With the continuous development of 3D printing technology, its application field has expanded from prototype manufacturing to industrial production, medical care, education, art and many other aspects. However, although 3D printing has obvious advantages in the freedom of shape and structure, the surface quality of printed parts is often difficult to meet the needs of some high-end applications. Especially for products that need specific touch, visual effect or functionality, how to add surface texture to 3D printed parts has become an important research direction.

First, the meaning of surface texture

Surface texture not only affects the aesthetic appearance of products, but also may affect their functionality. For example, in industrial design, proper texture can improve the anti-skid performance of products; In medical equipment, reasonable surface structure is helpful to enhance biocompatibility; In artistic creation, the unique texture can give the work stronger expressive force and personality. Therefore, surface texture treatment of 3D printed parts is an important means to enhance the added value of products.
　　Second, the method of realizing texture by 3D printing itself
　　1. Add texture in the model design stage

Pre-designing surface texture in modeling software (such as Blender, Fusion 360, etc.) is the most direct way. Through carving, mapping, parametric modeling and other technologies, complex texture structure can be added to the digital model, and then printed layer by layer by 3D printer. This method is suitable for designs with repeated or regular textures.

2. Parameter adjustment affects the surface texture.

Parameter settings in the printing process, such as layer height, filling rate, nozzle temperature, printing speed, etc., will also affect the surface roughness of the final product. For example, reducing the height of the layer can reduce the obvious degree of lamination, while adjusting the printing speed and temperature can affect the fluidity and cooling effect of the material, thus changing the surface texture.

Third, post-processing technology to enhance texture

For the case that the texture needs to be further improved after printing, the following post-processing methods can be adopted:

1. Grinding and polishing

Using sandpaper, polishing wheel or chemical polishing agent to treat the surface of printed parts can effectively remove the layering and make the surface smoother. Although this is usually used to remove textures, it is also possible to create specific texture effects through selective grinding.

2. Painting and coating

Different visual and tactile effects can be obtained by spraying coatings with different textures, such as matte, bright or grainy coatings. In addition, you can also use screen printing, thermal transfer and other ways to print patterns or textures on the surface.

3. Laser engraving and CNC machining

For products with high precision requirements, fine surface textures can be carved by laser engraving or CNC machining on the basis of 3D printing. This method is suitable for small batch production that needs high customization.

Fourth, the future development direction

With the progress of multi-material printing technology and color printing technology, the surface texture of 3D printed parts in the future will no longer be limited to geometric structure, and it is also possible to realize a richer visual and tactile experience through material combination and color change. At the same time, combined with artificial intelligence and automatic design, users can generate and print personalized texture patterns more easily.

tag
　　Generally speaking, 3D printing is not only a manufacturing technology, but also a tool to create the integration of art and function. Through reasonable design and post-processing, the surface texture of 3D printed parts can not only meet the functional requirements, but also enhance the aesthetic value of products. With the continuous progress of technology, the future 3D printing will show a broader prospect in surface texture performance.