MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) Technology — A Modern Method of Industrial 3D Printing
The rapid development of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing technologies has significantly transformed the production landscape, turning 3D printing from a rapid prototyping tool into a reliable solution for manufacturing functional end-use parts and low- to medium-volume production. One of the most advanced and widely adopted polymer 3D printing technologies today is Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing, developed by HP and introduced in 2016. MJF technology has quickly gained recognition in the field of industrial additive manufacturing due to its high production efficiency, excellent mechanical properties, and superior dimensional accuracy, making it a competitive solution for functional prototyping and serial production of complex plastic components.
Principle of Operation of MJF Technology
Multi Jet Fusion belongs to the Powder Bed Fusion family of additive manufacturing processes. The production cycle begins with the deposition of a thin layer of polymer powder across the build platform. Specialized printheads then selectively apply two different chemical agents:
- Fusing Agent — responsible for absorbing thermal energy and fusing the powder particles together.
- Detailing Agent — applied around the edges of the part to improve dimensional accuracy and reduce heat spread beyond the desired geometry.
After the agents are deposited, the entire build area is exposed to infrared energy. Regions covered with the fusing agent absorb heat and melt, forming a solid layer of the component. This process is repeated layer by layer until the final part is completed. The surrounding unfused powder acts as a natural support structure, eliminating the need for additional support material.
Materials Used in MJF Technology
The most commonly used material in MJF manufacturing is Polyamide 12 (PA12), which offers excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption. Additional materials used in the process include:
- PA11 — a more flexible and impact-resistant material derived from bio-based resources.
- Glass-filled PA12 — providing improved stiffness and dimensional stability.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) — a flexible elastomeric material suitable for parts requiring elasticity and wear resistance.
- PP (Polypropylene) — a lightweight material used for functional and low-density components.
The variety of available materials allows MJF technology to be implemented across numerous industrial sectors.
Advantages of MJF Technology
One of the major advantages of Multi Jet Fusion is its exceptionally high production efficiency. Unlike laser-based technologies such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), the build time of an individual layer is largely independent of the number of parts being produced. As a result, multiple components can be manufactured simultaneously without significantly increasing production time.
Comparison with Other 3D Printing Technologies
Compared to FDM technology, MJF provides significantly better mechanical performance and dimensional accuracy. When compared to SLS, MJF generally offers faster production times and more uniform material properties throughout the printed part. In comparison with SLA technology, MJF parts exhibit superior mechanical strength, although with a somewhat lower surface quality.
Application of MJF Technology at Glaze Prosthetics
A practical example of the implementation of Multi Jet Fusion technology can be found at Glaze Prosthetics. We specialize in 3D printing using advanced MJF technology and operates the HP Jet Fusion 580 printer, enabling the production of precise, durable, and vibrant full-color components with excellent surface quality and dimensional accuracy. This technology makes it possible to manufacture highly customized prosthetic components that meet demanding functional and aesthetic requirements.
The design process begins with an advanced 3D scanning procedure based on a high-quality smartphone video recorded under good lighting conditions and captured from every angle. This approach allows for accurate reconstruction of geometry and the creation of personalized designs without the need for traditional casting or measurement methods.
The primary material used in production is PA12, chosen for its outstanding mechanical properties, durability, and dimensional stability. Depending on the specific application requirements, additional materials are also employed, including:
- PA11 — a bio-based material offering enhanced elasticity and impact resistance,
- TPU — a flexible and highly resilient material ideal for functional components requiring elasticity, energy absorption, and wear resistance.
In addition to MJF technology we operate an extensive fleet of FDM printers, enabling the company to provide versatile manufacturing solutions tailored to a wide range of technical and medical applications.
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