Post-processing and heat treatment are key factors affecting the quality and performance of 3D-printed parts. Different printing processes and materials require different post-processing and heat treatment methods, such as depowering, annealing, post-curing, support removal, polishing, sandblasting, coloring, sintering, hardening, and hot isostatic pressing. The purpose of these methods is to eliminate the defects and residual stresses of the parts and improve the bending resistance, ductility, and hardness of the parts. When using Spherical Powder for laser sintering, it is necessary to control the energy density and scanning speed to ensure the stability and repeatability of part quality. Therefore, special post-processing methods are required to ensure the quality and performance of parts in the 3D printing process using spherical powder.
Sintering
Sintering is a method of heating the green parts made by binder jetting or indirect 3D printing to near the melting point, making the metal or ceramic particles bond in additive manufacturing. Sintering furnaces can be vacuum or atmospheric, to prevent oxidation of the parts. Sintering can increase the hardness of the parts but also cause shrinkage and deformation. To control the size of the parts, it is necessary to adjust the shape of the parts in advance and use simulation techniques, as well as perform subsequent processing.
Post-curing of polymer
Polymer resin 3D printing requires post-curing to improve its performance. Resin is made of monomers that bond into parts when exposed to UV light. After printing, there is also a hardening step to complete the cross-linking reaction, increasing the resistance of the parts. The parts are cleaned and put into a curing station for hardening, making them more sturdy, durable, stable, and safe. Resin type and part size affect curing time.
Annealing in 3D printing
Annealing is a heat treatment method that can improve the strength and heat resistance of 3D-printed parts. It heats the parts to a specific temperature, then slowly cools them down. This temperature depends on the material of the parts, and different materials have different annealing effects. Metals and some plastics (such as PLA and PETG) are suitable for annealing, while other plastics (such as ABS) are not because they will deform or warp. The annealing time also affects the size and structure of the parts, so it needs to be adjusted carefully.
Metal heat treatment methods
Stress relief annealing is one of the common heat treatment methods for metal 3D printing, which can reduce residual stress and optimize material performance. In addition, tempering and quenching are also optional treatment methods, which can further improve the microstructure and performance of the parts.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is a heat treatment method that involves sintering and densification of products under high temperatures and pressures. It helps eliminate defects and improve the material's microstructure and mechanical properties, making it crucial in both aerospace and medical fields.
Post-processing and heat treatment are crucial for improving the quality, performance, and design possibilities of 3D-printed parts. As 3D printing continues to progress, these methods will evolve, leading to even better quality and wider applications.
Heeger Materials is a reputable supplier offering Spherical Powder products at competitive prices, which are widely used in the 3D printed industry and other research and science fields. If you're interested, feel free to contact us at [email protected] for a quote, and we guarantee a response within 24 hours.