Polishing

Improved surface finish:

Polishing smooths the surface of the 3D printed object and removes visible layers and rough spots. This results in an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Professional appearance:

Polishing an FDM 3D print gives the object a high-quality and professional appearance similar to that of industrially manufactured products.

Removal of visible layers:

FDM prints naturally have visible layers due to the layer-by-layer printing process. Polishing helps reduce or remove these layers, creating a more even and seamless surface.

Improved color and texture:

Polishing can enhance the color and texture of the 3D printed object's material, making it look even more attractive.

Loss of detail:

When polishing a 3D print, fine details and sharp corners may be slightly rounded or reduced. However, this may depend on the degree of polishing and the material from which the object is printed.

Cost and time investment:

Polishing as a finishing operation may incur additional costs because of the labor-intensive process. It may also take more time to polish the prints, which may affect the overall turnaround time of the order.

Material dependence:

Not all materials are suitable for polishing. Some materials can polish better than others, so it is important to consider material choice when considering polishing as an option.