postfabrication

Postfabrication refers to the set of operations performed after the initial fabrication of a component or product, with the goal of achieving final geometry, surface quality, mechanical properties, and functional performance. It covers processes applied to metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites and occurs across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, and in additive manufacturing and microfabrication.

Common postfabrication activities include deburring and edge finishing to remove sharpness, cleaning to remove residues, and surface preparation for subsequent treatments. Other steps encompass heat treatment and stress relief to adjust properties; surface finishing such as plating, coating, anodizing, or painting; and dimensional finishing by grinding or milling to meet precise tolerances. Inspection and testing, including nondestructive testing, ensure conformance with specifications.

In additive manufacturing, postfabrication often involves support removal, surface finishing (bead blasting, sanding, electropolishing), and curing or annealing to relieve residual stresses. Some processes also involve post-processing treatments such as infiltration, annealing, or hot isostatic pressing for certain materials, as well as application of protective or functional coatings to improve wear, corrosion resistance, or electrical properties.

Quality control and documentation are integral to postfabrication, with process specifications, measurement records, and traceability required by many standards. Environmental, health and safety considerations are important due to chemicals, heat, dust, or noise involved. The term is related to, but not identical with, post-processing or finishing, and practices vary by material system and industry.