Post-processing innovations at AMUG 2026: the role of surface finishing expertise
The annual conference organized by the Additive Manufacturing Users Group is widely recognized as one of the most important gatherings for professionals involved in additive manufacturing. Bringing together engineers, designers, and manufacturing specialists from around the world, the event focuses on practical experience, technical insights, and real-world production challenges.
The 2026 AMUG Conference, taking place from March 15–19 in Reno, Nevada, will once again provide a platform for industry users and technology providers to exchange knowledge and explore the latest developments in additive manufacturing.
Among the many topics discussed during the conference, post-processing and surface finishing continue to attract significant attention as additive manufacturing moves further into industrial production.
Why post-processing matters in additive manufacturing ?
Additive manufacturing enables the creation of highly complex geometries that are impossible or extremely difficult to produce with conventional manufacturing methods. However, these advantages also introduce new challenges.
Parts produced through additive processes often require additional finishing operations to address:
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surface roughness
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internal channels and complex geometries
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residual supports or burrs
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functional requirements such as fluid flow or fatigue resistance
As a result, efficient and reliable post-processing technologies are essential for ensuring the performance and reliability of additively manufactured components across industries such as aerospace, medical technology, automotive, and energy.
What’s New at AMUG 2026
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New location: the conference moves from Chicago to the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, offering larger spaces and improved facilities for sessions, workshops, and the exhibition area.
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More hands-on learning: expanded practical workshops and interactive sessions throughout the week.
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Training Labs introduced: dedicated spaces where sponsors run technical deep dives and live demonstrations of additive manufacturing technologies.
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Reorganized technical program: the agenda now includes 14 industry-focused tracks, making it easier to follow topics related to sectors like aerospace, medical, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
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Startup Launchpad returns: a platform highlighting emerging companies and new technologies in the additive manufacturing ecosystem.
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AMUGexpo networking space: the exhibition area continues to host evening sessions for networking and technology discovery.
Extrude Hone: a key contributor in additive manufacturing finishing
Among the companies contributing to these discussions at AMUG, Extrude Hone is a recognized specialist in advanced surface finishing technologies.
With decades of experience in precision finishing processes, the company supports manufacturers in overcoming some of the most challenging aspects of post-processing for complex components, including those produced by additive manufacturing.
At the AMUG conference, Extrude Hone participates as an important industry contributor, sharing expertise and demonstrating how its technologies can enhance the performance and reliability of AM parts.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to speak with us at our booth, where they can discuss specific finishing challenges, explore process capabilities, and learn how automated finishing solutions can be integrated into additive manufacturing workflows.
Learn more about the Post-Processing and Advanced Finishing.
To learn more about AM finishing technologies, join Ray Amin from Extrude Hone and several industry experts on March 17, from 1:30 PMto 2:30 PM, at N 1/2, Spa Level, for the Panel: “Tools in the Toolbox : Smart Approaches to Surface Finishing for Metal AM”.
The discussion will explore the range of finishing technologies available today and how manufacturers can select the most appropriate processes depending on part geometry, material, performance requirements, and production constraints.
Technologies designed for complex AM parts
Extrude Hone’s portfolio includes several technologies particularly suited to the finishing of additively manufactured components.
Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM)
Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is widely used to polish and refine internal geometries that are inaccessible to traditional machining tools.
By forcing an abrasive media through internal channels, AFM improves surface quality and removes micro-burrs in complex passages. This makes it particularly effective for components with intricate flow paths, which are commonly produced using additive manufacturing.
Typical applications include:
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aerospace flow components
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medical devices
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energy systems
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high-performance automotive parts
MICROFLOW for micro-scale chanels
Derived from the AFM process, MICROFLOW technology enables the finishing of extremely small internal channels.
With the capability to process passages as small as 40 microns, this solution is particularly relevant for applications such as micro-nozzles and precision fluid systems where surface quality and dimensional accuracy are critical.
Thermal Deburring (TEM)
The Thermal Energy Method provides a fast and effective solution for removing burrs and residual material from complex metal components.
In additive manufacturing, where supports may be located in hard-to-reach areas, TEM eliminates unwanted material in a matter of seconds, ensuring consistent results even inside intricate internal geometries.
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
Electrochemical Machining offers a non-contact process for precision finishing and shaping.
This technology is particularly useful for complex geometries and difficult-to-machine materials, enabling material removal without mechanical stress on the part while maintaining tight tolerances.
ECM goes beyond the Static Method and comes with Dynamic ECM.
Contract Shop Service
Because AM production has yet to involve large volumes at Extrude Hone, you can outsource to our contract shop service if you cannot justify buying equipment. This is a distinctive solution on the market.
You are also welcome to visit our shop to see what happens to your cherished parts.
Meet the experts at AMUG 2026
For manufacturers looking to optimize the finishing of additively manufactured components, the AMUG conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge with industry specialists.
At the event, the team from Extrude Hone will be available at Booth 715 to discuss application challenges, share insights into advanced finishing technologies, and present solutions designed specifically for complex additive manufacturing parts.
By combining expertise in post-processing technologies with active participation in industry events like AMUG, Extrude Hone continues to support the development of more efficient and reliable additive manufacturing processes.
Ray Amin
Business Development Manager
West Coast USA.