Learning Targets
- Identify common post-processing needs.
- Explain how cleanup can affect dimensions and fit.
- Document inspection and post-processing steps.
IED Unit 2 • Lesson 2.17
3D Printing Post-Processing
Focus question: How do engineers inspect and finish a printed part?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
Use this page with the lesson presentation, your engineering notebook, and the tools or evidence assigned for Inspect and Finish the Printed Tester.
Success Looks Like
Your finished print is inspected and documented before fit data are trusted.
LaunchLearnModelCheckSubmit
Opening Prompt
Why might a print not be “done” when it comes off the printer?
Connect your response to the decision, evidence, or quality standard required for Inspect and Finish the Printed Tester.
Reveal: useful CAD thinking move
Supports, brim, stringing, rough edges, or dimensional issues may need careful cleanup and inspection before the part can be used as evidence.
Core Skill
What We Are Practicing
Supports, brim, stringing, and rough edges can affect the final part.
Post-processing can change dimensions and fit.
Cleanup should be documented as part of fabrication.
Fusion & Fabrication Help
Video Help
These Tools Make 3D Print Cleanup Easy
Use this video to review support removal and cleanup tools before handling or finishing printed parts.
Pause, replay, or open the tutorial in a new tab while you work. Follow the lesson requirements when the video uses a different example.
Lesson Interactive
Protect the Fit Evidence During Cleanup
Choose the correct action for each condition so the tester becomes safe to handle without changing the surfaces being evaluated.
Inspection Findings
Support tabSacrificial support remains under an overhang.
Loose stringingThin strands connect two outside edges.
Fit slot surfaceSurface is rough but is the feature being tested.
Warped cornerOne corner lifted 1.2 mm from the plate.
Remove only sacrificial or loose material; do not tune the measured fit surfaces.
Your Task
Inspect and Finish the Printed Tester
Remove supports or surface artifacts carefully, then inspect the tester without changing the fit features being evaluated.
- Photograph or inspect the part before cleanup.
- Remove only the required supports, brim, or loose material.
- Check for warping, layer separation, or damaged test features.
- Record any cleanup that could influence the fit results.
Quality check: The tester is safe to handle and the evaluated surfaces have not been altered in a way that invalidates the test.
What You Will Submit
Post-Processing Record
Submission standard: The tester is safe to handle and the evaluated surfaces have not been altered in a way that invalidates the test.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 2.17 PowerPoint
Use the lesson slides for guided practice, interactive checks, and the exit ticket.
Introduction to Engineering Design
Return to the IED course hub for units, resources, certifications, and current course information.
3D Printer Certification
Review tool expectations and certification requirements before independent printing.