MJF Printing

How Does Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing Work?

01 Design & Print Preparation

MJF parts begin life as CAD designs. Proprietary “slicer” software from HP is used to convert the part drawing into layers that the printer can understand. Unlike some other polymer-based 3D printing technologies, MJF doesn’t use a laser to sinter the powder into part layers. It utilizes infrared light and a fusing agent to produce each layer of the part. MJF parts do not need support structures.

Female engineer works on 3D mechanical model on computer screen. Focuses on computer monitor with design software, creates mechanical part model. Modern workplace with tech equipment, industrial

02 Part Production

MJF parts start with a thin layer of powder spread across the print bed. An inkjet array passes over the print bed, jetting two agents into the powder. A fusing agent solidifies the powder in the shape of the part layer. A detailing reduces fusing at the part boundary to achieve greater detail. After the print carriage finishes a pass, the build platform is lowered, more powder is added, and the process starts again.

03 Post Processing

Parts are moved to a separate work station, where unfused powder is removed from the part. Much of it can be recycled. Post processing of MJF is simplified because there are no support structures to remove. MJF parts are often media blasted or vapor smoothed to improve their surface quality. They can also be machined, drilled or dyed to meet specific customer requirements.

Worker taking out models of white polyamide powder and cleaning them. 3D printer

Advantages & Limitations of MJF

Advantages

Complex Geometries

Fathom’s MJF printing service can be used to print highly detailed and dimensionally accurate parts. That makes it well-suited for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts with unique shapes.
Excellent Surface Finish

Because MJF uses a thin layer structure, it offers one of the smoothest surface finishes of any 3D printing technology.
Produce a Large Volume of Parts Quickly

Multiple parts can be produced at the same time in a single build.
Excellent Mechanical Properties

Parts produced using MJF have excellent isotropic mechanical properties.
Removable Build Volumes

Parts and their build platform can be removed from the printer for cooling. Meanwhile, another build volume can be installed so the printer can begin producing more parts. This unique design enables high-volume production of parts.
More Sustainable

Up to 80% of the powder from MJF prints can be recycled in subsequent prints, more than with SLS.

Disadvantages

Limited Material Selections

Because MJF is a process that’s proprietary to HP, you’re restricted to their materials – Nylon 11 and 12.
Limited Color Options

Parts produced with MJF have a dark gray color, which limits your ability to recolor them.
Avoid Long & Thin Part Features

They are susceptible to non-uniform cooling, which may cause warpage.

Applications of MJF

Parts with smooth surfaces and complex, intricate features can be manufactured using Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing. Common applications include:

Aerospace: The toughness and durability of MJF parts make them an easy selection for applications like drone frames and aircraft components.

Medical: MJF is frequently used to build customized dental implants and prosthetics that must be customized to individual patient needs.

Automotive: MJF is used to produce highly durable components like engine housings and door hinges, both for prototype and production vehicles.

Manufacturing: The incredible toughness of MJF parts make them well-suited to manufacturing jigs, fixtures and tooling. It’s also used to produce end-of-arm tooling for robots.

Case Studies Block

What Can MJF be Paired With?

MJF can be used for bridge production, ideal if you’re waiting for your injection mold tooling to be completed, and for small to medium-sized production runs. MJF can be used to quickly and affordably create functional prototypes for new product designs that will later be produced using injection molding.

With our cross-functional engineering expertise, our MJF printing service can help you tweak your part designs so they work well in both environments.

Traditional Technologies That Can Benefit from MJF

Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing can be used to build part designs that aren’t possible using traditional manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication.

It also enables fast, low-cost production of prototype and limited-run production parts – without tooling.