Post-processing for 3D printed parts
QTEC Studio finishes industrial and micro 3D printed parts after printing. Services include support removal, sanding, priming, spray painting, varnishing, clear finish work, masking, and finish coordination for selected metallic-effect parts. We review material, geometry, exposed faces, tolerance areas, quantity, and colour reference before quoting.
Short process clip: sanding and polishing small printed features before final surface inspection.
What we provide
Choose sanding only for handling parts, sanding plus coating for display samples, or masking and coating for parts with assembly faces. We check geometry, resin type, visible faces, holes, threads, snap fits, and tolerance areas before recommending a finish.
We apply a compatible mould release agent for silicone mould making and prototype replication, helping support clean demoulding while preserving fine surface detail. We review the master pattern material, silicone system, undercuts, surface finish, and replication requirements before confirming the application method.
Removes or reduces support marks, layer lines, and sharp handling edges on selected surfaces. Useful for white resin, transparent resin, soft rubber casting parts, and prototypes that need a smoother touch surface.
Applies colour after sanding and primer where needed. Send a Pantone code, colour sample, reference photo, or brand colour note when the part must match another product.
Used for prototypes, display pieces, product mockups, and enclosures. Matte reduces glare in photos; gloss reflects more light and shows surface defects more easily.
Used on transparent resin parts after sanding or surface correction. Clarity depends on resin type, part thickness, internal geometry, cure condition, and how much sanding is required.
For selected parts, we can review metallic-effect finishing routes. Suitability depends on material, surface size, edge detail, masking areas, and whether the part can tolerate extra coating steps.
We identify functional surfaces, assembly faces, threaded areas, small holes, and fragile features before sanding or coating. Finished parts are checked and packed to reduce marking during delivery.
Post-processing examples
These examples show the typical stages we review for finished 3D printed parts: support mark removal, visible-face sanding, edge clean-up, primer or coating preparation, and final inspection. Upload your CAD file with the surfaces that matter, colour reference, masking areas, and tolerance notes so we can quote the right finishing route.
How we decide the finish
Finish selection depends on print process, resin type, wall thickness, exposed surfaces, small features, and final use. We review these details before quoting so sanding or coating does not affect critical areas.
Estimated processing time
For most requests, we review the finish requirements and respond within 1 workday. Final post-processing time depends on the material, quantity, masking areas, colour reference, and inspection requirements.
Timing begins after quote approval, payment, and confirmation of colour/finish requirements. Delivery time is separate from post-processing time.
Quality checklist
Post-processing changes the surface and can affect dimensions. We confirm visible faces, coating limits, masking areas, and part use before sanding or coating starts.
Ready to finish your part?
Tell us the material, quantity, target surfaces, colour or Pantone code, tolerance areas, and whether the part is for testing, presentation, display, or final use. We will review the CAD file and include suitable post-processing in your quote.
FAQ
Answers to common questions before requesting post-processing for a 3D printed part.
No. Very small features, thin walls, sharp details, internal channels, and tight tolerance areas may limit how much sanding or coating is practical. We review suitability before confirming the quote.
Send a Pantone code or colour reference when colour accuracy matters. If colour is flexible, a direction such as black matte, white gloss, or neutral grey is enough for quoting.
It can. Sanding removes material and paint or varnish adds coating thickness. Let us know about functional fits, assembly faces, holes, threads, and sliding surfaces so we can protect critical areas.
No. This service is currently not available. QTEC Studio only provides post-processing for parts produced through our own printing workflow, so we can control material, curing, support removal, and surface quality before finishing.
25 micrometers for standard work, down to 2 micrometers for suitable parts
2-3 working days after quote approval and payment
4-7 working days for typical Australian delivery
Sydney, NSW, and Australia-wide orders including Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin
CAD upload quote workflow
Upload STL, OBJ, STEP, STP, or X-T files and include material, post-processing, quantity, and production requirements. The team reviews internally before issuing a payable WooCommerce quote.
Questions and answers
Our standard micro 3D printing capability is 25 micrometers. For suitable geometries and materials, capability can reach 2 micrometers. Final accuracy and tolerance depend on the complete part geometry, orientation, material, and feature design.
Typical production lead time is 2-3 working days after quote approval and payment, depending on part complexity, material, finish, and queue capacity.
Typical delivery time is 4-7 working days. We support Sydney customers and ship to other Australian cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin.
You can upload STL, OBJ, STEP, STP, and X-T files through the Request a Quote form. Include quantity, material, post-processing, and production requirements for a faster review.
The workflow is: upload CAD file, submit requirements, internal admin review, admin sends a WooCommerce quote, customer pays the invoice or quote, production starts, order moves in transit, and product is marked received.
Yes. QTEC Studio reviews manufacturability, tolerance requirements, material selection, surface finish, and production constraints before issuing a quote.