Selective Laser Sintering
Post-processing and Surface Technology
Additional Services
Shot peening of SLS 3D printed parts
Compaction blasting is a process in which laser-sintered components are blasted with plastic beads under high pressure. The beads impact the surface of the components, smoothing them. This method is often combined with immersion dyeing to achieve a uniform and homogeneous color result. Compaction-blasted components are less prone to dirt adhesion and have a slightly less porous surface than untreated SLS 3D-printed parts.
Advantages of shot peening
Ideal for parts that…
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are immersion-dyed in a subsequent process step and where a homogeneous color result is crucial
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should be less prone to dirt adhesion
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should be smoothed easily and without material removal
Compatible Materials
- PA2200 (PA12 white)
- PA2201 (PA12 translucent)
- PA3200GF (PA12 glass-filled white)
- Alumide (PA12 with Aluminum)
- PA2241FR (PA12 flame-retardant white)
- PA2210FR (PA12 flame-retardant white)
- PA1101 (PA11 white)
- TPU1301 (TPU white)
Frequently Asked Questions - Shot Peening
During shot peening, SLS components are blasted with special plastic beads under pressure. The blasting media strikes the surface and compacts it, making the surface more uniform and robust.
Shot peening makes the surface of the components more homogeneous and resistant. At the same time, surface porosity is reduced, making the parts less susceptible to dirt and giving them a higher-quality appearance.
For shot peening, we use round plastic beads as blasting media. These relatively large beads strike the component surface and “hammer” it evenly. This compacts and homogenizes the surface without removing any material.
Shot peening is particularly well-suited for components that are to be dip-dyed afterwards. By compacting and homogenizing the surface, the dye can penetrate the material more evenly. This results in a more homogeneous and visually superior color finish during the dip-dyeing process.