AXIS Prototypes: Premium Finishing Solutions for 3D Printed Parts

Finishing Level

	Description	Lead-Time	SLA	SLS
*Strip and Ship*	All supports/ powder removed and sandblast. Shortest lead-time and most economical	1-3 days
*Basic*	STRIP & SHIP + sanding of all supports marks. Excellent for Fit and Function testing.	1-3 days
*Premium*	BASIC + sanding of all build lines (sandpaper grit 280) Ideal when smooth surfaces needed	2-3 days		*
*Master*	Best possible sanding. Silky smooth finish (sandpaper grit 400 + superfine soft pad) Typically used when making master models for casting	2-5 days
*Paint Ready*	PREMIUM sanding + primer + MASTER sanding on primer To be selected if you are to apply painting by yourself	2-5 days
*Showroom*	PAINT READY + Automotive grade painting Optimal for commercial models (see more painting options in table below)	2-5 days
*Clear*	PREMIUM sanding + Clear coating When transparency (polycarbonate type) is needed Note: more options are available for transparency, see detailed section below)	2-5 days	*

* Coat of primer needed
** Only possible for Somos WaterShed XC 11122 resin

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- Finishing areas
  
  It’s important to identify the surfaces on which you want to apply a particular finish. By default, any surface can receive a finishing treatment. Keep in mind that the surfaces of your prototype, whether exterior or interior must be visible in order to apply finishes.
  
  Tip: Painting only certain surfaces may cost more than painting the entire prototype, in case it’s necessary to mask a certain part of the prototype to paint a small area or specific details.
- Choice of color(s)
  
  Axis Prototypes offers a wide selection of colors (gloss & matte) for your finishing process in order to make your prototype fit your needs as much as possible. We offer different color qualities, ranging from classic paints to automotive grade paints. In addition to our colour selection, we give you the possibility of choosing more specific and particular colors to realize your vision.
  
  Tip: The cost of the finishing process varies according to the painting’s quality and the color’s selection: standard or specific. Consider these points before making your choices.
- Transparent parts
  Depending on the geometry of your prototype, different levels of transparency are available. All surfaces can receive a transparent finish, however only SLA printed prototypes, using DSM Somos 11122 WaterShed, can be transparent.
  
  Levels of transparency available:
  - Semi-Clear: no sanding, adding a transparent primer.
  - Ultra-Clear: fine sanding, adding a transparent primer.
  - Smoked-Clear: possibility of giving a tone to the transparency (ask to your Axis’ vendor for more details).
- Assembling
  
  Special assembly finish in which the remaining interferences are sandblasted. Note that it is essential to transmit the document(s) indicating the position of each part in the assembly and the external parts if necessary. This will save a lot of time during the finishing process and allow you to get your part as quickly as possible.
  
  Tip: The greater the tolerance between parts, the less time it takes to complete the finishing job. For a '' press-fit '' assembly, do not include any assembly sets.
Finishing Options

Please find below some additional options for your finishing process. Note that these options are by no means mandatory and apply only to special cases.
- Inserts and threading
  
  We offer the potential to include installation of inserts or tapping of specified holes on parts produced by Axis Prototypes. The inserts are available when printing prototypes using SLA, SLS or FDM, while threading is mainly done via DMLS. It’s important to identify the holes and insert numbers or to provide us with the MMcMaster-Carr code. (link below)
  
  Tip: Make sure your holes are the right size, surrounded by the right wall thicknesses according to the chosen insert, by consulting the link below (PDF).
  
  Specifications (PDF)
  
  MCMASTER-CARR Code
- Water-repellent treatments
  The water-repellent treatments are intended to compensate for the porosity of a prototype. There are several options:
  - Epoxy treatment: Epoxy brush application on parts produced via SLS
  - Sealant Treatment: Infiltration with sealant material on SLS produced parts
  - Clear-Coat treatment: 3-stroke Clear-Coat Spray on parts produced via SLA or SLS

Our clients

We would like to thank you for your excellent and rapid services.

Designer and manufacturer of safety products

AXIS is an excellent provider of Rapid Prototyping services. They have always delivered a quality product at a low cost.

Manufacturer of construction tools

Very impressed with the transfer of data and quality of the parts from AXIS.

Manufacturer of public spectator seating

Parts were delivered on time and in perfect shape.

Important entertainment and lighting control manufacturer

Axis Prototypes is a great supplier to work with. They provided more than enough information to make an informed decision on alternatives.

Major US Manufacturer of Fabricated Steel Products

Our customers are addicted to the quality and service that AXIS provides. Over the last 8 years, we’ve built garden tools, mobile computers, beer taps, and prosthetics. We’ve constantly demanded more from our prototypes, and Axis has responded by adding new materials, new equipment and new knowledge. Axis is essential to our business.

Leading Canadian design firm

Once again you have taken top spot. I will never take quotes from any other supplier, due to your outstanding performance. Over and over, your team at Axis has made me shine. Thank you for your excellent support.

Automotive mold and engineering firm

Axis Proto has won our hearts and we can see why your firm came recommended to us. Without a doubt Axis Proto takes it's business serious and quality. Thank you in the highest manner

Premium Finish

Solutions / premium-finish

Overview

Finishing Level

Finishing areas

Choice of color(s)

Transparent parts

Assembling

Finishing Options

Inserts and threading

Water-repellent treatments

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