3D Product Materials & Finishing 2

Question 1

What is 'powder coating' and how is it applied to product surfaces?

Accepted Answer

A finishing process where electrostatically charged dry powder is applied to a grounded part and then cured in an oven

Answer

A technique for applying metallic powder to 3D-printed resin parts

Answer

A spray painting method using fine metallic particles

Answer

A chemical etching process for aluminum surfaces

Question 2

What is the purpose of 'sandblasting' in product finishing?

Accepted Answer

To create a uniform matte texture and remove surface imperfections by propelling fine abrasive particles at high speed

Answer

To polish a surface to a mirror finish using fine compounds

Answer

To apply a primer coating before painting

Answer

To cut metal parts using high-pressure water and abrasive

Question 3

What is 'anodizing' and what types of products commonly use it?

Accepted Answer

An electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminum for improved hardness, corrosion resistance, and color dyeing

Answer

A plating process that deposits nickel onto plastic surfaces

Answer

A chemical polishing method for stainless steel

Answer

A UV coating applied to protect printed graphics

Question 4

What is 'overmolding' in product manufacturing and design?

Accepted Answer

Molding a soft material (like rubber or TPE) over a rigid substrate to create two-material parts like handles or grips

Answer

A defect caused by excessive material injection during molding

Answer

Molding a part using two separate injection shots of the same material

Answer

The process of creating a mold from an existing part

Question 5

What is 'surface roughness' (Ra) and how is it specified for manufactured products?

Accepted Answer

A measure of the microscopic texture of a surface quantified as the average deviation from the mean line, specified in micrometers

Answer

The visible color variation across a painted surface

Answer

The hardness of a surface measured with a Rockwell scale

Answer

The reflectivity of a polished surface measured in gloss units

Question 6

What is 'Nylon (PA12)' commonly used for in 3D printing product applications?

Accepted Answer

Functional, durable parts requiring flexibility, chemical resistance, and toughness — particularly in SLS printing

Answer

High-detail, brittle decorative models in SLA printing

Answer

High-temperature tooling jigs in FDM printing

Answer

Transparent optical components in resin printing