Wohlers Associates publishes report on post-processing in Additive Manufacturing
Wohlers Associates, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, part of ASTM International, has published ‘Wohlers Specialty Report on Post Processing: Final Steps of AM Part Production’. The report, focused on parts made by Additive Manufacturing is an updated version of 2021’s ‘Post-Processing of AM and 3D-Printed Parts’.
The 2023 edition includes new sections detailing the latest important developments in post-processing and illuminating many of the key players in the industry. The report provides detailed, up-to-date information on post-processing methods for major AM processes, such as Powder Bed Fusion, Material Extrusion, and Vat Photopolymerisation.
“Little systematic documentation is available for post-processing, despite the vast amount of knowledge and experience individual companies have on the subject,” stated Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates. “Many consider it their intellectual property even though it is often similar to what other companies are doing.”
“With the Wohlers Specialty Report on Post-Processing, we aim to present much of this information in one document,” he continued. “Our goal is to help companies stay up to date on the evolution of post-processing methods and processes so they can produce the best possible parts with the most value.”
Other topics covered in the report include methods of support removal for both metal and polymer parts, surface finishing, colouring, coating, and heat treatment. Also included are methods of minimising the need for post-processing, such as designing to reduce the need for support material.
“Post-processing contributes significant cost and time to the AM workflow,” added Olaf Diegel, a consultant at Wohlers Associates and principal author of the report. “As organisations adopt the best practices presented in this report, the cost and time associated with processing AM parts will decline. The report covers in detail methods such as design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) which help to greatly improve part quality and performance.”
The report includes many charts, graphs, and images and provides information on how to produce the best possible parts using a range of Additive Manufacturing methods and systems.
‘Wohlers Specialty Report on Post Processing’ is available here for purchase.
