Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Table of Contents
MJF Tolerances Overview
| Feature | Standard Resolution | High Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Build Envelope | 14.9” x 11.2” x 14.9” | 10” x 10” x 12” |
| Layer Height | 0.08 mm | 0.04 mm |
| XY Plane Tolerance | +/- 0.3% of nominal dimension (min +/- 0.3 mm) | +/- 0.3% of nominal dimension (min +/- 0.3 mm) |
| Z Plane Tolerance | +/- 0.3% of nominal dimension (min +/- 0.3 mm) | +/- 0.3% of nominal dimension (min +/- 0.3 mm) |
| Minimum Linear Feature Size | Features under 0.5 mm may be at risk; features under 0.3 mm likely won’t build | Features under 0.3 mm may be at risk; features under 0.2 mm likely won’t build |
| Minimum Radial Feature Size | 0.5 mm | 0.4 mm |
Note: These tolerances are typical for MJF processes and may vary due to part geometry, material, and other factors. For critical dimensions, a detailed review and possible manual adjustments may be necessary post-production.
Modo Rapid offers seamless access to premium SLS 3D printing services, utilizing state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies.
Choose from over 30 materials and multiple finishing options to perfectly match your project requirements.
MJF Materials and Their Properties
| Material Name | Description | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Flexural Modulus (MPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 12 (PA 12) | Versatile, good mechanical properties, biocompatible | 48 MPa | 20% | 1650 MPa |
| Nylon 11 (PA 11) | High ductility, impact resistance | 51 MPa | 50% | 1500 MPa |
| Glass-Filled Nylon 12 | High stiffness, excellent thermal resistance | 66 MPa | 4% | 3200 MPa |
| Carbon-Filled Nylon 12 | Lightweight, high strength | 65 MPa | 8% | 7000 MPa |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Flexible, high wear resistance | 30 MPa | 300% | 600 MPa |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Chemical resistance, flexibility, lightweight | 34 MPa | 50% | 1450 MPa |
| PEKK | High temperature resistance, strong | 85 MPa | 8% | 2900 MPa |
These materials are commonly used in MJF 3D printing to produce parts with excellent mechanical and thermal properties, suitable for various industrial applications.
Capabilities of MJF 3D Printers
| Maximum Build Volume | Typical Lead Time | Dimensional Precision | Layer Thickness | Smallest Feature Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJF 3D Printers | 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9” x 11.2” x 14.9”) | From 2 business days | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm | 80 μm | 0.3 mm |
Key Features:
Maximum Build Volume: MJF printers can handle build volumes up to 380 x 285 x 380 mm, making them ideal for medium-sized components with intricate details.
Typical Lead Time: MJF offers one of the fastest lead times in the industry, with parts ready in as little as 2 business days depending on complexity.
Dimensional Precision: With a precision of ±0.3%, MJF is capable of producing parts with tight tolerances and high accuracy.
Layer Thickness: The layer thickness in MJF typically stands at 80 μm, allowing for finely detailed parts and smooth surface finishes.
Smallest Feature Size: MJF can produce features as small as 0.3 mm, enabling the creation of intricate designs with fine details.
Advanced 3D Printing Solutions for Engineering with MJF
Achieve high-precision, durable parts at every stage of your product development process.
Compare MJF Materials for Superior Performance
Explore material properties and select the best fit for your application during setup with detailed profiles.
Optimize Print Resolution
Adjust layer thickness to balance detail and production time for MJF parts.
Enhance Surface Finish Quality
Incorporate post-processing options by uploading your design with specific finishing requirements.
MJF Post-Processing
At Modo Rapid, we offer a range of post-processing services for MJF parts, including smoothing, dyeing, and coating, to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Our team ensures that every part meets the highest standards, delivering polished and ready-to-use components.
Comparison of 3D Printing Technologies
| Technology | Materials | Price | Dimensional Accuracy | Strengths | Build Volume | Layer Thickness | Min. Feature Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | 5 | $ | ± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm | Low cost, wide range of materials | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68″ x 19.68″ x 19.68″) | 100-300μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787”) |
| Industrial FDM | 6 | $$$$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012″) | High repeatability, engineering-grade materials | 406 x 355 x 406 mm (15.98” x 13.97” x 15.98″) | 100-330μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787”) |
| Prototyping SLA | 8 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012″) | Smooth surface finish, fine detail resolution | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7″ x 5.7″ x 6.8″) | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787”) |
| Industrial SLA | 3 | $$$ | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.13 mm (± 0.005″) | Smooth surface finish, large build area | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68″ x 19.68″ x 19.68″) | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787”) |
| SLS | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) | Design flexibility, no supports required | 395 x 500 x 395 mm (15.53″ x 19.68″ x 15.53″) | 100μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
| MJF | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (0.012”) | Design flexibility, no supports required | 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9” x 11.2” x 14.9”) | 80μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
Our Commitment to High Standards in MJF 3D Printing
At Modo Rapid, we ensure that your MJF parts are produced under the highest quality standards, with rigorous inspections throughout the process. Every order comes with a detailed quality report.
- All parts undergo thorough cleaning and inspection before delivery to ensure they meet all specifications.
- Complex geometries are closely examined to confirm compliance with design requirements.
