Post-processing of additively manufactured components is becoming increasingly important – and drying plays a central role in this. Whether it's resin residue in SLA processes, moisture in powders, or binders in binder jetting – targeted, reproducible drying is essential for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and mechanical properties. Infrared and UV technologies offer modern, non-contact drying solutions for 3D printing – tailored to materials and printing processes.
Technical Basics
Drying with Infrared or UV – Non-Contact and Efficient
Various materials and processes are used in additive manufacturing, each with its own drying requirements:
- SLA/DLP (Photopolymer Resins): Removal of liquid resin residues before curing
- FDM/FFF (Filograms): Pre- or post-drying of hygroscopic plastics such as PA, TPU, or PEEK
- Binder Jetting / Sand Printing: Evaporation of liquid binders and stabilizers from the green part
Two technologies, in particular, have proven effective for drying these materials. Proven:
- Infrared radiation (IR): Rapid heating of surfaces or volumes to evaporate volatile components
- UV/VUV radiation: Additional polymerization or activation of residual materials (e.g., in SLA, hybrid materials)
Both technologies operate without contact, are precisely controllable, and can be integrated into open and closed post-processing lines.
Applications
From powder preparation to component post-processing
Drying in 3D printing is not limited to post-processing. Rather, targeted drying processes are crucial at several points:
Material Preparation:
- Drying hygroscopic filaments (e.g., nylon, PETG)
- Powder drying for SLS and MJF to prevent porosity and warping
Post-processing of components:
- Removal of resin or binder residues
- Rapid drying after washing baths (isopropanol, water, surfactants)
- Preparation before thermal or UV curing
Functional Integration:
- Drying directly in the 3D printer is possible (e.g., IR preheating of the build chamber) or nozzle material)
Selecting the correct wavelength and power is crucial to avoid material distortion and ensure uniform drying.
Your advantages with radiation technology
For companies engaged in high-quality additive manufacturing, the use of targeted radiation technologies for drying offers numerous advantages:
- Non-contact treatment: No mechanical stress on sensitive structures
- Process reliability: Uniform, controlled drying prevents material defects
- Speed: Reduced post-processing times increase productivity
- Material protection: Energy input is precisely controllable – ideal for sensitive plastics and composite materials
- Integration into workflow: Modularly deployable in manual or automated processes Post-processing stations
The technology is scalable – from desktop 3D printers for prototyping to industrial series production.
Conclusion: Drying in 3D printing – improved quality through targeted heat and UV exposure
Whether in material preparation or post-processing: Controlled drying is a critical success factor in additive manufacturing. IR and UV technologies offer a precise, energy-efficient solution for standardizing drying processes, ensuring quality, and minimizing effort. Radium Tech offers suitable emitter solutions and provides consulting services for integration into existing or new production lines.
Would you like to optimize your 3D printing processes? Our experts will advise you!
From desktop devices to automated production lines – the Radium TECH Application Center supports you in selecting, designing, and integrating modern drying solutions for 3D printing. Contact us!