{"id":11651,"date":"2023-07-26T12:24:11","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T12:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\/"},"modified":"2025-10-10T12:05:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T10:05:56","slug":"3d-printing-surface-roughness","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\/","title":{"rendered":"Surface Roughness In 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-evaluating-surface-roughness-of-3d-printing-processes\">Evaluating Surface Roughness of 3D Printing Processes<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-measure-surface-roughness-in-3d-printing\">How to Measure Surface Roughness in 3D Printing?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#surface-roughness-for-powder-bed-fusion-pbf-processes\">Surface Roughness for Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) Processes<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#surface-roughness-for-vat-polymerisation-processes\">Surface Roughness for VAT Polymerisation Processes<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#surface-roughness-for-extrusionbased-3d-printing-processes\">Surface Roughness for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Processes<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#surface-roughness-for-photopolymer-droplets-technology\">Surface Roughness for Photopolymer Droplets Technology<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#additive-manufacturing-processes-surface-roughness-compared\">Additive Manufacturing Processes\u2019 Surface Roughness Compared<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#order-parts-for-your-3d-printing-projects\">Order Parts for Your 3D Printing Projects<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The surface quality of 3D printed parts is not similar for every process and every raw material. It varies greatly depending on the 3D printing technology employed, the printer quality and the build material. The design of the part to be printed and the position and orientation of the part during build also influence the surface quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before choosing an additive manufacturing process, one needs to consider the roughness (measured in most cases in Ra) of the 3D printed parts. For the technologies that use support structures, like fused deposition modeling (FDM), special care needs to be taken since there is a contact point between the support structures and the actual part which has a different surface quality altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-evaluating-surface-roughness-of-3d-printing-processes\"><strong>Evaluating Surface Roughness of 3D Printing Processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n    <aside data-id=\"ra-rz-value\" class=\"aside-popup\">\r\n        <div class=\"popup-content\">\r\n            <div class=\"popup-close-btn\">\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/themes\/xometry\/assets\/images\/cross.svg\" alt=\"close-popup\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div>\r\n                <div class=\"popup-title\">Ra vs. Rz values<\/div><div class=\"popup-text\">Ra, in its simplest terms, refers to the average roughness of a surface, whereas Rz is the difference between the highest \u201cpeak\u201d and the lowest \u201cvalley\u201d on the surface.<\/div>            <\/div>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n    <\/aside>\r\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/topic\/surface-roughness-in-3d-printing\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/community-icon-1.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/topic\/surface-roughness-in-3d-printing\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Surface roughness in 3D printing<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>The surface roughness of a material is basically measured in terms of <a href=\"#ra-rz-value\">Ra and Rz values<\/a>. The R values are usually measured in \u00b5m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In simple terms, Ra can be said as the deviation from the ideal surface plane usually measured in microinches or micrometres (\u00b5m). The higher the Ra value, the rougher the surface. The main regulation governing surface roughness is <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ISO_25178\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ISO 25178<\/a> which measures the surface roughness in terms of Ra and Rz values.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-author-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <div class=\"author-block\">\r\n                                        <div class=\"author-image\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Nikolaus-Mroncz-1.png\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"author-info\">\r\n                            <h4 class=\"author-name\">Nikolaus Mroncz<\/h4>\r\n                            <p class=\"author-position\">Sales Support Engineer<\/p>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                    <\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"quote-block\" style=\"border-color: #0E6AED;\">\r\n                    <p>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.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Graph showing reduction of surface roughness with Levels of Smoothing\" class=\"wp-image-1623\" style=\"max-width:829px;max-height:466px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"The graphic shows the reduction of surface roughness with Levels of Smoothing compared to the raw part using an EOS PA 2200 sample part (Source: Develop3D)\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Dyemansion-Powerfuse-S-details-1440x810-1.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The graphic shows the reduction of surface roughness with Levels of Smoothing compared to the raw part using an EOS PA 2200 sample part (Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/develop3d.com\/manufacture\/dyemansion-vaporfuse-part-smoothing-adds-greater-control-and-food-safe-compliance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Develop3D<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-measure-surface-roughness-in-3d-printing\"><strong>How to Measure Surface Roughness in 3D Printing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>To measure the surface roughness of 3D print, the easiest and most accurate way is to use a roughness tester, or \u201croughness meter\u201d. This instrument measures the roughness of a surface. It is commonly used in manufacturing and engineering applications where the texture and surface finish of a material is critical to the functionality of the end product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The roughness tester typically consists of a motorized drive unit that moves the stylus across the surface at a constant speed, a transducer that converts the mechanical movement of the stylus into an electrical signal, and a display unit that shows the roughness measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printing-surface-measurement.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1624\" style=\"max-width:839px;max-height:473px\"\/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printing-surface-measurement.gif\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"Footage showing how to measure surface roughness of a 3D print with the roughness tester\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printing-surface-measurement.gif\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Footage showing how to measure surface roughness of a 3D print with the roughness tester<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us take a look at the surface roughness variations and differences of 3D printed parts according to the technological categories. All the measurements were done in-house and are average. One may find different results with parts printed with a different material or by a different provider.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-for-powder-bed-fusion-pbf-processes\"><strong>Surface Roughness for Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) Processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>PBF includes technologies like multi jet fusion (MJF), selective laser sintering (SLS) and Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) where the build materials are usually polymers and metal powders. This powdered build material is fused together to form the part as per the CAD design with the help of infrared in MJF and laser in SLS and DMLS.