Mechanical finishing & post-processing · finish comparison
Polishing vs Support Removal
Polishing (mechanical finishing) and Support Removal (3d-print & moulding post-processing) solve the same problem by different routes; polished resists corrosion better.
Polishing
Mechanical finishing · $$$ · instant quote
Mechanical polishing progressively removes surface peaks and scratches to produce a smooth glossy surface.
Support Removal
3D-print & moulding post-processing · $$ · instant quote
Support removal separates sacrificial print structures and cleans their attachment scars.
When to choose which
Choose Polished
Choose Polished when accessible scars require a glossy surface.
- Reduces Ra to about 0.1–0.8 µm (4–32 µin)
- Improves cleanability
- Creates a glossy cosmetic surface
Choose Support removal
Support removal is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Polished's.
- Makes supported geometry usable
- Removes sharp support stubs
- Exposes channels and interfaces
What the numbers say
- Polished resists corrosion better.
- Support removal is the lower-cost option ($$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Polished | Support removal |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 8 Minimal | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 82 Very good | 15 Low |
| Lubricity | 20 Low | 5 Minimal |
| Cost | 55 $$$ | 20 $$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Polished | Support removal |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 0 µm | 0 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | Standard ($$) |
| Added lead time | 2–7 working days | 1–5 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Polished | Support removal |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Yes | Yes |
| Brass | Yes | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Yes | With care |
| DMLS / SLM | — | Yes |
| FDM | — | Yes |
| PolyJet | — | Yes |
| Polymer | With care | Yes |
| SLA | — | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | With care | Yes |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | Limited |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | No |
| MJF | — | Limited |
| SLS | — | Limited |
Polished vs Support removal — frequently asked
What is the difference between Polished and Support removal?
Polishing (mechanical finishing) and Support Removal (3d-print & moulding post-processing) solve the same problem by different routes; polished resists corrosion better. Support removal is the lower-cost option ($$).
When should I use Polished instead of Support removal?
Choose Polished when accessible scars require a glossy surface.
Is Polished or Support removal cheaper?
Support removal is the lower-cost finish ($$ against $$$ for Polished) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.