Before

BinderJet-printed bottle opener, before post-processing.
BinderJet-printed bottle opener surface closeup, before post-processing.

After

BinderJet-printed bottle opener, after post-processing.
BinderJet-printed bottle opener surface closeup, after post-processing.

Objective

Bel Air Finishing was tasked with demonstrating multiple surface finishing options for BinderJet-printed metal bottle openers. The goal was to evaluate degrees of finish, ensuring smooth and visually appealing surfaces that meet consumer product standards.

Industry3D metal post processing – consumer
Part DescriptionBinderJet Sample Bottle Opener
Fabrication Method 3D Printed
MaterialMetal L605
Process TechnologyDegrees of Finish
Equipment TypeIndustrial 3D Print Smoother, High Energy, Multiple Technologies

Solution

To support Arcam’s development of BinderJet printing with L605 metal, Bel Air Finishing implemented the Industrial 3D Print Smoother alongside complementary advanced finishing methods. The goal was to explore and refine post-processing techniques, providing a range of finishing options for BinderJet-printed bottle openers.

Bel Air’s advanced water-based slurry system smoothed and polished the metal surfaces while preserving intricate details, ensuring high-quality results for consumer applications. This process enabled Arcam to evaluate various degrees of finish and understand their applicability to future products. The solution included producing keychain samples with surface metrology data, providing valuable insights for material performance and product development.

If you are unsure what equipment and media you require to achieve your desired surface finish, then send us your part, and we will evaluate it and provide you with a metrology report.