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-mjf-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3d-printing-hp-mjf-icon.svg\" alt=\"HP MJF 3D Printing icon\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-mjf-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printing Technology Overview<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>The surface texture is matte and is not as smooth as SLA but it doesn\u2019t require support structures. Holes and pores can occur on the surface, depending on the size of the powder grain. Reused powder will cause more nonuniformities on the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sls-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3d-printing-sls-icon.svg\" alt=\"SLS 3D printing icon\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sls-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing Technology Overview<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>A completely smooth, glass-like surface cannot be obtained on the printed surfaces, even after heavy treatment like blasting or sanding. However, the MJF process produces a less porous surface compared to SLS and has a smoother texture comparatively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For PBF technologies, the cheap and ideal way of smoothing the surface is using sand paper. The other processes include grinding, sand or bead blasting and tumbling. Grinding and blasting will have little impact on tolerances and dimensions. Nevertheless, tumbling is an efficient process but is much slower compared to other surface finish methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In SLS, a near perfect poreless surface can only be achieved with vacuum infusions or a multi-stage process of surface filling and multiple grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n    <section class=\"article-slider-block\">\r\n        <div class=\"article-content-wrapper\">\r\n            <!-- Swiper -->\r\n            <div class=\"swiper mySwiper2 article-slider-display\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mjf-pa12-natural-closeup.jpg\" alt=\"MJF PA12 natural as printed\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mjf-pa12-natural-closeup.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"MJF PA12 natural as printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mjf-pa12-natural-closeup.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"MJF PA12 natural as printed\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>MJF PA12 natural as printed<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                                        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                                <div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\">\r\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/sls-pa12-natural-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"\"\r\n                                    >\r\n                                    <a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/sls-pa12-natural-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery\" data-caption=\"SLS PA12 natural as printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\">\r\n                                        <img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/sls-pa12-natural-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\">\r\n                                        <svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n                                            <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"><\/path>\r\n                                        <\/svg>\r\n                                    <\/a>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"article-slider-text\">\r\n                                    <p>SLS PA12 natural as printed<\/p>\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            \r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div thumbsSlider=\"\" class=\"swiper mySwiper article-slider-list\">\r\n                <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/mjf-pa12-natural-closeup.jpg\" alt=\"MJF PA12 natural as printed\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                                <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\r\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/sls-pa12-natural-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"\">\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                                        <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n    \n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-sls-3d-printed-parts\"><strong>Surface Roughness of SLS 3D Printed Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below shows the variation of the measured surface roughness between as printed parts, and parts after a surface finish:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-889\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-889\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 168px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 48px;\">Alumide\u00ae \/ PA 12 filled with aluminium<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 48px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 48px;\">8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 48px;\">50.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">4.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">31.6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 11<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">7.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">47.6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Media tumbled<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">7.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">45.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Vapour polished + dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">2.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">19.7 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-mjf-parts\"><strong>Surface Roughness of MJF Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for MJF 3D prints:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-680\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-680\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 120px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">10 &#8211; 12 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">59.9 &#8211; 69.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Chemical vapour polished<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">4.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">31.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">5.8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">38.7 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Spray painted black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">5.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">37.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, surface finishing can substantially reduce the surface roughness and improve the surface properties such as the strength of the overall part by reducing the porosity.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-dmls-partsnbsp\"><strong>Surface Roughness of DMLS Parts <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for DMLS 3D prints. As a regular practice for metal 3D printed parts, all the parts used for the measurements were bead blasted.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-341\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-341\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 96px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Aluminium Al-Si10Mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">10-12 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">59.9-69.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Stainless Steel 316L<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">39.8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Titan Grade 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">34.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Close-up of a DMLS metal part\" class=\"wp-image-1625\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.780979827089337;max-width:733px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part.png 1300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part.png\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"Close-up of a DMLS metal part\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-a-DMLS-metal-part.png\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a DMLS metal part<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-for-vat-polymerisation-processes\"><strong>Surface Roughness for VAT Polymerisation Processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The most frequently used technologies in this category are stereolithography (SLA) and Carbon DLS (also called DLP &#8211; digital light processing). These printing processes make use of a liquid polymer build material which, on exposure to the laser beam, hardens, producing the shape according to the input design, layer by layer. Since the material used is liquid, these technologies produce rather non-porous 3D printed parts with smooth surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n    <aside class=\"article-content-aside\">\r\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/\" class=\"aside-image sidebar__aside-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3d-printing-sla-icon.svg\" alt=\"SLA 3D printing icon\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-sla-overview\/\" class=\"aside-link\">Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing Technology overview<\/a>    <\/aside>\r\n    \n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, both SLA and digital light processing technologies require support structures which have to be removed once the part is 3D printed. And this procedure does have a huge impact on the surface roughness. Indeed, when the support structures are clipped off from the actual part, the roughness at that point becomes uneven and has higher Ra and Rz values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part--1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of an SLA part \" class=\"wp-image-1626\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.4987531172069826;max-width:747px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part--1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part-.jpg 1261w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part-.