In additive manufacturing, printing the part is only one piece of the workflow.
The step after the printing—post-processing—often determines whether additive manufacturing can truly scale and step into real production environments.
To better understand how the industry is navigating this, the 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey: Trends Report, conducted by PostProcess Technologies, gathers insights from additive professionals across industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, and general manufacturing.
Now in its fifth year, the survey highlights trends and challenges in post-processing as companies look to scale production, manage costs, and improve part quality. However, one insight is clear throughout: post-processing is one of the most critical steps in the additive manufacturing workflow.
Rethinking Traditional Post-Processing Methods
Turning a printed part into a finished component requires multiple steps. Depending on the printing technology, that may include support removal, resin cleaning, powder removal, or surface finishing.
While these steps are essential, they can also introduce challenges when production volumes increase.
According to survey respondents, the time and labor required to finish parts remains one of the biggest obstacles when scaling additive manufacturing operations. Many organizations still rely on traditional and manual processes that slow throughput, introduce safety risks, and lead to inconsistent results in post-processing workflows.
For manufacturers aiming to scale AM methods, optimizing post-processing with automated, end-to-end solutions is quickly becoming a priority – from design and printing to post-processing and final part readiness.
Safety and Sustainability Are Moving Up the Priority List
The survey also highlights growing attention around operator safety and environmental considerations in post-processing.
Traditional post-processing workflows often involve manual handling of parts and chemical solvents. Companies are taking a closer look at how these processes impact workplace safety, hazardous chemical exposure, flammability risks, and environmental responsibility.
As a result, manufacturers are looking for ways to create cleaner, safer, and more controlled post-processing environments that support long-term production growth.
A More Mature AM Industry Is Looking at the Full Workflow
Another key takeaway from the survey is the growing maturity of additive manufacturing users.
Many respondents report several years of experience working with AM technologies, which is shifting the conversation. Instead of focusing solely on printers or materials, organizations are now evaluating the entire end-to-end additive manufacturing workflow.
This perspective reflects an important reality: success with additive manufacturing isn’t determined by the printer alone. It depends on how efficiently every step of the process works together.
Automated post-processing is proving to be one of the most influential steps in achieving efficient, reliable, and repeatable production.
Looking Ahead
As additive manufacturing continues to expand across industries, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on adding efficient, scalable post-processing solutions to their workflows.
The insights from the 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey Trends Report show that organizations are not only recognizing these challenges, but they’re actively working to solve them. The findings offer a valuable look at how the industry is evolving and where post-processing is heading next.
Download the full 2026 Additive Post-Processing Survey Trends Report for an in-depth look at the data redefining additive manufacturing and post-processing workflows.