Post-Processing | A Unique Service Among 3D Metal Printing Companies

Metal Technology (MTI) provides its additive manufacturing clients with a unique service – the ability to have post-processing done in house to reduce time and assure the highest quality. When working with other 3D metal printing companies, post-processing is a service that is often outsourced. However, MTI has found that by completing this phase in the 3D metal printing process in house, they are able to provide a full turn key solution to their clients.  This methodology helps MTI assure quality, control, and confidentiality while providing their customers a single point of contact through the entire process.

Essentially, post-processing is the phase during which an additively manufactured part is given the finishing touches. This includes support removel and any additional machining for high tolerance or surface finish requirements beyond what can be achieved directly from the printer.

The post-processing begins by performing a stress relief heat treatment on the completed build to relieve any residual stress created during the printing process. Next, the printed part is removed from the build plate using a wire EDM (electrical discharge machining). This is done to assure the best finish and eliminate any heat effected zones that may be created by removing the part from the build plate using a traditional band saw. For parts that required support material during the build, this step is important because it allows for the removal of that additional material. For any support material still present when the part is removed from the build plate, the next step is to effectively remove it using precision CNC machine tools. On occasion, and if the part permits it, sometimes the simplest way to remove the support medium is to simply break it off with hand tools!

Once the support materials have been successfully removed, the printed part is measured using a Zeiss CMM (coordinate measuring machine) to ensure that the final measurements and dimensions of the finished geometry match those of the initially requested design. Next, the surface of the printed part is finished per the customer’s requirements. This is typically achieved through media blast or other finishing technology depending on the desired surface finish.  Finally, once the surface of the printed part has been finished, it is cleaned, packaged and shipped to the customer.

 A Cut Above Other 3D Metal Printing Companies

Below, you’ll find a video that provides a first-hand look at the in house post-processing service offered by MTI. The printed part illustrated here is a small rocket engine for a cube satellite that was manufactured by MTI for UC San Diego student organization, Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS). Check it out!

About Metal Technology (MTI)

With more than forty years of experience applying innovative, proprietary technologies, Metal Technology (MTI) is making possible the use of difficult alloys for a wider range of applications with greater efficiency, versatility, and reliability. Alloys include Copper, Nickel, Tantalum, Niobium, Zirconium, Titanium, Tungsten and Molybdenum. MTI uses specialized press forming, spinning, forging, machining, EDM, and additive manufacturing methods to deliver superior products according to your exacting specifications.

Contact us for more information on our additive manufacturing initiatives.