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"Close-up of an SLA part\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Close-up-of-an-SLA-part-.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of an SLA part <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-sla-3d-printed-parts\"><strong>Surface Roughness of SLA 3D Printed Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for SLA 3D prints:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-473\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-473\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">Industrial White, ABS-like<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">1.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">10.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-carbon-dls-3d-printed-parts\"><strong>Surface Roughness of Carbon DLS 3D Printed Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for Carbon DLS 3D prints:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-546\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-546\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">EPX 82<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">1.22 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%;\">11.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-for-extrusionbased-3d-printing-processes\"><strong>Surface Roughness for Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Processes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is the most common 3D printing process that belongs to this category. It works by pushing out a thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle. The liquified thermoplastic cures one thin layer after another according to the input CAD data on the build platform, thus achieving the complete part. Support structures are needed in this technology to support the cantilevers or thin structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>This process parts with a much higher surface roughness than other 3D printing technologies. The top layers (in Z-direction) are usually corrugated and bottom layers are smooth, provided no support structures in that region. The surfaces are pore free unlike PBF ones at the same time, not as glass like as in SLA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In places with support material, the rough surfaces are impaired and need to be corrected in the finishing phase. A work around is the use of soluble (water or other chemicals like limonene) support materials, which are easily removable and allow for better quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"FDM PLA Closeup\" class=\"wp-image-1315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1-2048x1366.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"Close-up of an FDM PLA part, without any finishing option\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fdm-pla-closeup-sample-part-xometry-scaled-1.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of an FDM PLA part, without any finishing option<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-finish-options-for-extrusionbased-processes\"><strong>Surface Finish Options for Extrusion-Based Processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>For very commonly used FDM materials like PLA, PA 6, the surface finish options are limited to the support structure removal, as any further operations will impact the aesthetics and details of the part and damage it. ABS can be grinded, tumbled or blasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is because, even though PLA is stronger and more rigid than ABS, its poor heat resistance, poor ductility and low flexural strength properties make it tough to rework. ABS is weaker and less rigid, but also tougher and lighter, making it a better plastic to perform finishing operations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-of-fused-deposition-modeling-parts\"><strong>Surface Roughness of Fused Deposition Modeling Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for an FDM 3D print:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-392\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-392\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 48px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">ASA<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">22.5 \u00b5m*<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">114.9 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This result was measured on the roughest surface, perpendicular to the layering. When we measured the part\u2019s surface in the other direction, the spin of the tool measured along with the layers and the surface roughness was 0.9 \u00b5m.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-roughness-for-photopolymer-droplets-technology\"><strong>Surface Roughness for Photopolymer Droplets Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The most common 3D printing process in this category is Polyjet. It is a rigid photopolymer additive manufacturing technology that works by jetting UV curable resin onto a build tray in a process that is somewhat similar to inkjet printing. It is well known for its speed and incredible precision. This technology also produces support structures which are removed later in the post processing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The surface quality is one of the best among all 3D printing technologies. One downside is the use of support structures and it impacts the related region when removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"3D printed tiles printed with polyjet\" class=\"wp-image-1627\" style=\"max-width:656px;max-height:492px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-11651\" data-caption=\"3D printed tiles printed with polyjet, as printed\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3D-printed-tiles-printed-with-polyjet.jpg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">3D printed tiles printed with polyjet, as printed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"surface-finish-options-photopolymer-process\"><strong>Surface Finish Options Photopolymer Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>If soluble support structures are used, no treatment is usually needed. If not, they need to be manually removed like in other technologies. Since it uses a deposited droplets system and the print head moves in X-Y direction, lines are visible along the movement of the print head. These can be removed in post processing for very smooth surfaces. The post-processing methods used to get improved surface quality are blasting and grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"measured-surface-roughness-of-polyjet-3d-printed-parts\"><strong>Measured Surface Roughness of Polyjet 3D Printed Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The table below details Ra and Rz values on both sides for a Polyjet 3D print:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-866\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-866\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 48px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Ra<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Rz<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Photopolymer rigid<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">2.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">17.2 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"additive-manufacturing-processes-surface-roughness-compared\"><strong>Additive Manufacturing Processes\u2019 Surface Roughness Compared<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-64\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-64\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 456px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Technology<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Material<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Surface finish<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Roughness (Ra)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Roughness (Rz)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 72px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 72px;\">SLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 72px;\">Alumide\u00ae \/ PA 12 filled with aluminium<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 72px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 72px;\">8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 72px;\">50.