Natural Finish
Crisp, low risk, raw finish right off the printers
Natural Finish 3D Printed Parts
Our Natural Finish is exactly how the part comes off the machine with no additional finishing processes applied.
The raw state of the parts for all of our materials has a granular feel to it, much like that of an extra-strong mint. This is a result of the powdered polymers that the parts are made from.
This finish is best for quick draft models and prototypes, or internal, non-aesthetic components where items are more price-sensitive. It is also great for more delicate objects with walls under 1.5mm thick. Natural Finish is also referred to as raw finish, natural finish, unfinished.
3D Natural Finish: Prices, Sizes, and Materials
How much does it cost?
FREE
There is no additional charge for this finish.
Maximum Part Size
Express, Economy and Trade Orders:
186 x 236 x 300mm
Materials Available
Finishing Colours Available
SLS PA12
Natural White | Black | Red | Blue | Green | Yellow
MJF PA12 and SAF PA11 ECO
Grey | Black
SLS TPU Flexible
Natural White | Black
Appearance and Finish of a Natural Finish
The natural finish is exactly how the parts come off the machine with no additional stages other than a clean. The natural surface finish is granular thanks for the powdered material that it is made from, and resembles the surface finish of an Extra Strong Mint.
Rougher finish – The least smooth surface finish we offer.
Sharper edges – Edges are sharper than our other finishes as there are no abrasive processes.
Grey/white – MJF and SAF parts are grey, whereas SLS is white in their natural undeyed forms.
Black parts can vary – Dyed black parts can vary slightly in relation to their depth of colour, and can score easily.
Colour dyed SLS parts vibrant – Colour dyed natural parts can be more vibrant that polished parts.
How it Works
When parts are removed from the 3D printers, they are encased in the powder that they were manufactured from. This powder is stuck, but not fused to the part. To remove the powder, we place parts inside our automated cleaning machines, the Dyemansion PowerShot C’s.
These machines fire glass media at the powder covered parts to remove any excess matter both externally and internally where they can reach. The machines are set to specific pressures and times depending on what material is being processed.
Benefits of Natural 3D Printed Parts
Examples
Talk to Andrew, our Head of Technical Sales, and discover how our services can save you time and money while achieving the highest quality prints.
Risks
Damage
The process is less abrasive than our other finishes, however, thin, intricate or vulnerable geometries will still be at high risk of damage.
Pins/Pegs
Small pins, or other protruding elements from the surface of parts can easily get damaged in the process. Filleting the base of pins can help reduce the risk as well, but does not eliminate it.
Trailing Edges
Trailing edges can get damaged easily in the process. We do not recommend any print to have an edge that trails to zero regardless of finish, but if parts do have a trailing edge below 1mm, then damage is likely and not covered for a free reprint.
Small Parts
Small parts below 10mm can easily get lost in the cleaning process. It is recommended to make contact with our team about any very small parts so we can advise on the best course of action. Lost parts often result in costly time delays to your order.
Scoring
Parts that are dyed black can score easily leaving unsightly marks in the surface of the parts. If you are after a more scratch resistant surface, we would recommend polishing, shot peening or vapour smoothing as these are far more scratch resistant.
Get an Instant quote using our online system
Grab a quote for our natural finish parts. Our Uploading System takes price breaks into consideration for higher quantities and is the fastest way to get a quote for your project.
Other Finishing Options
Finish Options
| Finish | Min Thickness | Cost | SLS PA12 | MJF PA12 | SAF PA11 | SLS TPU | Express | Economy | Trade | Scheduled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | 1mm | Free | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Vibro Polished | 2mm | +2% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Shot Peened | 1.5mm | +7% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Vapour Smoothed | 1.5mm | 30p +10% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Colour Options
| Colour | Min Thickness | Cost | SLS PA12 | MJF PA12 | SAF PA11 | SLS TPU | Express | Economy | Trade | Scheduled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 1.5mm | +10% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard Colours | 1.5mm | £10 +10% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Custom Colours | 1.5mm | £60 + 10% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |