3D Printing Services

Multi Jet Fusion

At a glance

Lifecycle

Bridge production (10 - 1,000 units) Late stage functional prototyping

Lead Time

As fast as 3 days

Resolution

0.08 mm

Infill

100% (solid)

Materials

Nylon

Machines

In our network of highly vetted manufacturing partners, we have HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 4200 and 5200 machines. These machines were designed by HP as an ideal solution for industrial prototyping and final part production. The printers are unique in that they separate the process of recoating and printing/fusing during the printing stage, making it possible for each process to be separately optimized for performance.

The build unit is moved on to cool after the job is complete, allowing for a continuous printing process. Build times may vary between 8-16 hours, with cool times ranging from 2-3 times the corresponding build times. This attributes to the longer lead times when compared to PolyJet or Stereolithography processes. Parts must be allowed extra time to cool to reduce susceptibility to warping and shrinkage.

HP Multi Jet Fusion 4200 HP Multi Jet Fusion 5200
Build Bed Size [x, y, z] 365 x 269 x 365 mm 15 x 11.2 x 15 in 365 x 269 x 365 mm 15 x 11.2 x 15 in
Materials Nylon 12 Nylon 12
Value approx $200,000 approx $350,000
Building Speed Up to 4,115 cm3/hr (251 in3/hr) Up to 5,058 cm3/hr (309 in3/hr)
Consumables Material powder, fusing agent, build trays Material powder, fusing agent, build trays

3D Printing Materials

Nylon

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) Nylon is a synthetic 3D printed polymer material that’s strong, durable, and flexible. MJF Nylon is typically considered more often for end-use parts and functional testing under higher loads. MJF Nylon is a cost-effective option for higher bridge production quantities because of the machine’s modular design and faster production speed. Nylons offered: Nylon 11, Nylon 12, and Nylon 12 Glass-Filled
Processes:
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Colors:
(Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)) White, Black
(Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)) Grey, Black
Resolution:
(Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)) 0.1 mm
(Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)) 0.08mm
Infill:
(Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)) 100% (solid)
(Multi Jet Fusion (MJF))
MJF nylon thumbnail

Design Recommendations

Maximum Part Size

365 x 269 x 365 mm 15 x 11.2 x 15 in

Gaps for Mating Parts

0.2 mm minimum; we recommend 0.3 mm to ensure good fit

Tolerance

± (0.3mm + 0.002mm/mm)

Min Wall Thickness

1 mm for consistent measurement or mechanical properties

Cost Saving Tip

Printing in higher quantities to use all of the available build space is more cost-effective when it comes to MJF parts.

Finishing Options

Name

Vapor Smoothing

Applicable Materials

PA 12 Glass Beads

Colors

While vapor smoothing itself does not apply a color to the part, it makes the colors of the part more vibrant — so black dyed parts become a deeper, glossier black. Note that gray (raw) MJF parts will turn a near-black if vapor smoothed, as the gray surface melts into the black interior of the part during the process

Applications

Enhanced cosmetic appearance, improved mechanical properties

Texture

Smooth and glossy

About the Process

Multi Jet Fusion, or MJF, is a cutting edge 3D printing technology from HP that helps companies accelerate time to market with production-grade 3D printing.

The technology works by spreading out a fine layer of powder, depositing a fluid in the desired locations, and then fusing those areas. The raw powder acts as support for the parts within the build bed. Once the parts are complete, they are cooled, cleaned, and media blasted for a smoother surface finish.

MJF is ideal for bridge production quantities in the hundreds, given that the daily output is comparatively higher than other 3D printing technologies. It’s also great for functional testing and form/fit validation because of its high resolution and excellent tensile strength and heat deflection. It can even produce end-use parts and is a great transition into injection molding, since MJF parts have homogenous mechanical properties.

MJF is a versatile process leveraged by a broad range of industries including healthcare, automotive, and consumer electronics. Some common applications include prosthetics, aerospace camera enclosures, dental molds, and automotive component molds.

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