Fathom Digital Manufacturing offers a wide suite of post-processing and finishing processes designed to meet the most demanding and precise project requirements. Whether your project is additive or advanced manufacturing, we offer the ancillary tools and processes to create an optimal finished product.
Below are some of our common finishing/post-processing options. Please Talk to An Expert for a process that may not be listed below:
Fathom Digital Manufacturing offers assembly and model finishing services that further enhance the look of your design, helping you achieve specific textures and colors. Our professional finishing services are often used for marketing photo shoots, tradeshows, internal presentations and more.
The key attributes to consider when approaching finishing for aesthetically-important parts are Color, Texture, Artwork and Assembly.
| FINISHING GRADE LEVELS | GRADE LEVEL DESCRIPTION | ADVANTAGES & CONSIDERATIONS |
|---|---|---|
| AA (ULTRA HIGH) |
High-Resolution Photo-Ready Parts |
|
| A (HIGH) |
Trade Show or Presentation Parts |
|
| B (MID) |
Concept Models, Aesthetic Experimentation or Part Comparisons |
|
| C (LOWEST) |
Concept Validation & Non-Aesthetic Parts |
|
Fathom commonly uses the Pantone Matching System and can match custom blended paints to any color code or paint swatch (subject to review by Fathom production manager). Paint is applied using a variety of methods, dependent on color, glossy/matte and the specific texture desired.
The most common method for selecting texture is by calling out a Mold-Tech texture. Paint textures are approximated to the model—options include light, medium or heavy. Fathom offers AMT PostPro3D finishing for SLS, FDM and MJF 3D printing technologies. This post-processing technique eliminates the need for time-consuming sanding or other surface smoothing processes. Utilizing the PostPro3D for end-use parts is a great option for projects on a tight product development schedule.
If your model is comprised of multiple parts, assembly is the final step. If painting is required, colors are often applied to separated components to maintain very crisp, clean lines. Masking is available, but it is a less preferred method, as it can bleed. Models are either glued using an adhesive and/or assembled using fasteners depending on application.
A common aspect of model finishing is the inclusion of stock components such as fasteners and metal inserts. These items are usually applied in the assembly process. In most cases, these additions are for their functional properties. For example, adding a metal threaded insert allows for more durable threads when an item requires screws or bolts in the assembly process.
High-quality finished models often need to include lettering and logos. The artwork is applied using a variety of methods depending on the shape of the surface it is being applied to, the number of colors and the level of detail. The most common methods are transfers, stickers, screen prints and pad prints. In most cases, a clear finishing coat is applied to protect the artwork as well as the paint on the model.
Start a conversation with a Fathom expert today to discuss your assembly and finishing needs.
