What Smooth Sanding does for 3D printed parts
Smooth Sanding is one of the 3D Plus hardware finishing services on AIHFABS. It is applied after printing so the part leaves production closer to a usable product—not only a raw build. Use this page to decide whether Smooth Sanding matches your cosmetic, durability, or assembly requirements before you upload a file.
Smooth sanding, particularly for resin prints, aims to achieve a flawless polished surface by using progressively finer sandpaper. Smooth sanding typically begins with dry sanding using a coarse grit to remove major imperfections and layer lines, followed by wet sanding with progressively finer grits to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. It enhances visual and tactile qualities, removes imperfections, improves aesthetics, and prepares the surface for further processing.
Finishing is quoted with the print. Select Smooth Sanding in checkout, review price and lead time, and keep printing plus post-processing in one order instead of coordinating a second shop.
Why teams specify Smooth Sanding
Appearance
Smooth Sanding can hide layer lines, even out color, or create a more uniform surface for display models, consumer housings, and review samples.
Performance
Depending on the process, Smooth Sanding may improve wear, corrosion resistance, grip, or light diffusion so the part survives handling and end use.
Ready-to-assemble parts
When Smooth Sanding is combined with printing, you receive parts that are closer to install-ready, reducing secondary work in your own workshop.
How to order this finish
Ordering Smooth Sanding follows the same 3D Plus software flow as a standard print. You do not need a separate finishing RFQ for catalog options.
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Upload the CAD file
Use STL, STEP, or another supported format. The quoter checks volume and geometry so finishing can be priced against the actual part.
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Choose print process, material, and Smooth Sanding
Pick SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, or CNC where applicable, then add Smooth Sanding and any other 3D Plus hardware options the part needs.
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Compare price, lead time, and checkout
Review supplier options, confirm quantity, and place the order. Printing and finishing stay on one timeline and one invoice.
Compatible processes and design notes
Smooth Sanding is typically applied to plastics or metals produced with industrial 3D printing. Compatibility depends on material, wall thickness, and whether the surface can be reached by spray, media, chemistry, or tooling. Deep recesses, thin walls, and optical faces may need design review. If the automatic quote cannot apply Smooth Sanding to your file, request a manual quotation.
Need Smooth Sanding on a batch, a mixed-material assembly, or a part that also requires tapping or painting? Keep those options in the same quote so lead time includes the full stack of operations.
