In industrial manufacturing, the "raw" 3D print is rarely the final stop. To meet aesthetic and functional requirements, parts often undergo painting, sanding, or dyeing. However, post-processing introduces new variables—color shifts, texture changes, and geometric micro-adjustments. This guide explains how Justway stabilizes these processes to deliver a premium, repeatable finish.
1. Solving Painting & Color Deviations
Achieving a 100% color match on different 3D printed substrates (Resin vs. Nylon) is a complex chemical challenge.
- Root Cause of Color Shift: Material porosity and base color (e.g., yellowish resin vs. white nylon) can alter the perceived hue of the topcoat.
- Justway’s Precision Protocol:
- Standardized Priming: We apply specialized primers to seal the surface, creating a "neutral base" that ensures the final paint layer reflects light exactly as intended.
- Pantone/RAL Verification: Every batch is cross-referenced against official Matte PANTONE & High Gloss PANTONE or RAL physical swatches under D65 calibrated lighting to eliminate metamerism (color looking different under different lights).
- Adhesion Testing: We perform cross-hatch tape tests to ensure the paint bond meets industrial standards, preventing peeling in high-touch applications.
2. Sanding & Texture Management
Sanding is a double-edged sword: it removes layer lines but can alter dimensional accuracy if not controlled.
- Managing Sanding Marks: Manual sanding can leave microscopic directional scratches.
- The Justway Solution:
- Graduated Grits: Our technicians follow a strict progression from coarse (320-grit) to ultra-fine (1000-grit+) polishing.
- Vapor Polishing & Media Blasting: For internal geometries where manual sanding is impossible, we utilize vapor smoothing or automated media blasting to ensure a uniform matte or gloss finish across the entire geometry.
3. Dyeing Consistency for Porous Materials
For SLS (Nylon) parts, dyeing is often preferred over painting for its scratch resistance.
- Depth of Penetration: Unlike paint, dye penetrates the part surface by 0.1mm - 0.2mm. This means even if the part is slightly scratched, the color remains.
- Consistency Control: We monitor the temperature and concentration of the dye bath in real-time to prevent "mottling" (uneven spots) and ensure batch-to-batch color uniformity.
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