Most printed parts can be successfully polished with the Fuse Blast Polishing System, but some design features will not perform well under the higher pressures of polishing. Follow our best practices to optimize designs and reduce failures.

Formlabs Polishing Media is larger than standard glass media and can get trapped in gaps, slots, or holes between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Formlabs recommends avoiding designs with gaps of this size. Media stuck in these features may need to be removed by hand.

Larger-sized polishing media can fail to remove powder in tight corners. Fillet interior edges with a radius of 2 mm or larger to ensure that all powder is accessible and can be easily removed.

The Fuse Blast Polishing System operates at higher pressure than a standard Fuse Blast blasting cycle with glass media (60 psi vs. 30 psi). As a result, the higher-energy impact may damage some delicate and protruding features, including thin walls, sharp edges, and small features such as those found on model figures. Formlabs strongly recommends testing a single part before polishing a full batch.

The perception of gloss is dependent on many factors, including part design, material, blasting settings, color, and more. Visual perception of gloss is complex, and like any aesthetic finish, polished part acceptance is subject to personal preference.

Formlabs recommends using Nylon 12 Powder for the best aesthetic results. Parts that are dyed black appear glossier after polishing, and finger oils are less apparent.

On raw Nylon 12, sealing the surface with a non-spoiling oil (e.g., mineral oil or WD-40) can improve gloss perception and minimize the appearance of oils.

Polished parts are naturally scuff-resistant, but sharp implements can still scratch the surface.

Dyed parts greatly benefit from polishing. Polishing can be done before and after dyeing. Polishing mitigates dye splotches on printed parts when performed after dyeing. Formlabs recommends using polishing as the final step for the best results.