After the physical forming process in 3D printing ends, the post-processing phase begins. Removing support structures, surface polishing, and product extraction are all labor-intensive tasks and major bottlenecks for large-scale 3D printing adoption. Fortunately, servo motor technology—especially smart, high-torque models like GXServo—is rapidly entering this space, breathing new life into 3D printing automation.
Firstly, one of the most common post-printing actions is “automatic part removal.” Manual extraction is inefficient and imprecise. By equipping mechanical arms with high-torque GXServo motors, printed parts can be automatically picked and categorized. GXServo motors, with built-in angle memory and force feedback, can adjust gripper angles and gripping force based on platform position and part size, significantly reducing damage from improper handling.
Secondly, in printers with multiple heads or interchangeable platforms, printed parts often need to be moved from point A to point B for cooling, inspection, or secondary processing. If done manually, this process is slow and error-prone. Multi-axis arms driven by GXServo motors can rotate, push, or tilt platforms automatically, forming a complete print-transfer-post-process workflow.
Moreover, in tasks like spraying or heating, servo motors provide accurate angular control. For example, in metal 3D printing, surface densification often requires sandblasting or heat treatment. GXServo motors, paired with high-temperature-resistant mechanical parts, can precisely control nozzle angle, distance, and sweep speed, enabling uniform treatment and improved part quality.
More advanced still, GXServo smart motors can work in tandem with computer vision systems. In one lab, a system uses cameras to monitor printed parts in real time. Once it detects the completion of support structures, it triggers the servo-controlled removal program—completely autonomously. This not only shortens the production cycle but also significantly improves the yield rate.
Overall, servo technology—especially GXServo’s stable, responsive digital motors—offers rich possibilities for post-processing automation in 3D printing. As AI and the Industrial Internet continue to integrate, servo motors will no longer be just “actuators” but “thinkers,” expanding their role as indispensable components in intelligent manufacturing workflows.
