Before
After
Objective
How to improve the surface quality of 3D-printed Ti 6-4 mountain bike brake levers using post-processing technologies. The customer was exploring smoother, more consistent surface options to enhance the look and feel of their titanium components and evaluate Bel Air’s equipment for future integration.
| Part Description | Mountain Bike Brake Level |
| Industry | 3D Print Post-Processing – Metal |
| 3D Printing Technology | DMLS/SLM, LPBF, EBM/EBAM |
| Material | Titanium, Ti 6-4 |
| Process Type | Smooth/De-Powder, Evaluation of Different Process Methods |
| Equipment Type | Multiple Technologies |
Solution
Bel Air Finishing developed a custom post-processing workflow for DMLS/SLM-printed Ti 6-4 brake levers, aiming to reduce roughness from the additive build process. A combination of dry and wet methods—including high-energy disc finishing and 3D print smoothing—was evaluated to clean, depowder, and refine the surface without compromising geometry. Results showed significant improvement in surface uniformity, giving the customer confidence to incorporate Bel Air’s finishing technology into their production process.
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.
To explore various achievable finishes, you can also request a comparative keychain sample showcasing a range of surface textures and polish levels.