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

Powder coating applies charged dry powder to metal parts via electrostatic attraction, then cures it in an oven to form a durable, even finish more resistant than paint.

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

Sandblasting (or bead blasting) uses high-pressure abrasive media to clean, texture, or prep surfaces — creating consistent matte or satin finishes on metal and plastic.

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

Anodizing creates a hard, porous oxide layer on aluminum that can be dyed in various colors and improves corrosion and wear resistance — common in electronics, cookware, and sporting goods.

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

Overmolding injects a second material (typically soft TPE or rubber) onto a rigid part, creating ergonomic grips, soft-touch surfaces, and sealed interfaces in one assembly.

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

Surface roughness Ra is the arithmetic mean deviation of a surface profile from its centerline — lower Ra values (like 0.8 micrometers) indicate smoother surfaces than higher values.

3D Product Practice Test

3D Product Practice Test

3D Product Materials & Finishing 2