select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

Surface roughness in 3D printing

0
E
4

What is the average surface roughness of different additive manufacturing processes? I’m mostly interested in SLS and MJF, is there is a big difference between these two? I couldn’t find much on this topic so any feedback would be very much appreciated

Solved by Nikolaus Mroncz
We conducted experiments in-house with SLS and MJF 3D prints and we actually have some concrete data to share. We measured the surface roughness of SLS prints with different surface finishes: PA12 raw part (approximately 8 µm), PA12 bead blasted (4.5 µm) vs PA12 vapour polished + dyed black (2.5 µm). And we did the same for MJF prints and 5 other 3D printing technologies. I would recommend you to check our article on this topic: https://xometry.pro/en-eu/articles/3d-printing-surface-roughness/
    • E

      What is the average surface roughness of different additive manufacturing processes? I’m mostly interested in SLS and MJF, is there is a big difference between these two? I couldn’t find much on this topic so any feedback would be very much appreciated

      0
    • In my experience, surface roughness can vary quite a bit between SLS and MJF processes. SLS tends to produce a slightly rougher surface compared to MJF due to the nature of the laser sintering process and the powder bed fusion technique. But both methods can achieve relatively smooth surfaces with proper parameter optimization and post-processing techniques like sanding or polishing.

      0
      Reply
      • Xometry Engineer
        TechCrafter

        The roughness of a surface depends on a variety of factors, including the design of the part, the manufacturing process used to create it and the manufacturer. Even if you select a 3D printing technology with a supposedly great surface finish, the parts might still present some stepping marks or have a slightly curved surface, causing a decreased surface roughness quality.

        You can keep in mind that the MJF process produces a less porous surface compared to SLS, and has a smoother texture. And as you said, a near-perfect poreless surface can be achieved in both MJF and SLS thanks to post-processing operations like vapour smoothing and bead blasting.

        0
        Reply
    • E
      Nikolaus Mroncz

      Do you have concrete numbers? I’ve conducted some research on this topic, and there isn’t an extensive amount of data comparing surface roughness in SLS and MJF…

      0
      Reply
    • Xometry Engineer
      EngineerNearby38

      We conducted experiments in-house with SLS and MJF 3D prints and we actually have some concrete data to share. We measured the surface roughness of SLS prints with different surface finishes: PA12 raw part (approximately 8 µm), PA12 bead blasted (4.5 µm) vs PA12 vapour polished + dyed black (2.5 µm). And we did the same for MJF prints and 5 other 3D printing technologies. I would recommend you to check our article on this topic: https://xometry.pro/en-eu/articles/3d-printing-surface-roughness/

      0
      Reply
Surface roughness in 3D printing
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
Feasibility of using DMLS aluminum parts for pressure-test prototypes
I’m testing the idea of using DMLS Aluminum parts as pre-production prototypes for a high-pressure fluid system. These would be static housings only, not moving parts. Has anyone validated 3D-printed aluminum components under realistic... read more
A
0
76
Nov 24
Process for a low-volume stainless steel pump impeller
Hi all, I’m designing a stainless steel impeller for a small pump (diameter around 80 mm). Would you go for metal additive manufacturing or casting if you need tight tolerances on the blades and... read more
p
c
1
156
Nov 24
Minimum letter size for raised text on SLS nylon parts
I’m working on a medical device enclosure that needs raised lettering (product name and serial number) on the lid, printed in SLS nylon. The letters are around 2 mm high with a stroke width... read more
m
j
4
470
Oct 30
2 mm stainless sheet bend radius
I’d like some help with a project. I’m designing a stainless steel 304 enclosure with multiple 90° flanges (sheet thickness ~2 mm). For strength and edge alignment, I want the inside bend radius to... read more
L
C
4
364
Oct 24
Urethane casting for sensor housings
Hello all, I’m looking for some advice. I’m working on a prototype of a handheld casing for an outdoor sensor (approx. 20×10×5 cm) that needs to be rigid, weather-resistant, and have fine surface details.... read more
a
e
6
195
Nov 13