MJF 3D Printed Parts

3D Printing Technology: Multi Jet Fusion – MJF

Invented by HP, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a relatively new technology in the additive manufacturing scene. Taking full advantage of HP’s decades of experience and investment in Ink Jetting technology. MJF is taking leaps and bounds and gaining industrial-scale maturity.

Credits to HP

How does Multi Jet Fusion work?

Similar to processes like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), the build starts off with the printer dispensing a layer of powder across the build platform. After, the Inkjet Head moves across the build platform first depositing a fusing agent at the desired areas and then a detailing agent. After which a heating unit will move across the print area, melting the areas that have the fusing agent applied to it. The areas that were deposited with the detailing agent will continue to remain as a powder. Where it differs compared to the other Powder Bed Fusion Processes is that the new material and deposited agents are added while the previous layer is still in a molten state. This allows for both layers to fuse completely with better part durability and finer detail. Just like SLS, during this process, it does not require any supports as the unfused powder will act as the support.

What Materials does Multi Jet Fusion use?

Multi Jet Fusion technology focuses only on polymers or plastics like:

  • Nylon
  • TPU

For a more in-depth look at the materials, click here.

Credit to 3D Sourced

Advantages

Good Print Quality and Mechanical Properties

Multi Jet Fusion technology is able to produce parts with a good surface finishing. This is desirable for end-use prototypes and products. It is also able to accurately print fine details and features of 0.5mm in size. Besides that, it also has similar mechanical properties across the part.

Reduced Cost Per Part

As MJF technology was designed with production in mind, its quick printing speed and production cycles results in a swift turnaround time and reduces the cost per part. Additionally, the unfused powder can be reused which results in less waste and cost reduction.

Coloured Parts

While not all of HP’s machines have full-colour support, their high-end machines are able to support full-colour printing by depositing dying agents during the process. This is a huge plus for end-use prototypes or even products.

No Supports Needed

As the unfused powder acts as supports no additional material is needed to be used to create structural support, allowing the designers more freedom to create more complex structures.

Credits to Stratasys Direct

Disadvantages

Expensive Printer Cost

Although the cost per part may be significantly reduced, the printer itself is very expensive, starting at S$150,000.

Raised Features May Be Lost During Post-processing

As the post-processing requires the powder to be removed to retrieve the part, some small, raised features may break off or be damaged during the process.

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One Comment

  1. Laser Sintering LS, aka Selective Laser Sintering and SLS and Multi Jet Fusion MJF are both powder-bed fusion 3D printing technologies. Laser Sintering has been in market since 1992, and Multi Jet Fusion has come on the scene in recent years. Both technologies offer similar but unique value points to customers.

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