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What is MJF 3D Printing?

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology developed by HP that utilizes a fine powder material and a fusing agent to build parts layer by layer. The process involves depositing a thin layer of powder on the build platform, where printheads apply fusing and detailing agents selectively. Heat is then applied to solidify the material and create precise, functional components. MJF is known for producing strong, isotropic, and high-detail parts with excellent mechanical properties, making it ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and batch production.

MJF Materials

PA12

PA12 is a widely used thermoplastic in MJF, offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and thermal resistance. It is ideal for industrial applications such as rapid prototyping, functional components, and low-volume production.

PA12 W

PA12 W is a white variant of PA12 with similar mechanical properties. It provides better versatility for aesthetic applications and parts requiring dyeing or painting.

PA12 GB

PA12 Glass Bead (GB) is a composite material with glass beads mixed into the PA12 base, improving stiffness, dimensional stability, and wear resistance. It is used for applications requiring enhanced rigidity and reduced warping.

PA11

PA11 is a polyamide variant offering greater ductility and impact resistance compared to PA12. It is well suited for flexible components, automotive applications, and end-use consumer products.

TPU 88A

TPU 88A is a thermoplastic polyurethane that combines flexibility and durability. It is ideal for applications requiring rubber-like properties, such as seals, gaskets, and flexible hinges.

PP

Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, chemically resistant polymer with high elongation and impact absorption. It is suitable for applications in the automotive, medical, and consumer goods industries.

MJF Material Properties Compared

Material

Colour

Max. dimensions

Tensile Stress at break (MPa)

Tensile Modulus (GPa)

PA12

grey

380x284x380 mm

48

1.7-1.8

PA12 W

white

380x284x380 mm

49

1.9

PA 12 Glass Beads

grey

380x284x380 mm

30

2.5

PA11

grey

380x284x380 mm

52

1.7

TPU  88A

grey

380x284x380 mm

7-9

0.085

PP

grey

380x284x380 mm

30

1.6

MJF Surface Finishes

CNC machining

Surface directly obtained from machining without any additional treatments. It features typical tool marks

  • Roughness Ra 3.2 - 6.3 µm
  • See all materials
Dyeing

Very smooth surface obtained through polishing processes. Used to enhance aesthetics and reduce friction.

  • Roughness: Ra 0.2 - 0.8 µm
  • See all materials
Impregnation
Painting

Improved surface over as-machined through additional finishing passes, reducing tool marks.

  • Roughness Ra 1.6 - 3.2 µm
  • See all materials
Vapor Smoothing

Surface with a matte finish characterized by fine, uniform streaks obtained through brushing.

  • Roughness Ra 0.8 - 1.5 µm
  • See all materials
Metal inserts

Pros & Cons of MJF 3D Printing

Pros

High-quality parts with excellent mechanical properties

No support structures required

High-speed production, ideal for batch manufacturing

Isotropic mechanical properties

Good surface finish requiring less post-processing

Fine detail and high accuracy

Cost effective for mid volume production

Cons

Limited material options

Surface finish can be rougher without post-processing

Color limitations since standard colour is grey, but is possible to add dyeing process or painting

Large parts can be subjected to warping

MJF capabilities compared with other technologies

Capabilities

Max. Dimensions

Min. Feature Size

Min. wall thickness

Tolerance

Description

SLS

680x380x540 mm

0.8mm

0.7-1.3 mm 

±0.3% (±0.3mm)

Uses a laser to fuse powdered materials layer by layer, ideal for creating durable and complex parts without support structures,  widely employed in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

DMLS

500x280x340 mm

0.6-0.8 mm

0.22 mm

±0.25 (≤15mm);
±0.5 (>15mm)

Similar to SLS but uses metal powders, producing high-strength, intricate metal parts suitable for functional prototypes and end-use components in aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.

SLA

1350x750x500 mm

0.2-0.5 mm

1-3 mm

±0.2% (min. 0.2 mm)

Employs a UV laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers, ideal for creating highly detailed, smooth, and intricate parts. Widely used for detailed prototypes and intricate designs in jewelry and dental applications.

MJF

380x284x380 mm

0.5 mm

0.3-0.5 mm

±0.3% (±0.2 mm)

Utilizes multiple jets to apply fusing agents onto powder, which is then fused by heating elements. Delivers high-resolution, functional parts with fast production times, often used in aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods industries.

Polyjet

490x380x200 mm

1.2-2 mm

1 mm

±0.1%

Jetting liquid photopolymer resin and curing it layer by layer with UV light, enabling highly detailed, multi-material parts with diverse properties. Popular in prototyping and complex, color-rich models in medical modeling, consumer goods and electronics fields.

FDM

914x690x914 mm

1.2-1.5 mm

1.5 mm

±0.5% (±0.5 mm)

Uses a heated nozzle to extrude thermoplastic filament layer by layer, ideal for creating durable and functional prototypes. Commonly used in manufacturing, automotive, and consumer products.

DLP

510x280x350 mm

0.5 mm

1 mm

±0.30 mm < 100mm;
±0.3% > 100 mm

Uses a digital light projector to cure liquid resin layer by layer, providing fast and precise prints with high resolution. Commonly used in dental, jewelry, and high-detail prototype applications.

Large Scale

2500x2500x4000 mm

3 mm

-

±5 mm/mtl

Uses a digital light projector to cure liquid resin layer by layer, providing fast and precise prints with high resolution. Commonly used in dental, jewelry, and high-detail prototype applications.

DED

1200x800x600 mm

-

-

-

Uses an electron beam to melt and deposit metal powders or wire, ideal for repairing or adding features to metal parts in aerospace and manufacturing.

Bindet Jet

430x310x150 mm

-

-

±3% mm

Involves depositing a binder material onto a powder bed to form parts, which are then sintered. Useful for producing complex, cost-effective parts, often used automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods industries as well as jewerky.

FAQ about our MJF 3D Printing service

What are the mechanical properties of MJF 3D printed parts?

MJF 3D printed parts exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, good impact resistance, and durability. The exact properties depend on the material used, but MJF parts are known for their isotropic strength and reliability.

What are the dimensional tolerances of MJF parts?

MJF parts typically achieve dimensional tolerances of ±0.3% with a minimum of ±0.3 mm. The accuracy can vary depending on factors such as part geometry, size, and post-processing steps.

What are the design constraints for MJF?

MJF offers significant design freedom, but key considerations include:
- Minimum Wall Thickness: Typically 0.5 mm to ensure structural integrity.
- Holes and Channels: Holes and Channels: Internal channels should have a minimum diameter of 5 mm for effective powder removal.
- Surface Finish: Parts have a slightly rough surface texture, which can be improved with post-processing like vapor smoothing.

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