When bonding additive manufacturing (AM) parts, it’s important to prepare the surfaces properly before applying adhesive. The way the surface is treated can affect how well the bond holds.
One method that works particularly well is wet blasting. It helps remove leftover powder, oils, and other surface contaminants while also making the surface slightly rougher. This roughness helps the adhesive stick more effectively and the process is gentle enough that it doesn’t damage delicate features or thin walls, which are common in AM parts.
Wet blasting is suitable for many AM materials, including metals and plastics, and works well on parts made using techniques like Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS).
