Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Lifecycle

Lead Time

Materials

Resolution

Functional testing, low to mid volume prototyping (10s - 100s)
3-5 days
PA12 MJF
80 μm

About the Process

Multi Jet Fusion is a new 3D printing technology, offering you more possibilities for complex, lower-cost parts. Whether used in serial production for single parts or batch manufacturing by shipsets of multiple part numbers, Multi Jet Fusion offers a faster, more cost-effective process for 3D printed parts.

Multi Jet Fusion is ideal for hidden applications like complex thin-wall ductwork, connectors, non-cosmetic housings, brackets, covers, wiring clips, guides and grommets.

In MJF, parts are built by jetting a binding agent onto thin layers of polymer powder particles (typically nylon) and then sintering them using an IR heat source. With a layer height of 80 microns, parts have high density and low porosity, compared to PA 12 parts produced with Laser Sintering.

It also leads to an exceptionally smooth surface straight out of the printer, and functional parts need minimal post-production finishing. That means short lead times, ideal for functional prototypes and small series of end-parts.

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Our MJF 3D printing service

From prototyping to small-batch production, our inhouse and global network of certified SLS 3D printing facilities will allow you to produce highly accurate parts with quality and strength comparable to injection molding.

Our Capabilities

Requirement

Specification

Maximum build size

380 x 284 x 380 mm

Standard lead time

3 working days

Dimensional accuracy

± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm

Layer height

80 μm
Full color printing capability

The HP Jet Fusion 580 Colour 3D Printer enables us to print full colour, engineering-grade, functional parts fast. Capable of printing hundreds of parts per week with fine details and high dimensional accuracy.

Our Capabilities

Requirement

Specification

Maximum build size

332 x 190 x 248 mm

Standard lead time

5 working days

Dimensional accuracy

± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm

Layer height

80 μm
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Explore our 3D printing service materials

SLS produces parts from a very wide range of engineering thermoplastics. Here is a list of the SLS materials available on Shapefy.

Choose MJF for:
Choose a different process for:
High-accuracy functional prototypes from a wide range of engineering materials
Low-cost visual prototypes for form and fit (choose FDM or SLA/DLP)
Cost-effective, low-volume production of end-use parts for volumes of 1 to 300 units
Production volumes greater than 500 units (choose Injection molding)
Isotropic parts with complex geometry (no need for support structures)
Parts with tight tolerances and low surface roughness (choose CNC machining or Silicone Molding)

Ideal MJF applications

Our in-house manufacturing experts recommend using MJF for the following use cases.

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Functional prototyping

MJF is ideal for fabricating functional prototypes from durable, chemically resistant engineering thermoplastics.


Requirements

Strength: Medium/High

Appearance: Smooth surface

Quantity: 1-5 parts
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Low-volume production

MJF is cost-competitive to injection molding for low-volume manufacturing of end-use plastics parts for quantities up to 300 units.


Requirements

Strength: Medium/High

Appearance: Injection molding-like

Quantity: 10-300 parts
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Full-color and white quality parts

Designed for production of full-color and white functional parts across a variety of industries providing the best balance between color and white performance, and, reusability.


Requirements

Strength: Medium

Appearance: Full color with fine detail

Quantity: 1-50 parts

Surface finishes

Additional post processes can be applied to improve the appearance or mechanical properties of parts produced with SLS.

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As printed (Gray)

As printed MJF parts are typically grey in color and have a smooth surface, without visible layers, and a powder texture.
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Dyed (Black)

MJF parts are dyed black by immersing in a warm color bath. The color penetration reaches an approximate depth of 0.5 mm and covers all surfaces.

The following finishes are available by contacting support@shapefy.in

Finish
Description
Tumble polishing
The parts are placed in a tumbler that contains small ceramic chips, gradually eroding its surface down to a polished injection molding-like finish.
Bead blasting
Bead blasting (shot pinning) adds a uniform matte or satin surface finish on a 3D printed part.
Spray painting
MJF parts can be spray painted white, black or to a specified RAL or Pantone color.
Water tightening
MJF parts can be impregnated with resin, sealing all internal porosity, ensuring water tightness. Parts with a wall thickness greater than 4 mm are watertight up to 20 bar without additional finishing.

Design Recommendations

Min Feature Size

Tolerance

Min Wall Thickness

Min Hole Diameter

Min Gaps for Mating Parts

0.25 mm
±0.3% (with lower limit on ±0.3 mm)
0.6 mm, but living hinges are possible at 0.5 mm
1 mm
0.2 mm minimum; 0.5 mm between shells of an interlocking part.

+ Design for Manufacturing Tips

- For long, thin parts: use ribbing to mitigate warping risks