Axis Prototypes employs many of the best model finishers in North America. Not only can they give a molded style to your prototypes or small-scale parts, they can also achieve the look & feel you want. We cater to all your needs, whether you need production prototypes that come straight from the 3d printing machine, or fully finished marketing prototypes for your sales presentations. Additionally, the finished prototypes make excellent movie props.
Description | Lead-Time | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
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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 | * |
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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).
The water-repellent treatments are intended to compensate for the porosity of a prototype. There are several options:
Over the last 5 years, we have worked with Axis on several mandates of varying complexity. As a business, their capability and execution are exemplary. As a partner, they are knowledgeable, supportive and passionate about the projects they take on. We have been excited to grow our relationship with them in the high regards.
With many years of experience under our belt, we deliver guaranteed high quality parts. We pay meticulous attention to your requests and we don’t compromise on quality or accuracy for our 3D Print Services.
Learn more about some of our featured 3D printed projects.
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