Newly published report on postprocessing dishes on most-used methods and biggest pain points

The images show a 3D-printed chain before (right) and after postprocessing. PostProcess Technologies

The third annual user survey on postprocessing has been published by PostProcess Technologies.

The survey, “Additive Manufacturing Post-Printing Industry Trends Survey,” asked participants about their 3D printing and postprinting habits, how they plan to use additive manufacturing in the future, and the AM challenges they face.

Key takeaways from the survey include:

• The three most-used 3D printing technologies are extrusion, vat photopolymerization, and powder bed fusion.

• The five most common postprocessing operations are support removal, surface finishing, resin removal, powder removal, and curing.

• The top three postprinting challenges are how long it takes to postprocess parts, inconsistency of finished parts, and slow throughput.

“Additive Manufacturing Post-Printing Industry Trends Survey” can be downloaded at the company’s website.