Protolabs Improves Surface Quality Standards

Protolabs Enhances Surface Quality Standards Protolabs, a technology-enabled manufacturer of custom parts and assemblies, has announced that it has redefined surface quality standards for its 3D printed prototypes and parts. While not all parts require the same level of performance, surface roughness—ranging from cracks and adhesion to contact hardness and static friction—is a key indicator of how parts will look and perform. Protolabs has redeveloped surface quality standards for parts produced with MJF and SLS, offering premium surface quality with flexible surface roughness options. According to these standards, Protolabs' Pure option, classified as the basic choice and available only for certain materials, provides a pure surface with surface roughness as expected from a high-quality 3D printed part. Blast parts are beaded to remove all powder while leaving a consistent overall texture. The company's standard option (Smooth) delivers a smooth surface with reduced surface roughness and offers value well beyond previously offered standards. This standard is the default option for most materials. Protolabs' premium option, Vapour Smooth, provides a vapor-smoothed surface on a 3D printed part that typically approaches an injection molded surface finish. Parts are processed with an automatic, high-quality post-processing technique that produces premium aesthetics and leak-free surfaces that are water and air-tight and easy to clean. Source