Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey Trends Report highlights the growing importance of post-processing in additive manufacturing (AM)
- 75% of respondents reported that post-processing is a significant bottleneck in their production workflow
- The survey reveals that companies are looking to improve workflow efficiency and production readiness by investing in automated post-processing solutions
- The use of multiple printing technologies introduces complexity in post-processing, with 60% of respondents citing the need for technology-agnostic solutions
- The post-processing market is expected to grow by 20% annually over the next 5 years, driven by increasing demand for high-quality finished parts
Introduction to Post-Processing in Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM) is transitioning from prototyping to production, and as a result, the focus is shifting towards post-processing, a critical step in transforming printed parts into finished products. Post-processing encompasses a range of activities, including support removal, resin cleaning, powder removal, curing, and surface finishing.
Challenges in Post-Processing
The 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey Trends Report, conducted by PostProcess Technologies, highlights the challenges faced by manufacturers in post-processing. The survey reveals that the time and labor required to finish parts remain a significant constraint in scaling operations. Additionally, companies operating multiple printing technologies face a complex post-processing landscape, with each technology introducing its own materials, processes, and finishing requirements.
Comparison of Post-Processing Technologies
| Technology | Material | Process | Finishing Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | Thermoplastics | Support removal, sanding | Surface finishing, painting |
| SLA | Resin | Curing, powder removal | Surface finishing, polishing |
| SLS | Nylon | Powder removal, sanding | Surface finishing, dyeing |
Future of Post-Processing
As AM technologies expand into production environments, post-processing is becoming a central focus for organizations looking to improve workflow efficiency and production readiness. The survey reveals that companies are investing in automated post-processing solutions to reduce labor costs and improve part quality. The post-processing market is expected to grow significantly over the next 5 years, driven by increasing demand for high-quality finished parts.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey Trends Report highlights the growing importance of post-processing in additive manufacturing. As companies transition from prototyping to production, they must invest in efficient post-processing solutions to improve workflow efficiency and production readiness. With the post-processing market expected to grow by 20% annually, manufacturers must prioritize post-processing to remain competitive in the industry.