. Post-machining may be used to achieve desired feature sizes and tolerances that may not be achievable with additive manufacturing. In addition to 3D printing your parts, Fathom can assemble them for you, saving you valuable time and labor.

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Advantages & Disadvantages of Additive Post-Processing

Advantages

  • Suitability for End-Use Application

    Post-processed parts are more aesthetically pleasing and are ready to withstand the environments in which they will be used.

  • Additive Post-Processing Expertise

    You won’t find this level of post-processing craftsmanship anywhere else. We have decades of experience finishing and assembling parts to meet our customers’ strict requirements.

  • Engineering Insights

    As part of our DFM process, our experienced engineers can walk you through finishing options to help you select the approach that delivers the best results.

  • Simplify Your Supply Chain

    Having us handle these steps in-house saves our customers time and money. Why dedicate precious factory space to finishing your parts when we can do it for you?

  • Speed & Accountability

    The same facility that builds your 3D-printed parts also handles the finishing. That means fewer delays (no outsourcing to a third party) and one point of accountability.

  • A Commitment to White Glove Service

    Many of our competitors don’t offer post-processing and finishing services. They prefer “print and ship” additive projects. We’re committed to meeting your needs, from design and prototyping to production and post-production.

Disadvantages

  • Adds to Processing Time & Cost

    Most additive parts are not ready to use right out of the printer. So when you order them, you need to factor in extra time for post-processing. These extra steps also add to the cost of the parts.

  • You Can’t Skip Post-Processing

    Given the current state of additive manufacturing, most parts don’t come off the printer ready to use. They all need some level of post-processing before you can incorporate them into your products.

Which Applications Require Post-Processing?

Aerospace & Automotive
These industries require parts that can withstand high stress and extreme temperatures. Depending on where they’re used, they may also need to have low-drag aerodynamic surfaces. A common process is surface finishing to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic qualities.

Medical Devices
Components used in this industry may need to meet standards for biocompatibility. Others may need to withstand sterilization processes. Parts used in medical devices require a variety of surface finishes and coatings to meet customer and application requirements.

Consumer Products
Consumers expect the products they buy to have polished, professional looks and durability to withstand everyday use. Sanding, painting and smoothing are often used to give consumer components a more appealing look.

Industrial & Mechanical Components
Some parts must bear loads and need to be reinforced for durability. Other industrial applications expose parts to corrosive, abrasive or extreme temperature environments. They, too, must be protected. Specialized coatings may be used to improve corrosion, UV or heat resistance

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Why Our Customers Choose Fathom

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