ReTouch3D Uses Heat for Finishing Prints

3D printing has enabled some pretty amazing and innovative manufacturing advancements, but it shares one problem with previous production methods like milling, machining, and hand crafting — there are often flaws in the finished product. Those flaws can include excess material from supporting structures or extra filament, and complex objects can often require manual finishing processes.

A new device called the Retouch3D from Pittsburgh-based 3D 2.0 could help streamline those processes and prevent other errors from being introduced during the cutting/filing procedures. Launched on Kickstarter (where else?), the device uses heat to replace the razor blades, knives, files and soldering irons typically employed to smooth out printed objects.

”Until you own a 3D printer, what you don’t realize is that removing supports and getting rid of printing errors can be frustrating and time-consuming,” said Phil Newman, Founder, 3D 2.0. “We figured that if heat created a 3D print, then heat would be the best way to clean it up. And that’s how Retouch3D was born.”

The device can be set to different heat levels to match the filament used. It also has five different heads for different types of finishing tasks. The heads include a macro and a micro remover; macro and micro refiner; and a blending head.

The ReTouch3D comes with different finishing heads to remove excess material and smooth out surfaces. Image: ReTouch3D

The device will work with PLA, ABS and resin-based materials. It could potentially be used with other materials as well, by adjusting the temperature settings.

The Kickstarter campaign reached its initial goal in just two days, and has since met a stretch goal of $50,000. It still has 10 days to go. The company will provide backers with a 3D printing file for a tester block that will help them practice with the device once it ships.

Those of you interested in snagging the first generation device can get one via a $149 pledge.

Source: ReTouch3D