Finishing and quality

A finished print can still need support removal, washing, curing or sanding. The finishing step links to the build and names the person responsible. Record the completion time and result so the next operator can see what has been done before handling the part or asking for inspection.

Keep the printed build and produced lot identifiable throughout that handoff. The build records its progress toward Inspected. The lot links to the work order and records its disposition as Pending, Released, Held or Rejected. Those records answer different questions: how the printer run progressed and what the team decided about the resulting lot.

• Assigned finishing work. Choose the step type and responsible person for the relevant build. The operator records the result and completion time after doing the work. A clear result helps a colleague understand a problem without relying on a shift conversation.
• Evidence review. The Quality Reviewer examines the build, finishing steps and production intervals together. Compare good and scrap quantities at work-order level. Match the physical parts to the relevant build and its finishing results before recording a lot decision.
• Lot disposition. The Production Planner records the outcome on the produced lot after review. A Held lot remains distinguishable from a Released lot while the team resolves the concern. Keep the work-order link intact when recording that decision.

Agree the finishing sequence for each kind of part and the evidence operators should put in the result. Use language that another shift can understand, including the affected part or visible defect when the result needs attention. Decide who assigns the next finishing step when a job moves between people.

Set the review procedure for Held and Rejected lots, including who decides whether further work is appropriate. The Quality Reviewer examines evidence; the Production Planner records the lot and work-order changes. Make that division clear in the rehearsal. Agree when expiry information is relevant to a lot and how it is determined before entering dates.

A cover build reaches post-processing and is assigned to an operator for sanding. The operator records completion and notes that an edge still needs attention. The Quality Reviewer sees that result alongside the production interval and asks the planner to keep the produced lot Held while the team resolves the issue.

The planner records Held, and the operator performs the agreed additional work against the build. At the next review, the team examines the new finishing evidence before changing the lot disposition. Rehearse a Rejected outcome too, so the planner can explain why the work order cannot be treated as completed solely because the printer finished. Keep any replacement print recognizable as its own build.

• My finishing steps — Finishing work assigned to the current operator, with completion and result evidence.
• Batch disposition board — Produced lots grouped by Pending, Released, Held or Rejected.
• Quality review queue — Production work awaiting the shared review of output and finishing results.

Rehearse printing, finishing and review and agree responsibilities on the roles page.