3D printing still feels like Star Trek technology to me. You input some code, and the printer transforms that into plastic reality.
But sometimes, prints come out with some rough edges.
Most of the time this doesn’t matter, but if the parts are supposed to fit together or be comfortable to hold, then smoothing off the edges can make a huge difference.
I’ve been using a knife to do this. Don’t do this yourself. It will likely result in a deep cut to your thumb (ask me how I know this). After stemming the bleeding, I had a think as to what else I could use.
Something safer.
Something more suited to cleaning up edges.
I looked through my toolbox and came across a deburring tool.
It’s perfect.
A deburring tool is a swiveling curved metal blade that’s used to remove burrs — the rough, sharp bits — on the edges of metal parts after cutting or machining.
Turns out it’s great for cleaning up the edges of 3D printed parts, helping to smooth out the edges of the print.
And it’s very, very satisfying to use!
The idea is simple — run the blade along the edges. I recommend using light pressure and working slowly so as to not take huge chunks out of the print in the process.
If you’re only going to be deburring plastic 3D prints, then one blade will last a lifetime.
Specifications:
*Product: Deburring Tool
*Material: Steel, Aluminum
*Color: Blue
*Model: RB1000
*Size: 14.4cmx1.25cm/5.55inx0.49in(Approx.)
*Quantity: 1 Set
Replaceable blade.