Why is post-processing required in Additive Manufacturing? Explain different post-processing techniques.

Question

Accepted Answer

## Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing

### Why it is required
- Remove supports, loose powder or excess resin.
- Improve surface finish (staircase effect, layer lines).
- Improve dimensional accuracy and fit.
- Enhance mechanical properties (strength, density, stress relief).
- Add appearance: colour, coating, polish.
- Make the part functional, safe or biocompatible (sterilization).

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  P[Post-processing] --> A[Cleaning]
  P --> B[Support removal]
  P --> C[Surface finishing]
  P --> D[Heat treatment]
  P --> E[Coating and painting]
  P --> F[Machining]
  A --> A1[Powder removal, IPA wash]
  B --> B1[Manual, dissolving, cutting]
  C --> C1[Sanding, polishing, vapour smoothing, bead blasting]
  D --> D1[Stress relief, HIP, UV post-cure]
  E --> E1[Primer, paint, plating, dyeing]
  F --> F1[Drilling, tapping, milling to tolerance]
```

| Technique | Used for |
|---|---|
| Support removal | All processes; soluble supports (PVA, HIPS) for FDM |
| Sanding and polishing | FDM, SLA surface smoothing |
| Vapour smoothing | ABS with acetone vapour |
| Bead / sand blasting | Metal and nylon powder parts |
| UV post-curing | SLA, DLP resin parts |
| Heat treatment, HIP | Metal parts: remove residual stress, close pores |
| Infiltration | Binder jetting parts: strengthen with resin or metal |
| Painting, dyeing, plating | Appearance and protection |
| Machining | Critical dimensions and threads |

### Exam tip
Give 4 reasons and classify techniques with examples for FDM, SLA and metal parts.

Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing

Why it is required

Exam tip

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