Before
After
Objective
Bel Air Finishing was tasked with producing a polished, molded-like finish on 3D-printed perfume bottle caps made from PLA+. The goal was to elevate the FDM-printed parts to meet cosmetic industry standards for both visual appeal and surface durability.
| Part Description | 3D Printed Perfume Bottle Cap |
| Industry | 3D Print Post-Process – Plastic |
| 3D Printing Technology | FDM |
| Material | PLA+ |
| Process Type | Smooth & Polish Surface |
| Equipment Type | Centrifugal Disc Finisher |
Solution
Bel Air used a High-Energy Centrifugal Disc Finisher to polish the FDM-printed PLA+ perfume bottle caps, which initially showed visible build lines and surface roughness common to filament-based printing. The process combined specialized polishing media and optimized cycle times to remove layer lines, smooth curved surfaces, and create a finish resembling injection-molded plastic—meeting the visual and tactile expectations of the cosmetic industry.
Two distinct finish options were developed for the customer: a smooth matte version for a soft-touch aesthetic and a shiny version for a more reflective, premium appearance. Both surface finishes preserved fine design details and improved the in-hand feel of the parts.
A video short below showcases the before-and-after results, including magnified imagery and live part handling—giving the customer a clear comparison between matte and glossy options for their product line.
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.