FORMLABS ANNOUNCES CERAKOTE AS HIGHEST PERFORMING FINISH OPTION

Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a proven manufacturing technique with high-performance materials—and those materials can go even further in performance and appearance when paired with advanced post-processing methods. Coating the exterior surfaces of a 3D printed part with a performance material confers additional properties that the 3D printed material can’t achieve on its own. Such properties include increased strength, conductivity, or chemical resistance. Ceramic coatings, like those made by Cerakote, are applied in a thin film by spraying a polymer with ceramic additives directly onto the part. No primer is required, although parts need to be thoroughly media blasted with specialized media, and cleaned with a wax and grease remover to make sure no contaminants remain on the surface. Cerakote offers both air-cure and oven-cure formulations. Ceramic coatings are among the highest-performance options for advanced post-processing techniques. Parts are chemically resistant and mechanically strong, and there are a number of color options available. Cerakote also offers specialized products for corrosion resistance, low friction, and more properties. Cerakote has certified applicators listed on their website, and they also offer certifications for shops looking to bring ceramic coating capabilities in-house. For more information on 3D printing and Cerakote, you can read here or reach out to us at industrial@cerakote.com.