Before

Raw 3D printed cobalt chrome total talus implant showing lattice structure and support remnants prior to finishing

After

Cobalt chrome total talus implant after slurry blasting and centrifugal disc finishing, with smooth, polished surfaces and support structure removed

Objective

Replace labor-intensive belt sanding with a more efficient, automated method for finishing cobalt chrome implants. Use slurry blasting and high-energy finishing to deburr and pre-polish “as-printed” surfaces, ensuring optimal surface preparation prior to final finishing or coating.

Industry3D Print-Post Processing
Part DescriptionTotal Talus Implants
3D Printing Technology Binder Jet, DMLS/SLM, EBM/EBAM
MaterialCobalt Chrome Alloy
Process TypeDeburr
Equipment TypeIndustrial 3D Print Smoother, Centrifugal Disc

Solution

Bel Air developed a hybrid finishing process combining its Industrial 3D Print Smoother (slurry wet blasting) and Centrifugal Disc Finishing to replace the manual belt sanding process. This two-stage approach delivers consistent surface refinement across complex geometries, reducing cycle times and ensuring repeatable results. The slurry blasting stage gently removes residual powder and sharp edges, while the high-energy disc finisher pre-polishes the surface to a smooth, uniform finish—ideal for post-processing cobalt chrome 3D printed implants

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

To explore various achievable finishes, you can also request a comparative keychain sampleshowcasing a range of surface textures and polish levels.