Pros & Cons of MJF 3D Printing
Advantage
MJF 3D printing is highly effective for producing strong, durable parts with fine details, suitable for both prototypes and end-use applications. This technology offers excellent mechanical properties, smooth surface finishes, and rapid production times. MJF also supports a wide range of materials, making it adaptable to various industries and applications.
Disadvantage
While MJF excels in many areas, it has some limitations. The initial cost can be higher compared to other 3D printing technologies, especially for small-scale projects. Additionally, while MJF parts have good surface quality, they may still require post-processing to achieve the desired finish for specific applications. Material options, though broad, are somewhat more limited compared to technologies like SLA.
Design Guidelines for MJF 3D Printing
When designing parts for MJF 3D printing, consider the technical specifications for optimal results. The table below outlines the recommended and feasible sizes for some common features in MJF 3D printed parts. For unsupported walls, a thickness of 0.8 mm (0.0315 in) is recommended, while supported walls can be as thin as 0.5 mm (0.0196 in). The minimum feature size that can be accurately printed is 0.3 mm (0.0118 in), and the smallest hole diameter should be at least 0.5 mm (0.0196 in). For escape holes, a minimum diameter of 2.5 mm (0.0984 in) is advised.
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Production Feasibility Analysis
Before moving into full production, we conduct a comprehensive feasibility analysis to ensure that your design can be efficiently manufactured at scale. This step involves evaluating the materials, manufacturing processes, and potential challenges to ensure a smooth transition from prototype to production. Our team will collaborate closely with you to refine your design, optimize for manufacturability, and mitigate risks.
3D printing
Our 3D printing services offer rapid prototyping with precision and flexibility, allowing you to quickly test and iterate on your designs. We provide a range of 3D printing technologies, including SLA, SLS, and FDM, to match your specific needs, whether you require detailed models or functional parts. This stage is crucial for validating design concepts before moving to more advanced manufacturing processes.
Urethane Casting
For low to medium volume production, urethane casting offers a cost-effective solution with high fidelity to the original prototype. This process is ideal for creating durable, flexible parts that closely resemble injection-molded components. We use high-quality silicone molds and urethane resins to produce parts with excellent surface finishes and physical properties.
Injection Molding
When you’re ready for large-scale production, our injection molding services ensure consistent, high-quality parts with efficient turnaround times. We specialize in both prototype and production molds, offering a variety of materials to suit your product’s needs. From small batches to full-scale production, our injection molding capabilities are designed to meet your demands.
We Help You Go From Prototype To Production
Quality Checks at Every Stage for Your Parts
Initial Material Inspection:
Equipment: Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) or X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer. Purpose: Verify the composition and quality of raw materials before production begins.
In-Process Dimensional Inspection:
Equipment: Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and Vernier Calipers. Purpose: Ensure parts meet dimensional specifications during various stages of machining.
Surface Finish Inspection:
Equipment: Surface Roughness Tester. Purpose: Check the surface texture and finish to meet the required standards.
Final Quality Inspection:
Equipment: ZEISS Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and Optical Comparator. Purpose: Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the finished part to verify all dimensions, tolerances, and overall quality.
2 ZEISS CMMs for your project 24/7
We are a 24-hour facility with technicians working 3 shifts. For many of our customer’s urgent projects, we use our 2 ZEISS CMM’s to inspect the parts and make sure your project goes smoothly.
Quality Inspections We Perform for Your Parts
Rapid Printing According To Your Needs
Prototypes: 1-7 Days Lead Time
Small Batches: 7-10 Days Lead Time
Large Volumes: 10-30 Days Lead Time
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24 hours factory operation, feel free to contact us
Frequently Ask Questions
MJF is commonly used for parts requiring consistent isotropic mechanical properties, functional prototypes, end-use parts, and designs with complex and fine features.
PA 12 Black offers near isotropic mechanical properties, making it an economical material choice with high tensile strength and good surface finish.
The primary materials include PA 12 Black and PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black. PA 12 Black is known for its isotropic properties, while PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black offers high heat deflection capabilities.
After printing, parts undergo bead blasting to remove residual powder, followed by dyeing to enhance cosmetic appearance. MJF technology also allows for consistent mechanical properties across all dimensions.
The standard surface finish involves bead blasting and dyeing black. For a smoother finish, vapor smoothing is available, reducing surface roughness significantly. Custom finishes, such as primer application and the addition of inserts, are also offered.
HP Multi Jet Fusion controls the properties of each individual voxel through agents, allowing the production of parts that cannot be made by other methods.
HP Multi Jet Fusion enhances manufacturing capabilities by enabling flexible production at scale, producing high-value final 3D parts with predictability, productivity, and automation. It also supports a wide range of applications, including quality white applications and final production runs.
Yes, PA 12 Nylon, used in MJF, is water-resistant. Parts need to have a wall thickness of at least 1 mm to be water-resistant, while thicknesses over 4 mm make parts watertight. MJF parts are also resistant to chemicals like greases, alkalies, oils, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
The dimensional accuracy of MJF is ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (0.012”).
The maximum build size of MJF parts with Protolabs Network is 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9” x 11.2” x 14.9”).
The minimum feature size that MJF can print is 0.5 mm.
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Color 3D Printing Service by Modo Rapid
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