Tolerance Cost Curve: Why Tight Specs Drive Post-Processing In additive manufacturing, tighter tolerances do not come for free, they come with increased complexity, time, and cost. Each increment of precision typically requires additional post-processing steps... May 5, 2026
Surface Finish Options: As-Printed, Machined, or Surface Treated Surface finish plays a critical role in both the performance and appearance of metal additive manufactured parts. While as-printed surfaces can be sufficient for certain applications, they typically e... Apr 14, 2026
No Machining Allowance on Critical Surfaces In metal additive manufacturing, it’s common to aim for near-net-shape parts, but assuming that critical surfaces will meet final tolerances straight off the printer can lead to costly issues. Feature... Apr 7, 2026
How Hot Isostatic Pressing Improves Final Density in Metal AM Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is one of the most powerful post-processing techniques available for metal additive manufacturing. By applying high temperature and isostatic gas pressure simultaneously, ... Feb 18, 2026
ZERO-LEAK MANIFOLDS: Optimized Sealing in 3D Printed Systems In the aerospace and energy sectors, the integrity of fuel and fluid manifolds is critical. Leaks not only compromise performance but can lead to safety hazards, increased maintenance, and system fail... Feb 13, 2026
Defects Start at the Source: Why Post-Processing Can’t Fix Everything It’s a common misconception in metal additive manufacturing that post-processing is a cure-all. While finishing operations like CNC machining, polishing, and heat treatment play a critical role in ach... Feb 13, 2026
Underestimating distortion in thin lattice structures Lattice structures are a game-changer in additive manufacturing. By replacing solid volumes with interconnected struts, they reduce part weight while maintaining strength. However, as we push the limi... Nov 25, 2025
Do You Always Need to Heat-Treat 3D Printed Parts? In the world of metal additive manufacturing, heat treatment is often seen as a non-negotiable step, but is it always necessary? Not quite. While some alloys require extensive post-processing to achie... Nov 18, 2025