Once your 3D-printed wax model is cast, it will go to finishing. The post-processing techniques for gloss, high-gloss, satin, sandblasted or antique finishes are all unique and each will have a different effect on your model’s level of detail.
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Gloss models are post-processed in a magnetic tumbler. This technique is the least aggressive process for silver and will erode your model by about 0.05 mm to 0.075 mm. This finish is best suited to maintain a high level of detail; however, surfaces will be left uneven and not as smooth as high-gloss models.
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High-gloss models will undergo a manual mechanical polish. The polishing technique is the most aggressive and will erode your model by about 0.10 to 0.15 mm. Sharp corners will be rounded. Therefore, this technique will result in the lowest level of detail but provides the highest level of smoothness and shine.
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Sandblasted models are post-treated with an abrasive blasting operation. The surfaces of your model will get a smooth, matte look. This finish will erode your model by about 0.10 to 0.15 mm.
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Satin models are manually post-treated with a wire brush. This finish will eat away 0.10 to 0.15 mm of material from your model.
- Antique models undergo a manual mechanical polish. This polishing technique is the most aggressive; it will erode your model’s outer surfaces by approximately 0.10 to 0.15 mm and will round sharp corners. Therefore, this technique results in the lowest level of detail but provides the highest level of smoothness and shine.
It’s good to take the amount of erosion from these finishes into account when you are designing your model.
| Material | Color/Finish | Type of Finish | Amount of Erosion | Level of Detail |
| Silver | Gloss | Gloss | 0.05 to 0.075 mm |
High |
|
Silver |
Satin | Satin |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Silver |
Sandblasted | Sandblasted |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Silver |
High Gloss | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Silver |
Antique | Antique | 0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
| Gold | 14K Yellow | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Gold |
14K White | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Gold |
14K Red | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Gold |
18K Yellow | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Gold |
18K White | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Gold |
18K Red | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
| Brass | Natural PU-coated | Gloss |
0.05 to 0.075 mm |
High |
|
Brass |
Yellow gold-plated polished | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Brass |
Red gold-plated polished | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Brass |
Black color-plated polished | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
|
Brass |
Chrome-plated polished | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
| Bronze | Natural PU-coated |
Gloss |
0.05 to 0.075 mm |
High |
|
Bronze |
Natural uncoated | Gloss |
0.05 to 0.075 mm |
High |
|
Bronze |
Polished PU-coated | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |
| Copper | Polished natural uncoated | High-gloss |
0.10 to 0.15 mm |
Low |