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       3D printing post-processing is an important, yet sometimes overlooked, part of the 3D printing workflow. Rösler Benelux, a manufacturer of industrial finishing equipment and chemicals, announced the launch of its RÖSLER RapidFinish technology, a versatile platform for surface finishing of 3D printed metal and plastic objects.
       Rösler Benelux will present RapidFinish technology at TechniShow, the international manufacturing trade fair in Utrecht. Visitors will be able to try out the RapidFinish smoothing technology.
       While 3D printing reduces preparation time and allows for the creation of complex geometric shapes, objects that come directly from a 3D printer are not fully constructed and have rough surfaces, edges, and corners.
       As Rössler notes, FDM/FFF plastic 3D printing often has visible layer lines, which can be a turn-off for customers looking for high-quality components in high-value industries.
       In the case of metal 3D printing, excess metal powder can make the surface of the object rough and unsuitable for end use in the automotive, medical, dental, jewelry, and aerospace industries.
       Rösler currently offers a wide range of surface treatment machines, rotary vibrators and sandblasting chambers to ensure the surface quality of 3D printed objects.
       While Roesler wouldn’t go into detail about RapidFinish’s versatile platform, he did say that fiberglass shot peening and slide sanding are “the most popular methods for producing smooth 3D printed parts,” and that these methods work best on plastic and metal surfaces.
       Shot blasting of fiberglass is also a process offered by companies like DyeMansion and Guyson, where a stream of round particles of metal, glass, or ceramic strikes the surface of the plastic, thereby smoothing it.
       During slide sanding, ceramic or plastic chips come into contact with the 3D printed object inside a vibrating, fluid-filled drum. The composition and size of the chips can affect how smooth the surface of the object is.
       Rösler also promised that RapidFinish would offer “fully automated” and “sustainable, environmentally friendly processing technology.”
       RapidFinish will be exhibiting at TechniShow Utrecht from 20th to 23rd March 2018 in Hall 8, Stand 088.
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       The image shown is of a Rösler shot blasting machine for large metal parts. RapidFinish is used for smaller final parts. Image courtesy of Rösler.
       Rushabh Haria is a writer covering the 3D printing industry. He is from South London and has a degree in Classics. His interests include 3D printing in art, manufacturing design and education.