In high-volume FDM production, automated post-printing is a necessity for meeting demand at scale.
We’ve seen firsthand how additive manufacturing has evolved, especially for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). And as print volumes increase, one challenge continues to stand in the way of efficiency: manual post-processing.
For facilities running dozens or hundreds of FDM builds per week, traditional methods of support removal are time-consuming, inconsistent, and difficult to scale. Between chemical baths, overnight drying cycles, and intensive manual labor, post-printing can quickly become the biggest bottleneck in your additive workflow.
That’s where automation changes the game.
At PostProcess Technologies, we work with manufacturers every day who are scaling up FDM production with automation, and we’re here to help enhance your workflow.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to streamline FDM post-processing with intelligent, automated solutions that eliminate manual labor, reduce operator intervention, and enable high volume throughput.
Why Traditional Post-Processing Can’t Keep Up
FDM has long been the go-to technology for prototyping and high volume end-use parts. As manufacturers shift toward larger, production-scale volumes, the same tools and methods that worked for traditional post-printing can’t keep up with the growing demands. Manual support removal, whether it’s hand tools, soak tanks, or rinse baths, slow down the entire process.
Technicians spend hours clearing geometry, waiting for parts to dry, or reprocessing components due to inconsistent results. And with labor costs rising, relying on manual intervention is neither sustainable nor scalable. These delays not only limit throughput but also create unpredictable lead times, impacting overall operations.
Intelligent Automation for High-Throughput Workflows
The PostProcess BASE™ solution brings precision, consistency and speed to FDM post-processing. Purpose-built for high-volume FDM production, BASE uses a spray-based technology that eliminates the need for prolonged soaking and overnight drying. It automatically adapts to part geometry and material type to optimize cycle times without sacrificing quality. That means more parts out the door – faster, cleaner, and with less labor.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced cycle times: Complete support removal in under an hour, with no drying required
- Labor savings: Hands-off operation with minimal technician oversight
- Improved consistency: Reliable results regardless of part complexity
- Scalability: Designed to support multiple builds per day, with no compromise on performance
Built to Complement Industrial FDM Printers
Our solutions are purpose-built to align with the throughput capabilities of many of today’s industrial FDM printers, such as the Stratasys F3300, F900, or Fortus series.
By integrating the BASE into your production environment, you can create a seamless, end-to-end workflow. Instead of slowing down workflows to wait on soak tanks or oven drying, parts can move directly from printer to post-print in a continuous, accelerated process.
Whether you’re producing large-format jigs and fixtures, high-strength production parts, or daily prototype runs, this pairing ensures that your investment in high-end printers is maximized to the fullest.
A Smarter, Scalable Future for FDM
Whether you’re printing 50 or 500 parts a week, automated post-processing can help unlock the full potential of your additive production line. By removing the burden of manual labor and unpredictable cycle times, you free up valuable capacity and create a workflow that’s built for growth.
At PostProcess Technologies, we’re here to support that growth – with an automated solution that’s engineered to meet the demands of high-volume FDM.
Ready to optimize your FDM workflow?
Let’s talk about how automation can accelerate your production goals – contact us today!