Supports are necessary for successful SLA printing. Removing the marks and bumps left by supports is an integral step of the finishing process. The Formlabs Finishing Tools kit includes basic supplies for finishing parts printed on Formlabs SLA printers.

After printing, use the Finishing Tools to remove supports and marks during post-processing. The Finishing Tools are an additional supplement to the recommended Formlabs Finish Kits.

Formlabs Finishing Tools help you post-process high-quality finished parts quickly and easily.

• Ergonomic pen sander: A power tool ideal for sanding flat and gently-curved surfaces to create a uniform surface finish.
• Rotary tool: A multi-purpose precision power tool for removing support marks, enlarging holes, modifying geometry, and buffing parts to create a uniform surface finish.
• Rotary tool bit kit: A curated selection of stainless steel bits for grinding, polishing, and buffing support tips.
• Rotary tool buffing pads: A selection of various grit buffing pads for creating a uniform surface finish after grinding and sanding.
• Flush cutters: Robust flush cutters for removing support tips.
• Hobby knife: For precisely removing individual support tips, modifying part geometry, or cutting sandpaper for use with the pen sander. Replacement blades are included.
• Microfiber cloth: For cleaning dust from sanding and polishing parts.
• Spray bottle: Fill with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), water, or mineral oil to help remove dust from sanding and to polish surfaces.
• Silicone work mat: A large silicone mat (16 × 24 in / 40 × 60 cm) for protecting work surfaces when removing supports and finishing parts.

Understand the technical specifications of Formlabs Finishing Tools.

Ergonomic pen sander:

• Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Output: 12 V, 0.5 A
• Speed: 1,000–6,000 linear strokes/min
• Stroke length: 3 mm

Rotary tool:

• Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Output: 18 V, 1 A
• Speed: 1,800–12,500 RPM

Power adapter

The power adapter comes with the appropriate electrical plug for your region.

To insert the electrical plug into the adapter:

To remove the plug:

Pen sander

The pen sander comes with a variety of bit shapes and adhesive sandpaper.

To prepare the bits:

To insert a bit into the pen sander:

To use the pen sander:

1. Connect the pen sander to a power source using the included power adapter.
2. Slowly turn the speed dial at the rear of the pen sander to adjust speed.
3. Sand your printed part, maintaining a firm grip on the pen sander.
4. Turn the pen sander off before unplugging or when not in use. To turn the pen sander off, turn the speed dial towards the bit until it clicks.

Rotary tool

The rotary tool comes with a preinstalled 2.35 mm collet, a 3 mm collet, and a variety of bits.

To insert a bit into the rotary tool:

To change collets:

3. Slide the replacement collet fully into the rotary tool.
4. Loosely thread the chuck onto the collet.
5. Slide the bit shank roughly 0.5–1 in into the collet.

To use the rotary tool:

1. Connect the rotary tool to a power source using the included power adapter.
2. Slowly turn the wheel at the rear of the rotary tool to adjust speed.
3. Sand your printed part, maintaining a firm grip on the rotary tool.
4. Turn the rotary tool off before unplugging or when not in use. To turn the rotary tool off, turn the wheel towards the rear of the tool (labeled MIN) until it clicks.

1. Wash and cure your printed parts as indicated by resin type.
2. Remove the support tips from the printed part with the flush cutters or hobby knife.
3. Use the sander to gently buff out any raised marks or divots on the part’s surface.

   Tip:

   Use a squirt bottle to rinse parts with IPA or water, or brush parts with a toothbrush to remove dust.

4. Use the rotary tool to remove any unwanted artifacts from your printed parts. Choose the right rotary tool bit to achieve the correct finish for your printed part.

5. Use the buffing discs to polish the part until you have achieved the desired finish.
6. Spray the part with IPA, then wipe the part with a microfiber cloth to remove all dust.
7. Wipe the part with a microfiber cloth and a few drops of mineral oil. Buff with a cloth to add a dull shine.
8. Alternatively, paint a very thin coat of resin on the surface of the part. Cure in ambient light or in the Form Cure.

For more information on post-processing, see Removing support marks.

Formlabs Finishing Tools include a one-year warranty. For complete details, see the full NA warranty terms or EU warranty terms.

Purchase replacement tools and rotary tool bits from David Union:

• Ultra-fine diamond burrs
• Split mandrel for sandpaper
• Cotton polishing burr
• Rotary tool

For more information on finishing best practices:

• SLA basic finishing steps
• Removing support marks
• Advanced support removal techniques
• Polishing Clear Resin for a transparent finish