Vapor smoothed. Painted. Presentation quality.

Chemical vapor (typically specific solvent vapor) temporarily softens the surface of SLS/MJF nylon parts. Surface particles flow and fuse, creating a smooth glossy surface. Process takes 20-40 minutes. Result: nearly injection-molded appearance. Limitations: affects dimensional accuracy slightly (0.05-0.1 mm typical), interior surfaces harder to smooth, not all geometry suitable.

Dyeing: color penetrates into surface layers of porous SLS/MJF nylon. Cannot be scratched off — color is in the material. Standard for most SLS/MJF production. Limited color range (black primary, some standard colors). Painting: applied coating layer on surface. Wide color range including Pantone matching. Can scratch or wear. Required for: custom brand colors, specific sheen (gloss/matte), FDM parts (don't accept dye well). Typical: dye for standard coloring, paint for custom branding.

CNC finishing of 3D printed parts adds $20-100 per part depending on features. Worth it when: bearing fits required (3DP accuracy inadequate for smooth running), mating surfaces must meet tolerance, threaded features need full thread strength. Not worth for: cosmetic surfaces (paint is cheaper), internal features (CNC access limited). Common hybrid workflow: 3D print complex geometry + CNC finish critical features + paint.

Brass heat-set inserts pressed into 3D printed parts via ultrasonic or heated installer. Creates strong threaded connections in plastic parts. Typical install cost: $2-5 per insert. Strong pull-out strength (500+ N for M4 insert). Better than tapping directly into 3DP plastic (which strips easily). Standard practice for 3DP parts with functional threaded features.

Simple bead blasting / tumbling: 1-2 days. Dyeing: 2-3 days. Vapor smoothing: 2-3 days. Painting (with drying/curing): 3-5 days. CNC finishing: 3-7 days. Complete finished prototype with multiple processes: 5-10 days total beyond 3D printing. Plan post-processing into project timeline.

Typical post-processing cost: 30-100% of base 3D printing cost depending on finishing level. For prototype meetings and design reviews, basic finishing adequate (bead blast + dye = 30% premium). For presentation quality painted finish with CNC features: 80-150% premium. For end-use production parts, finishing cost often exceeds printing cost. Budget accordingly based on quality requirements.