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">SLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">4.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">31.6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">SLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 11<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">7.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">47.6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">SLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Media tumbled<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">7.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">45.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">SLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Vapour polished + dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">2.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">19.7 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">MJF<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">10-12 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">59.9-69.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">MJF<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Chemical vapour polished<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">4.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">31.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">MJF<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Dyed black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">5.8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">38.7 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">MJF<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">PA 12<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Spray painted black<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">5.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">37.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">DMLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Aluminium Al-Si10Mg<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">10-12 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">59.9-69.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">DMLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Stainless Steel 316L<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">6 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">39.8 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">DMLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Titan Grade 5<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Bead blasted<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">34.4 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">SLA<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Industrial White, ABS-like<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">1.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">10.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Carbon DLS<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">EPX 82<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">1.22 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">11.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">FDM<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">ASA<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">22.5 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">114.9 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Polyjet<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">Photopolymer rigid<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">As printed<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">2.1 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\">17.2 \u00b5m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input::placeholder{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\twhite-space:nowrap;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead{\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 14px;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\r\n\t\tbackground-color: #F6F9FF;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody, .custom-table-block thead, .custom-table-block tr, .custom-table-block td, .custom-table-block th{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tpadding: 7px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th{\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 700;\r\n\t\tline-height: 24px;\r\n\t\tletter-spacing: 0em;\r\n\t\ttext-align: left;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block thead th:after{\r\n\t\tcontent:\"\";\r\n\t\tdisplay: inline-block;\r\n\t\tbackground-image: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='12' height='8' viewBox='0 0 12 8' fill='none' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cpath d='M10.585 0.585938L6 5.17094L1.415 0.585938L0 2.00094L6 8.00094L12 2.00094L10.585 0.585938Z' fill='%23476175'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E%0A\");\r\n\t\tmargin-left: 8px;\r\n\t\tbackground-position: center center;\r\n\t\tbackground-size: 12px 7.5px;\r\n\t\tbackground-repeat: no-repeat;\r\n\t\twidth: 24px;\r\n\t\theight: 12px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block{\r\n\t\tmargin: 20px 0;\t\r\n\t}\r\n\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\twidth: 100%;\r\n\t\toverflow-x: auto;\r\n\t}\r\n\t@media(max-width: 768px){\r\n\t\t\/* .custom-table-block tbody td{\r\n\t\t\twhite-space: nowrap;\r\n\t\t} *\/\r\n\t\t.custom-table-block .table-wrapper{\r\n\t\t\tmax-width: calc(100vw - 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"order-parts-for-your-3d-printing-projects\"><strong>Order Parts for Your 3D Printing Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The 3D printing surface roughness varies greatly with post processing. It not only improves the aesthetic value but also usability of the part for end use applications. Colouring methods like spray painting and dying can also be used to enhance the surface but it\u2019s impact on surface roughness is highly debatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Xometry Europe offers 3D printing services online, for on-demand additive manufacturing projects, for both prototypes and large batches. With a network of more than 2,000 partners all over Europe, Xometry is able to deliver 3D printed parts in up to 7 days. Upload your CAD files to <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.uk\/\">Xometry Instant Quoting Engine <\/a>to get an instant quote with various manufacturing options available for polyjet 3D printing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":11652,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[491],"class_list":["post-11651","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing-uk"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Surface Roughness In 3D Printing | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article explains what roughness is in 3D printing and provides surface roughness measurements for seven technologies.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Surface Roughness In 3D Printing | Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This article explains what roughness is in 3D printing and provides surface roughness measurements for seven technologies.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en-uk\/articles\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Xometry Pro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-10T10:05:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/3d-printing-surface-roughness.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/\",\"name\":\"Surface Roughness In 3D Printing | Xometry Pro\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-07-26T12:24:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-10T10:05:56+00:00\",\"description\":\"This article explains what roughness is in 3D printing and provides surface roughness measurements for seven technologies.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/07\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness.jpg\",\"width\":1500,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"Surface Roughness in 3D Printing\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/3d-printing-surface-roughness\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"3D Printing\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/global-tag\\\/3d-printing-uk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Surface Roughness In 3D Printing\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/xometry.pro\\\/en-uk\\\/\",\"name\":\"Xometry Pro\",\"description\":\"Knowledge &amp; 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