Support and powder removal
Supports and loose powder removed by a method suited to the material, with fine features protected.
Finished, measured,ready to fit.
A printed part is not a finished part. We remove supports, prepare and paint surfaces, fit inserts, assemble and inspect, then send the records with the part.
Why the last stepdecides the part.
Support marks, layer lines and loose powder stop a part from looking right or fitting right. Finishing fixes the surface. Inspection proves it.
- Appearance. Visible surfaces sanded, primed and painted to your colour, gloss and texture.
- Function. Holes, threads and mating faces protected or finished to the drawing.
- Assembly. Inserts fitted and sub-components bonded so the part arrives ready to install.
- Evidence. Dimensional and visual checks, with records that travel with the part.
Finishing is planned with the build, not after it, because coatings add thickness and sanding removes material.
Finishing optionsunder one roof.
Choose only what the part needs. A cabin trim, a fixture and a pump housing each get a different route.
Sanding and smoothing
Layer lines reduced and surfaces filled where they show, while edges and datums stay untouched.
Priming and painting
Painted to a colour code or your approved sample, with agreed gloss and texture.
Coatings
Protective and functional coatings, checked for compatibility with the polymer or alloy first.
Threaded inserts
Metal inserts set into printed parts for durable, repeatable fastening.
Bonding and assembly
Multi-part components bonded, fitted and delivered as one assembly.
Match the finishto the process.
The starting surface sets the route. A finish that suits one material can be wrong for another, so we plan it per process.
| Process | Starting surface | Typical finishing | What we protect |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDM thermoplastics | Visible layer lines and marks where supports touched the part | Support removal, sanding, filling, priming, painting, inserts | Thin features, edges and mating interfaces |
| SLS nylon | Fine matte texture with residual powder | Powder removal, media blasting and coating where compatible | Internal cavities and powder escape access |
| Metal LPBF | Textured metal on a build plate with supports | Plate and support removal, heat treatment, machining of critical faces | Datum faces, machining allowances and internal channels |
Specialist treatments such as chemical smoothing are reviewed for availability and compatibility before we quote them.
Measured againstyour drawing.
We inspect parts against the drawing and acceptance criteria you set, using the same metrology-grade scanners we use for reverse engineering.
- Scan-to-CAD comparison
- The full surface aligned to nominal CAD, so deviation shows everywhere, not just at a few points.
- Colour-map reports
- Deviation shown in colour with callouts on the features you mark as critical.
- Dimensional checks
- Agreed dimensions, holes and interfaces measured after the final finishing step.
- Visual inspection
- Coverage, colour and surface checked against the approved sample or finish criteria.
First-article review
Critical dimensions and geometry verified on the first part before production continues.
Full-field comparison
Surface deviation visualised across complex parts and assemblies.
Wear and change analysis
In-service parts measured against baseline geometry to show wear or deformation.
Production verification
Inspection evidence linked to the part number, revision and build record.
See the deviation,not just a pass mark.
A colour map shows where a part sits against nominal across its whole surface. You see trends, not just whether five dimensions passed.
- Aligned to your datums, so results match how the part is located in use.
- Callouts on critical features, with tolerances from your drawing.
- Reference revision stated, so the report is tied to the right CAD.
Records that travelwith the part.
Tell us which records you need when you enquire and they are planned into the job from day one.
Inspection report
Results for the agreed dimensions and features against the drawing.
Deviation colour map
Scan-to-CAD comparison views, with supporting data when ordered.
First-article record
A first-article style record of the first part, when your order calls for one.
Traceability and release
Part number, revision and finish reference, with CoC or EASA Form 1 through the applicable route.
A quality systemyou can check.
Certificates, release routes and records in one place.
Certified
ISO 9001:2015
Paradigm For 3D Printing Products Production L.L.C., certificate 01 100 2622672. Scope: component design and manufacturing using additive and conventional technologies, 3D scanning, metrology and engineering services.
Production arrangement
EASA Form 1 route
Paradigm 3D manufactures eligible aviation parts under a production arrangement with The Aviation AM Centre, the EASA Part 21G approval holder, which issues EASA Form 1 for parts supplied through that approved route.
GCAA CAR 21G
Application in progress. Our application for GCAA CAR 21G production organisation approval is in progress.
What to sendwith your enquiry.
A marked drawing or an approved sample is the clearest way to show what must be finished, protected and checked.
- Part data. CAD, drawings, photos and revision references.
- Material and history. Grade, printing process and any previous treatment, including parts printed elsewhere.
- Appearance. Colour code, gloss, texture or a reference sample.
- Protected features. Visible zones, masked areas and critical interfaces.
- Quantity and date. Batch size, repeat demand and delivery date.
- Records. Inspection coverage, report format and release documents.
Finishing questionswe hear first.
Anything else? See all FAQs
Can every printed part get the same finish?
No. The material, process, geometry and environment decide the route. A coating that works on one polymer can fail on another, so share the grade and process with your enquiry.
Can you remove visible layer lines?
On suitable parts, yes. Sanding, filling and coating reduce build texture. The result depends on access and geometry, so for cosmetic parts we agree a reference sample first.
Will finishing change dimensions or fit?
It can. Sanding removes material and coatings add thickness. Mark close-fitting interfaces, holes, threads and datums so we can mask them and check them after the final step.
Can you match a specific colour?
Yes. Send a colour code or a physical sample with the gloss and texture you need. Material and lighting affect appearance, so acceptable variation is agreed up front where it matters.
Does every part need painting?
No. Many functional parts work with a cleaned, as-built surface. We add finishing only where it serves appearance, handling or performance, which keeps cost proportionate.
What inspection report will I receive?
The one you specify: dimensional results on agreed features, a scan-to-CAD colour map, or a first-article style record. Tell us the coverage and format when you enquire.
Can you finish or inspect parts printed elsewhere?
Often, yes. Send photos, the material, the printing process and any previous treatment, and we will confirm whether the parts are suitable before we quote.
How is finishing handled for aviation parts?
The material, coating and process must sit within the part specification and its approval route. Share qualification, traceability and release requirements at enquiry stage.
The stepsbefore finishing.
3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering
Capture worn or undocumented parts and rebuild them as CAD and drawings.
Explore scanning
Industrial 3D Printing
FDM, SLS and metal printing for production, replacement parts and prototypes.
Explore 3D printing
All capabilities
One accountable team from the first measurement to the inspection report.
View capabilitiesBring us the part.
Send a drawing, a CAD file, or photographs and the old part. Tell us what it does, how many you need and when.