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Finishing Options

Custom Finishing for Prototypes and Manufactured Parts

Often, the difference between a good prototype and a great prototype is the finishing. Backed by years of model making experience, Solid Concepts’ finishing experts can add custom treatments like texture, paint, and hardware to make your prototype virtually indistinguishable from a production part. Complete in-house finishing capabilities will ensure production-quality prototypes that are delivered on time and ready for immediate application.

  • Hand Finishing
  • Cosmetic Paint
  • Non-cosmetic Paint
  • EMI & RFI Shielding
  • Textures & Mold-Tech® Finishes with Cast-in Capabilities
  • Hardware (inserts, helicoils, screws, etc.)
  • Assemblies
  • Metallic Plating

Hand Finishing

Finishes available for PolyJet, SLA, SLS, and FDM parts include Unfinished (None), Outside Only hand sanding, and Inside and Out hand sanding. Special finishing is also provided for any part that will be molded for casting. A Bead Blast surface treatment is also available for a uniform appearance if you don’t need the high quality of a hand sanded part but want a better surface than an unfinished part. Have questions? Our knowledgeable Project Engineer will help you select the perfect finish for your parts.

  • Unfinished (None) – Unfinished refers to the surface finish produced directly by the Rapid Prototyping machine without post finishing processes applied (no hand finishing or paint). Only supports and excess material are removed.
  • Bead Blast – A bead blast is performed for removal of residual material and provides a uniform look for aesthetic purposes.
  • Outside Only Finish – The cosmetic surfaces are hand sanded to remove stair steps and build lines naturally produced by the build process; this provides a uniform appearance. A fit check is performed to assure fit, form and function if appropriate.
  • Inside and Out Finish – All part surfaces are hand sanded to remove stair steps and build lines naturally produced by the build process; this provides a uniform appearance. A fit check is performed to assure fit, form and function if appropriate.
  • Outside Only Master (intended for cosmetic painted parts & QuantumCast cast urethane master patterns) – Part exterior is hand sanded with additional time and care required for a master pattern. Stair steps and build lines naturally produced by the build process are removed. A fit check is performed to assure fit, form and function if appropriate.
  • Inside and Out Master (intended for cosmetic painted parts & QuantumCast cast urethane master patterns) – The interior and exterior part surfaces are hand sanded with additional time and care required for a master pattern. Stair steps and build lines naturally produced by the build process are removed. A fit check is performed to assure fit, form and function if appropriate.
  • Hand Finish & Polish (Available for CNC Machined Parts, Prototypes & Master Patterns) – Parts are hand sanded and polished to SPI/ SPE A-2 or better (high polished finish). Hand finish and polish enhances clarity of clear machined parts and significantly improves the surface finish of metal and opaque machined materials.
  • Sand and Seal (Available for SLA QuickCast Patterns) – Part is hand sanded to remove stair steps and build lines, and is hermetically sealed to prevent inclusions during casting.

Surface Treatment/Coating

Non-Cosmetic or Cosmetic Paint can be applied to parts produced by any material at Solid Concepts and are typically used for presentation purposes, marketing studies, photography, mock-up display models, etc.

Cosmetic Products

Cosmetic Paint is typically a solid color, but tinted clear and clear coat finishes are also available. All Cosmetic Paint is applied in an Automotive rated, down draft paint booth with full climate control, intake and exhaust filtration, and color corrective lighting.

  • Cosmetic Paint – Single coat of polyurethane paint applied for cosmetic purposes. Models receiving Cosmetic Paint require "Outside Only Master" or "Inside and Out Master" finishing. Color match paint optically matched to a defined PMS Pantone color or customer defined color is available.
  • Clear Coat – Clear models are available with SLA SC 1000 and Accura 60 materials. Clear models receiving Cosmetic Paint require either "Outside Only Master" or "Inside and Out Master" finish. Basic color tints that are loosely defined (i.e. "dark blue") are also available upon request.
  • Rubberized Paint – Clear matte rubberized paint can be applied to specified areas to provide a rubberized feel for applications such as grips, overmolds, and button tops. The application of clear rubberized paint will take on the color under the surface, but can be tinted to achieve varying colors.
  • Vapor Polish – Available for CNC machined parts and prototypes in clear polycarbonate and ABS. A proprietary vapor polishing process is applied to the part to produce an instant clear finish (not lens quality).
  • Other – Coatings, printing and other special finishes are available on a case-by-case basis.

Non-Cosmetic Products

Non-cosmetic paint is available in solid color, tinted clear, and clear coat finishes. Non-cosmetic paint is only applied to parts that have not received hand finishing. As a result, they show visible stair steps and build lines. Fisheyes, dust marks, and imperfections in the paint surface are possible with non-cosmetic paint. The application of paint only gives the part color and a physical protection barrier.

  • Non-Cosmetic Paint – Single coat of polyurethane paint applied as a protective barrier or for basic cosmetic purposes. Color match paint optically matched to a defined PMS Pantone color or customer defined color is available.
  • Clear Coat – Single coat of polyurethane clear paint applied as a protective barrier or for cosmetic purposes. The Clear Coat provides a uniform look and some clarity depending on part material. Basic color tints that are loosely defined (i.e. "dark blue") are also available upon request. The resulting color will vary dependent on part material.
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