Introduction: Why Post-Processing Matters in Additive Manufacturing
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) makes it possible to design and manufacture complex components that traditional methods cannot produce. Parts with intricate internal channels, lightweight lattice structures, and integrated functions are only possible through advanced additive manufacturing.
But as every additive manufacturer knows, the job doesn’t end when the print is complete. Removing unsintered powder from hidden channels and delivering a reliable surface finish are critical steps that define whether a part is truly production-ready.
At Anubis 3D, these finishing stages are as important as the design and printing process itself.
The Challenge: Powder Removal and Surface Quality
SLS builds parts layer by layer by sintering polymer powder with a laser. Once the part is formed, unsintered powder remains trapped inside channels and cavities. For functional components like robotic grippers, manifolds, or automation tooling, this powder can block airflow and reduce performance.
Traditional dry blasting techniques often fall short. Instead of clearing powder, they can leave residue inside channels, making it even harder to confirm whether parts are truly clean. On top of this, achieving an even, high-quality surface finish is difficult, and poor finishing can lead to problems like inconsistent coatings or weakened parts.
The Solution: Cleaner Channels, Safer Processes, Better Results
At Anubis 3D, we’ve refined our post-processing workflow to ensure every component is not only free of powder but also finished to the highest industrial standards.
- Complete Powder Removal
Our process ensures that every channel, cavity, and hidden feature is cleared, guaranteeing functional airflow and performance.
- Consistent Surface Quality
Parts receive an even, high-quality finish that enhances both aesthetics and technical performance, making them suitable for customer-facing and regulated environments.
- Improved Safety and Reliability
By using controlled wet blasting and inspection methods, we contain powder safely and eliminate risks that are often associated with airborne residues.
These steps transform SLS parts from prototypes into components ready for real-world production.
Case Study: High-Performance Robotic Grippers
One example is our development of a surface gripper used in many industries such as food, pharma, packaging, pick and place, and more. The gripper, once mounted to a robotic arm and connected to a vacuum system, is capable of lifting parcels weighing up to 40 kilograms.
The design relies on multiple internal channels that allow controlled airflow. Such a complex geometry can only be manufactured through additive processes like SLS. However, the performance of the gripper depends entirely on ensuring that every channel is completely clear of powder.
Through our optimized finishing workflow, we achieve full powder removal, giving us the confidence that the gripper will perform at its specified lifting capacity. When rare performance issues occur, our quality testing quickly isolates them to replaceable parts such as solenoids, not the gripper itself.
Why Surface Finish Matters for Industrial Applications
High-quality finishing does more than improve appearance. It directly impacts:
Hygiene and Cleanability: Smooth surfaces are easier to clean and prevent material build-up, which is critical in industries like food packaging and healthcare.
Coating and Painting: Even finishes ensure coatings adhere properly, avoiding costly rejections.
- Improved Airflow and Fluid Dynamics: Just like with channels and ducts, rough SLS surfaces create turbulence and drag.
Smoothing helps optimize airflow, water flow, or chemical flow through printed parts such as ducts, manifolds, or cooling channels.
The most popular applications are Aerospace ducts, medical devices, or electronics cooling systems where laminar flow is desired.
- Enhanced Mechanical Properties: While smoothing doesn’t change the bulk strength of the material, it can:Reduce stress concentrators (tiny peaks/valleys where cracks can start).
Improve fatigue resistance in cyclic loading.
Make sealing surfaces more reliable (important in fluid/gas systems)
With these advantages, Anubis 3D parts deliver improved surface quality, reduced wear, and enhanced sealing performance, ensuring durability and reliability in production settings with demanding compliance requirements.
Conclusion: Taking Additive Manufacturing Beyond Printing
Additive manufacturing has always been about pushing boundaries in design and production. But without effective finishing processes, even the most advanced designs can fall short.
At Anubis 3D, we combine selective laser sintering with advanced powder removal and surface finishing techniques to deliver components that meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability. Whether it’s a robotic gripper, a custom EOAT, or a short-run industrial component, our finishing methods ensure every part is ready for the real world.
Ready to Discuss Your Next Project?
If you’re looking for additive manufacturing solutions that go beyond prototyping, our team is here to help. Reach out today to learn how we can design, print, and finish parts that perform exactly as your applications demand.
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