Back to: 3D PRINTING: From Ideas to Objects!
Whoo-hoo! Congratulations on finishing your first print! Here’s a simplified and beginner-friendly guide for handling your 3D print after it’s finished. We’ll break down the steps in easy-to-follow bullet points.
1. Removing Your Print
Once the print is complete, removing it carefully is important to avoid damaging it.
- Let It Cool: Wait for the print to cool down completely. This helps prevent it from warping and makes it easier to handle.
- Use a Spatula: Gently slide a plastic or metal spatula under the edges of the print. Be careful not to scratch the build plate or break the print.
- Don’t Force It: If the print doesn’t come off easily, don’t force it. Check for any sticky spots or issues. Forcing it might damage the print or the build plate.
- Tip: If your printer has a flexible build plate, you can gently bend it to help the print come off more easily.
Photo credit: freepik.com
2. Cleaning Your Print
Once you’ve removed the print, it’s time to clean it up.
- Remove Supports: If your print uses support structures, carefully cut or pull them off. Use small tools like pliers or flush cutters to trim them away.
- Smooth the Surface: If there are rough spots, you can smooth them with sandpaper. Start with rough sandpaper (100-200 grit) and then use finer sandpaper (400-800 grit) for a smoother finish. You can even use water while sanding to reduce dust.
- Tip: Always wear gloves and a mask when sanding or using chemicals to stay safe.
Photo credit: techjury.net
3. Customizing Your Print
Want to make your print look even better? Here’s how you can add some personal touches.
- Painting: Use a primer first to help the paint stick. Acrylic paints work well for plastic prints. Let the paint dry completely before handling.
- Finishing Coats: After painting, you can apply a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a glossy or matte finish.
- Other Techniques: You can also add extra details like stickers, decals, or small accessories to make your print unique.
- Tip: Before painting the whole print, test the paint on a small area to see how it looks and sticks.
4. Final Touches and Assembly
If your print has multiple parts, you might need to put them together.
- Assemble Parts: If your print has pieces that need to be glued or screwed together, use strong glue like super glue for plastic.
- Check Functionality: For prints that need to move or work, make sure all the parts fit together and work properly. If something’s not right, adjust or fix it.
- Tip: For moving parts, make sure everything is clean and well-lubricated before putting it together.
[image: gif of moving 3d printed parts, e.g rava]
Challenges You Might Face
Sometimes, you might run into some common problems. Here’s how to handle them:
- Rough Surfaces:
- Problem: Your print may have rough spots or visible lines.
- Fix: Sand it down and apply primer for a smoother look. Adjust your print settings to improve future prints.
- Paint Not Sticking:
- Problem: Paint might not stick well if the surface isn’t clean.
- Fix: Use a primer first, and make sure the print is clean and free of dust or oil.
- Assembly Issues:
- Problem: Parts may not fit together perfectly.
- Fix: Make sure parts are lined up correctly before gluing or screwing them together. You can trim or sand pieces to get the right fit.
With these easy steps, you can turn your 3D prints into smooth, professional-looking creations. Enjoy the process of customizing and finishing your projects!