Post Processing as kay factor of Industrial AM

……..The solution to this problem lies in the change of post-processing method. Inner chambers and channels can easily be reached by liquid media even if they are unreachable by mechanical means. If the power of active liquids is combined with the application of modern (dynamic) electrochemistry, the part can be surface treated wherever the liquid can reach the surface. The chemical-electrochemical approach will dissolve the support structures as well as powder residue and will level the surface. By pumping the electrolyte through a channel system this effect can be enhanced and/or accelerated. This does not require a high pressure regime but a slow, continuous flow. A prominent example for such a post-processing base on dynamic electrochemical and chemical principles is Hirtisation®, allowing the industrial post processing of complex part geometries – on the inside and the outside.

As with any post-processing a consideration within the file generation should be done at an early stage. A post processing will not miraculously eliminate all the problems, especially not compensate printing mistakes. A part will gain its final dimensions only after the post-processing and not as most users believe after the printing. Meeting the specifications of a mass production requires the guarantee of certain final dimensions of the part when it reaches the (end) user. Machining or electrolytic dissolution will diminish a bit of the part size. Every post-processing has its own characteristic material removal. This has to be calculated when creating the printing files. Additionally carefully adjusted process chains will increase the overall production efficiency and with this will lead to lower production costs. Closing the interface between printing and post-processing can reduce the post-processing effort by as much as 30%. Guaranteeing the proper flow through inner channels and the orientation of support structures in the media flow direction are among the measures that can be taken in order to increase the overall production efficiency.