NPJ

Step 1

Printing

The material suspension is jetted onto a heated build surface (~250°C) tracing out the part cross section and applies the support material to any areas that will carry the part geometry above. The heat breaks the suspension and melds the particles on to the build platform and each other. Once one layer is jetted, the next begins on top of the previous one. This process repeats until the 3D geometry is complete producing the "green part." The "green part" is then sintered providing densification and stress relief in metal parts.

Step 2

Support Removal

Manual Removal Initial removal possible, especially for breakaway supports on ceramic parts. Soluble Support Removal Supports are made from a different material and can be dissolved in a separate step. Manual Cleaning Note: Minimal mechanical stress required due to separate support material.

Step 3

Surface Finishing

Sanding / Polishing Rarely needed; parts are naturally smooth after sintering. Chemical Smoothing / Coating Non-applicable; surface finish is already very high post-sintering. Painting / Priming Rarely applicable; only if desired for cosmetic or protective reasons. Gloss / Matte Control Controlled by material and sintering process, not typical post-processing.

Step 4

Curing / Heat Treatment

UV / Thermal Curing Non-applicable Annealing / Stress Relief Post-sintering acts as both densification and stress relief; no additional annealing usually required.

Step 5

Assembly and Functional Finishing

Gluing or Bonding Can be done if assembling into multi-part components. Drilling / Tapping / CNC Yes, but less often needed due to high precision; secondary machining is still an option for tight tolerances. Inserts / Fasteners Can be added post-sintering as with other metal parts.

Step 6

Special Treatments

Infiltration / Sealing Non-applicable; parts are already dense post-sintering Functional Coatings Plating, anodising, or ceramic coatings can be applied depending on the base material. Post-print Functionalisation Ceramic parts can be glazed; metal parts can be heat treated, machined, or polished further.