3D Printing Post-processing Guide: Media Blasting

What Is Media Blasting?

Media blasting is a surface treatment that propels abrasive blasting media at high velocity against a workpiece. It uses compressed air or a centrifugal wheel to accelerate particles—such as glass beads, aluminum oxide, or ceramic beads—toward the part. Upon impact, the media strips away residues, smooths rough edges, and refines the surface texture. This process delivers uniform surface finishes on a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and composites.

glass bead blasted 3d printed aluminum

Types of Abrasive Blasting Media

Abrasive blasting media are the heart of media blasting—they determine how aggressively a surface is cleaned, refined, or textured. The media type must match both the print material and the desired finish.

Media Type	Characteristics	Typical Use Cases
Glass Beads	Round, gentle, reusable; moderate hardness	Matte finish, light deburring for plastics/resins
Aluminum Oxide	Sharp, angular, high hardness; aggressive action	Heavy duty cleaning, roughening surfaces
Ceramic Beads	Dense, durable, less dusty; consistent finish	Surface smoothing of metal and engineering-grade plastics
Plastic Media	Soft, lightweight, minimal abrasion	Paint removal, delicate feature preservation
Walnut Shells	Organic, biodegradable; low hardness	Cleaning soft plastics or fragile parts

Impact on Surface Finish and Durability

The shape and size of blasting media particles directly affect the Ra (roughness average) of the finished part:

Fine media (<100 µm) = smoother surface, ideal for cosmetic parts

Coarse media (>200 µm) = more aggressive material removal, better for mechanical bonding

Angular shapes increase abrasion, while spherical media promote a peened, semi-gloss finish

Media Blasting vs. Chemical Smoothing

Media blasting and chemical smoothing both refine 3D printed parts, but they rely on fundamentally different mechanisms.

Process Overview

Media Blasting

Uses compressed air or a centrifugal wheel to propel abrasive blasting media (glass beads, aluminum oxide, etc.) at the part.

Mechanical action removes powder residue, burnishes surface peaks, and creates a uniform matte or satin finish.

Chemical Smoothing

Exposes the part to solvent vapors (commonly acetone for ABS/ASA) or liquid baths.

Solvent melts and reflows the outer layer, filling in layer lines for a glossy, polished look.

Surface Finish & Detail Preservation

Attribute	Media Blasting	Chemical Smoothing
Finish	Matte to low-sheen satin	High gloss
Detail retention	High—sharp edges and fine features remain intact	Moderate—very fine details can soften or round off
Layer line removal	Reduces layer lines by peening peaks	Eliminates layer lines completely
Texture control	Adjustable via media type/pressure	Dependent on solvent concentration and exposure

Material Compatibility & Applications

Media Blasting

Compatible with most plastics and metals.

Ideal for functional or engineering parts that need consistent surface texture without dimensional distortion.

Common in powder-based prints (SLS, MJF) to clear unbound powder and prep for coating.

Chemical Smoothing

Best suited for solvent-resistant polymers.

Favored for visual prototypes and consumer products where a glossy appearance outweighs tight tolerances.

Not recommended for brittle resins or metal prints.

Benefits of Media Blasting for 3D Printed Parts

Media blasting for 3D printed parts transforms raw prints into production-ready components by delivering consistent, high-quality surface finishes:

1. Consistent surface texture. Blasting media impact every exposed surface uniformly, producing predictable matte or satin finishes across complex geometries.

2. Enhanced feature clarity. By peening peaks and valleys, media blasting preserves sharp edges and fine details better than tumbling or sanding.

3. Improved adhesion and bonding. The slight roughening effect increases surface energy, helping paints, primers, and adhesives adhere more effectively.

4. Efficient removal of supports and artifacts. High-velocity particles strip away support marks, residual powder, and light burrs faster than manual methods.

5. Scalability and repeatability. Whether you’re processing a single prototype or small production batches, media blasting settings can be precisely controlled and repeated.

6. Sustainable and cost-effective. Many types of blasting media are reusable, reducing waste. There’s also no need for hazardous solvents or extensive cleanup.

Try Glass-Bead Blasting for Your Project at 3DSPRO

Glass-bead blasting is ideal for refining 3D printed metal parts, delivering smooth, uniform surfaces without altering critical dimensions. At 3DSPRO, our precision blasting process removes powder residue, light burrs, and surface imperfections. Glass-bead blasting is ideal for refining 3D printed metal parts, delivering smooth, uniform surfaces without altering critical dimensions. At 3DSPRO, our precision blasting process removes powder residue, light burrs, and surface imperfections—enhancing both the aesthetic and functional properties of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and other metal alloys.ng both the aesthetic and functional properties of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and other metal alloys.

Getting started is simple: upload your CAD or STL file, specify material and target finish, and receive a detailed quote in a few seconds!

glass bead blasted 3d printed stainless steel