Post-Processing Services

Want to get started? Call us on +61 3 8899 7280
or complete the enquiry form to speak with someone from our team.

      
  45 reviews

Contact Us Today

Trusted by Businesses Around the World

3D Printing Post-Processing

At Formero, we understand that post-processing is a critical step in achieving the best possible quality for your 3D printed parts. Our comprehensive range of post-processing services is designed to refine, enhance, and perfect your parts to meet your exact specifications and standards.

Vapour Smoothing

Vapour Smoothing is an advanced post-processing method used to enhance the surface quality and functional performance of powder-based PA 3D printed parts produced via MJF and SLS. The process smooths and seals the surface layer of the component, reducing surface porosity and eliminating the natural grainy texture associated with powder printing. The result is a more refined, consistent finish that closely resembles moulded plastics.

Beyond appearance, Vapour Smoothing improves durability, cleanability and surface consistency, helping parts perform more reliably in real-world use. Surfaces are easier to clean and better suited to applications involving handling, fluids or skin contact. This makes Vapour Smoothing a practical upgrade for both functional prototypes and low-volume production parts where surface quality and performance matter.

Drag to compare

Before smoothing

After smoothing

Surface Finishing

Surface finishing involves enhancing the surface quality of parts, making them smoother and more aesthetically pleasing. This process can significantly improve the tactile and visual appeal of your products.

Sanding: Sanding involves manually or automatically abrading the surface to remove rough spots, layer lines, and minor imperfections. This technique can be tailored to achieve various levels of smoothness, from coarse to fine finishes.
Bead Blasting: Bead blasting uses fine beads propelled at high speed to clean and polish the surface of a part. This method is excellent for creating a uniform matte finish and can remove surface contaminants without damaging the part.
Tumbling: Tumbling involves placing parts in a barrel with abrasive media that vibrates or rotates. This process smooths and polishes the surfaces, making it ideal for bulk finishing small to medium-sized parts efficiently.

SLA Finishing Grades

Formero offers various SLA (Stereolithography) finishing grades to meet your specific project requirements. Our finishing options ensure that your parts achieve the desired level of smoothness and clarity.

Standard Finish: Supports are removed, affected surfaces are lightly sanded with 180-240 grit sandpaper and bead blasted to produce an even finish.
Engineering Finish: Supports are removed along with external layer lines. Affected surfaces are sanded down using 400 grit sandpaper and bead blasted.
Premium Finish: Supports are removed along with internal and external layer lines. Affected surfaces are sanded down using 400 grit sandpaper and bead blasted.

Painting, Dyeing & Coating

Painting and coating add colour, protection, and additional properties to your parts. This process not only improves the appearance but also enhances durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Spray Painting: Spray painting involves applying paint through a fine spray, achieving an even coat over the entire surface. It is versatile and can be used for various colours and finishes, from glossy to matte. We are able to match any Pantone colour.
Dyeing: Dyeing imparts colour to your parts by immersing them in a dye solution, providing uniform coloration throughout the material. We offer a variety of colours depending on part substrate. For MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) parts, we provide black dyeing as a standard service at no additional cost.
Z-Bonding: Z-Bonding involves applying a bonding agent to CJP printed parts to improve their structural integrity and surface finish. This technique enhances the strength and durability of the printed parts. On request we can also apply this to SLS and MJF printed parts to improve water tightness and waterproofing at an additional cost.
Clear Lacquer: Clear lacquer coating provides a glossy finish, improved transparency on clear SLA parts and additional protection to the surface. This coating enhances the aesthetic appeal and longevity of the parts by protecting against scratches and environmental factors.

Textures

Formero offers various texture options to enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your 3D printed parts. Whether you require a subtle texture for improved grip or a more pronounced texture for added visual interest, we can customise the surface finish to meet your specific design requirements.

Threads & Inserts

Formero offers direct tapping and threading for your printed parts, as well as the installation of inserts for large production runs. We accommodate most standard metric and imperial thread types, as well as commonly used heat set, press-fit, and tapping inserts.

Assembly and Testing

Assembly and testing ensure that your parts are not only individually perfected but also work seamlessly as part of a larger system. This service helps ensure functionality and reliability of complex assemblies.

Manual Assembly: Our skilled technicians are able to assemble parts by hand, ensuring precise and careful assembly of components. This method allows for flexibility and detailed attention to complex parts and assemblies. This service can also include the glueing of two or more parts.
Quality Testing: Rigorous testing procedures are conducted to ensure that parts meet specified requirements. Additionally, we offer First Article Inspection (FAI), which involves a detailed examination and testing of the first part produced from a new manufacturing process to verify that it meets all specifications and quality requirements.

Custom Post-Processing Services

If your project requires post-processing services beyond those listed above, please contact us. Our team is always ready to discuss custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. We are committed to finding the best methods to achieve your desired results.

Why Choose Formero?

At Formero, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and service in every project. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing top-notch post-processing services that meet your unique needs.

Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, our team has the knowledge and skills to handle a wide range of post-processing requirements.
Quality Assurance: We adhere to stringent quality control measures to ensure that every part meets the highest standards of quality and precision.
Customer Service: Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we work closely with you to understand your needs and provide personalised solutions.

      
 Excellent4.845 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent45 reviews
 
 
 
    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   john spillare 
 568 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Needed a small quantity of items printed up because they are not made any more. Spoke to Jack and he was polite and very helpful, he showed me different materials that my items could be made from and advised me as to which plastics would suit. Turnaround time was fantastic, this included CAD drawings and production, total 4 days, brilliant!! Would recommend this company any time for service, quality and communication. Spoke to 3 other staff members, all were great, thanks guys for a job well done, AAA+++
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jessica Bourke 
 116 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, quick turnaround & high quality items :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dexter 
 214 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
A high quality and consistent print. Small details like wood grain were captured in each of the pieces
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Project Flock 
 1060 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Formero's customer services has been consistently excellent. We always receive our parts on time and to a high quality. Whenever there's been complex projects, the staff have always been willing to walk me through all the steps to better help me understand the product and their process. We've been using them for 3 years now, and we wouldn't go anywhere else.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Brad 
 163 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service, fast turnaround.
The automated quotation & ordering process is easy to use.
Staff are always helpful when you have a query
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Meek 
 117 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Georgia and Jack have always provided an efficient and prompt service with my printing needs. They have taken the time to recommend the most cost efficient and practical way to print my prototypes. I highly recommend Formero and all their staff.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Robert Kimmitt 
 86 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service all round would highly recommend. Quality parts and fast turnaround.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   David Aulert 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been using Formero across the last few months to help me 3D print and develop a product I'm designing.  Now on to prototype number 4 and it's coming along fantastically.   Each time they have been super helpful, the products I've received have been excellent, and the service has been very quick.  Very happy with everything they've done for me for sure.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Adam Wood 
 179 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've used Formero's services over a number of years to help with rapid iteration of product designs. They've always provided fast service, competitive pricing, and have a wide range of services available. Even when I've made errors in what I requested, they've been incredibly flexible and quick to go above and beyond to helping me. Top-quality service and top-quality prototyping services that I thoroughly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mich Mak 
 2243 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Received mask extenders for restrictive elastic, they were fast, good quality and reusable! Thanks!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Yarra Ranges Tech School 
 213 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our VM high school students in our Manufacturing Program in year 11 and 12 recently visited Formero and had an amazing experience. Craig and Simon were very welcoming and took the time to explain the different 3D printing technologies, materials and real-world applications.

The students were especially fascinated by the custom medical components and seeing how this technology can make a real difference. It was inspiring for us at the Tech School and for the students who are motivated to start their own 3D printing projects back at the Tech School.

It’s great to see an innovative manufacturing company doing this work locally and supporting students and future engineers. Thanks again to the Formero team for the tour! - Bridget
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Anderson 
 599 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Formero is our go to provider for 3D printing. We have used them for both rapid prototyping and short run manufacturing of custom parts. Highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Monash Motorsport 
 1017 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Formero’s high quality 3D printing services have been pivotal in manufacturing some of the most essential components of our car - an electric race car that competes in Formula SAE competitions. This includes the cooling jackets, motor shrouds and captive nut trays that are used to assemble our car’s accumulator and outboards - two of the most sensitive parts of our car. Formero allows us to meet competition standards, and have provided invaluable advice and continuous support to our team.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Luke Hamilton 
 471 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Formero did a fantastic job of some cosmetic vacuum cast samples I needed in a hurry, they were very polite and professional to deal with, I highly recommend them for any prototyping needs and will be using them again in the future.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel P 
 667 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our engineering company has used Formero consistently over the last 2 years for several projects. Georgia and the team are so quick to respond to any orders and questions we may have. They always keep us updated and allow us to meet the tight deadlines with high quality parts. Formero is an excellent example of Australian manufacturing; fast, reliable, high quality and excellent customer service and communication. For anyone considering a manufacturing project, I'd recommend Formero over other local or international suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Post-processing involves refining and finishing 3D printed parts to improve their appearance, functionality, and performance. It is essential for achieving the final quality and precision required for various applications.

Our team can help you determine the best post-processing services based on your project’s requirements and desired outcomes. Contact us for a consultation.

Each material has specific post-processing techniques suited to its properties. We currently offer 21 different polymers through our 3D Printing Services.

The duration of post-processing depends on the complexity and type of service required. Most post-processing services add 1-2 business days to our standard lead time, but more intricate processes may take longer. We provide detailed timelines for each project upon consultation.

Yes, Formero is equipped to manage both small and large production orders. We utilise advanced technologies and efficient workflows to ensure timely delivery without compromising quality, regardless of the order size.

We have rigorous quality control measures to ensure every part meets the highest standards. This includes detailed inspections, precise measurements, and performance testing. Our quality assurance team ensures that all parts are thoroughly checked before delivery to our clients. We are certified under ISO 9001.