{"id":164950,"date":"2022-06-26T14:52:01","date_gmt":"2022-06-26T06:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164950"},"modified":"2022-08-11T14:56:27","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T06:56:27","slug":"10-methods-for-3d-printing-post-processing-pla-more","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/10-methods-for-3d-printing-post-processing-pla-more","title":{"rendered":"10 Methods for 3D Printing Post-Processing (PLA & More)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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3D printing post-processing can make your work look better and improve strength. Learn 10 methods of post-processing PLA, PETG, and more!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Almost every 3D print requires some sort of post-processing after it\u2019s printed. There\u2019s a lot of information and advice about post-processing 3D prints out there, but here we\u2019ve gathered the most important techniques in one place. For each tip, we\u2019ll clearly explain what to do and provide some tips on how to get perfect results every time.<\/p>\n

Post-processing can improve a printed part\u2019s aesthetics, but it can also improve the strength and other properties. Once you discover the beauty of post-processing, you\u2019ll never want to leave your 3D prints untouched again. There are many techniques to choose from, and we\u2019ve divided our choices into two categories: \u201ccleaning and prepping\u201d and \u201cfinishing\u201d.<\/p>\n

Without further ado, let\u2019s dive deeper into post-processing and how to perfect your FDM prints!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How to Clean Resin Prints \u2013 3 Simple Steps<\/a><\/div>\n
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CLEANING & PREPPING<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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We\u2019ll start our journey into post-processing by discovering cleaning and prepping techniques, including basics such as support removal and sanding. Depending on the application of the item, these techniques are usually the first steps in post-processing, but can also be all you do, depending on how far you want or need to go.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Support Removal<\/h3>\n
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Removing these supports cleanly will be a challenge (Source: Slic3r Manual)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Support removal is the most basic form of post-processing. Usually, support removal doesn\u2019t require much effort, unless there are supports in tight corners or other hard-to-reach places. Depending on what they\u2019re made of, supports can be insoluble or soluble (able to be dissolved in water or another liquid).<\/p>\n

Insoluble supports are made from the same material as the main part. FDM 3D printers with a single extruder can only use this type of support, as the part and its supports will be printed from the same spool of filament. Removing insoluble supports is usually done by snapping them with your fingers or cutting them with a pair of pliers.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to have access to a\u00a0dual-extruder 3D printer<\/a>, you\u2019ll be able to use soluble supports. Whereas insoluble supports can be very tricky to remove in places that are hard to reach, soluble supports can simply be dissolved by soaking the part in either water or another liquid, leaving little to no marking or residue.<\/p>\n

Two of the most common materials for soluble supports are\u00a0HIPS<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0PVA<\/a>. HIPS is used with\u00a0ABS<\/a>\u00a0and dissolves in D-limonene, while PVA\u00a0is a great fit for\u00a0PLA<\/a>\u00a0and dissolves in water.<\/p>\n

PROS<\/strong><\/h4>\n