When making a 3D print, one of the final steps is deciding which surface finish to use. The finish you choose can affect how your print looks and how strong it is. Some finishes also help improve the quality of the material itself. In this guide, we’ll go over why surface finishing matters and help you choose the right one for your print.

Why Use Post-Processing?

Raw 3D printed parts are usually fine for prototyping and cost less to make. However, for final products or parts that will be used regularly, finishing the surface is often a good idea. Post-processing can:

• Strengthen your part.
• Smooth out rough surfaces.
• Make the part look more professional.

Better Looks (Aesthetics)

A big reason people finish their 3D prints is to make them look better. Many hobbyists use 3D printing for personal projects, and sanding the part can remove print lines and give it a clean, smooth surface.

Some finishes, like dyeing, can add color to your parts. This is especially useful with 3D printing processes like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which usually prints in one color and needs dyeing after printing. While FDM prints often use colored filaments, SLS and other methods rely more on post-processing for color.

Surface Finishes Offered by JawsTec

At JawsTec, we offer several surface finishes to improve your 3D prints:

As Machined

What is “As Machined”?
“As Machined” means the part is delivered just as it comes out of the 3D printer—without any added finishing steps.

When should you choose it?
This option is best when the raw part already meets your needs. Some printing processes, like Stereolithography (SLA), create smooth and detailed prints that may not need further work. On the other hand, methods like Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) produce rougher surfaces that may benefit from additional finishing.

Design considerations:

• Great for quick, cost-effective results.
• Best used when surface appearance is less important.
• Useful for internal parts or mechanical components where function matters more than looks.

Polishing

What is polishing?
Polishing smooths out the surface of your 3D print by physically rubbing it with fine abrasives or polishing tools. This process removes small bumps and layer lines.

How does it work?
The part is cleaned, then polished by hand or machine using sandpaper or other abrasive materials until the surface is smooth.

What are the benefits?

• It gives a clean, smooth surface.
• Greatly improves the appearance of your part.
• Help remove visible layer lines from FDM and similar printing methods.

Design considerations:

• Works best on flat or gently curved surfaces.
• May not reach into deep grooves or complex internal shapes.
• Polishing can slightly remove material, so be careful with precise dimensions.

Vapor Polishing

What is vapor polishing?
Vapor polishing is a 4-step process that uses a solvent vapor (like acetone) to melt and smooth the surface of a plastic part.

How does it work?

1. The part is cleaned and prepared, then placed on a rack inside the vapor polishing machine.
2. The chamber is sealed and filled with a small amount of solvent.
3. The solvent is heated, turning into vapor that sticks to the part’s surface. This melts the outer layer slightly, making it smooth.
4. The part is removed and cooled before use.

What are the benefits?

• Creates a smooth, glossy surface.
• Improves durability and water resistance.
• Ideal for functional and display parts.

Design considerations:

• Use even wall thickness for the best results.
• Thin walls or sharp corners may not polish well.
• Add small hooks or loops to hang the part inside the chamber, these can be trimmed off later.
• Avoid overly complex parts with tight holes or curves, which may warp, or seal shut.

Bead Blasting

What is bead blasting?
Bead blasting is a process where small glass or quartz beads are blasted at the surface of the part to clean and smooth it.

How does it work?

1. The part is placed in a sealed chamber.
2. Tiny beads are shot at the part’s surface using compressed air.
3. This removes small imperfections and gives the surface a consistent texture.

What are the benefits?

• Leaves a clean, matte finish with a soft texture.
• Hides minor surface flaws.
• Makes parts look more professional and feel better to the touch.

Design considerations:

• Works best on durable materials that can handle the pressure.
• Sharp details may be slightly softened.
• Doesn’t add gloss but gives a clean and consistent surface finish.

Conclusion

When choosing a post-process to be finished, it’s important to consider your needs and material constraints. Some businesses might not offer a certain finish for specific material, so it’s important to check first. No matter what, post-processing is an important part of a part’s life cycle.