Multi-jet Fusion (MJF) is a 3D printing technique for nylon objects that has become one of the most common 3D printing techniques. Developed by HP, it has grown rapidly and is already seeing industrial use and is the best printing method for a variety of uses.

MJF works by using a binding agent on a powder bed to produce the object. Material is spread over the print bed; then the binder is deposited as directed by the design uploaded to the printer. This binding agent reacts to infrared light, and so an infrared array goes across the print bed to fuse the material together. To prevent the part from bleeding into the powder, a detailing agent is applied on the edges of the fused area.

There are many advantages to MJF. Products produced with MFJ are fairly strong and dense enough for industrial use. Because of this, the results also tend to be highly resistant to chemicals. MJF is a very accurate 3D printing method with very little chance of warping. It is an excellent choice for more detailed, flatter designs as it prints those excellently.  The end result is a high-quality finish thanks to the detailing agent used in the process. The production cycle is relatively quick, and the results are very consistent. 

It’s also fairly cost-friendly. Powder that is not used in a printing job is recycled. With no need to have supports printed thanks to the powder bed, less material is required to create a stable product. For individual products or small batches, it is very affordable.

For all its advantages, MJF has drawbacks and limitations that mean it’s not ideal for all projects. MJF is less capable when it comes to hollow and curved geometries. The materials it can work with are harder nylon and nylon-like polymers, not bouncier, more flexible rubber-like materials. As of now, the method cannot work with metal– for that you’ll have to look to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and other methods. The color selection available when printing with MJF is for now limited to only gray and other dark colors. There can be some printing defects, as with most printing methods. 

Depending on the nature of your project, other printing methods such as FDM, SLA, Polyjet, Carbon-filled FDM, or SLS may be a better choice. 3D printing methods are not one size fits all. It’s important to look at what you are trying to achieve with your product to understand what 3D printing method makes for the best fit.

At JawsTec, our team has worked with the most up-to-date 3D printing technology and is constantly striving to stay on the cutting edge of this developing industry. We can offer high-quality design and printing services for your project, whether your product is best made using MJF or one of the many other 3D printing methods we offer. Contact us today or try our 3D print quote tool for your project!