Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is an advanced 3D printing technology that utilizes precision layers of nylon powder fused together using thermal fusing and detailing agents. This process results in high-quality parts with excellent mechanical properties, consistent strength, and smooth surface finishes.
Why use Multijet Fusion (MJF)?
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is an ideal choice for producing complex assemblies, housings, and enclosures, as well as watertight applications due to its excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies. The technology offers high cost-efficiency with industry-leading surplus powder re-usability, achieving up to 85% recoverable powder, which reduces material costs and waste.
Additionally, MJF is able to build fast and cost-effective powder-based Nylon parts (specifically PA11 and PA12) with higher density and lower porosity compared to laser sintered parts. The technology allows for layer heights as low as 80 microns, providing great, smooth surface finishes and requiring minimal post-production, which results in short lead times. This makes MJF particularly suitable for short batch runs of both prototypes and end-use parts, providing a significant balance between performance, cost-efficiency, and material reusability.
Benefits of Multijet Fusion
Benefits
- Excellent chemical resistance to oils, greases, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alkalies.
- Cost-efficient material with industry leading surplus powder re-usability.
- Provides the best balance between performance and re-usability.
Best suited for
- Complex assemblies
- Housings and enclosures
- Watertight applications
Materials for MJF
- MJF PA11 and PA12
- TPU
Using Multijet Fusion (MJF) we build fast, cost effective powder based Nylon parts (PA11 and PA12). MJF leads to higher density and lower porosity compared to laser sintered PA12 parts. Layer heights go as low as 80 microns and lead to great, smooth surface finishes.
The minimal post production needed for MJF often leads to short lead times, perfect for short batch runs of prototypes and end parts. By controlling where heat is applied to the powder bed, using inkjets with inhibitor and conductor inks, recycling rates of powder can be up to 85% recoverable.
High-Quality Production
- MJF technology produces parts with excellent mechanical properties, uniform strength, and smooth surface finishes, ensuring high-quality and functional end-products.
- The process enables the creation of fine details and intricate geometries, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Cost-Effective for Volume Production
- MJF is particularly efficient for producing large quantities of parts quickly, with the capability for volume production up to 10,000 components.
- The technology eliminates the need for tooling and molds, significantly reducing production costs and accelerating time-to-market.
Versatility in Material Performance
- Utilizing nylon materials like PA12, MJF parts exhibit beneficial properties such as durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making them ideal for diverse applications.
- The process supports multi-material printing, allowing for tailored material characteristics in a single production run, further enhancing versatility and functionality in the manufactured parts.
Applications
Applications in high-performance industries:
Motorsport
- MJF is used to produce lightweight, aerodynamic parts such as air intakes, ducts, and covers. These components can be designed with intricate geometries to optimize airflow and enhance vehicle performance.
- Aerodynamic Components and custom fixtures and jigs
Marine Racing
- MJF is used to fabricate hydrodynamic parts such as propellers, fins, and hull fittings. The technology allows for the creation of smooth surfaces and detailed features that improve water flow and reduce drag.
- The use of advanced nylon materials, such as PA12, makes MJF parts highly resistant to moisture and chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh marine environments.
Advantages
Engineering advantages:
Functional Prototypes
MJF allows for the rapid production of functional prototypes, enabling teams to test and iterate designs quickly. This rapid prototyping capability is crucial for developing high-performance components under tight deadlines.
Efficiency
Engineers utilize MJF to create custom fixtures and jigs that speed up assembly lines and ensure precision during the manufacturing process. These tools can be rapidly prototyped and refined to meet the specific needs of motorsport teams.
The Multijet Fusion process overview
Preparation
A 3D CAD model is created and converted into a suitable file format (typically STL or 3MF) for 3D printing.
The model is then sliced into thin layers using specialized software, generating a toolpath for the printer.
Material Loading
Fine nylon powder (commonly PA12 or PA11) is loaded into the build unit of the MJF printer.
The powder is spread evenly across the build platform, forming a uniform and thin layer.
Printing
The MJF printer uses an array of inkjet print heads to apply fusing and detailing agents onto the powder layer.
A high-powered infrared (IR) heating system then passes over the build platform, causing the areas with fusing agent to melt and solidify, while areas with detailing agent remain as powder, creating high-resolution detail surfaces.
This process is repeated layer by layer, with the platform lowering slightly after each pass, until the entire object is complete.
Post-processing
Once the print is complete, the build unit is cooled down to avoid thermal stress and warping of the parts.
Depending on the application, parts may undergo additional post-processing steps such as bead blasting, dyeing, tumbling, or coating to improve surface finish, color, and mechanical properties.
