3D Printing Service: Multi-Jet Fusion
Our HP multi-jet fusion services offer:
- Quick Turnarounds
- Watertight Applications
- Isotropic Mechanical Properties
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, ITAR, and CMMC Level 2
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, ITAR, and CMMC Level 2
-
Instant and
Engineer-Assisted
Quotes - 100+ Materials
-
40+ Surface
Finishes -
Certifications:
ISO 9001:2015,
AS9100D, ITAR,
and CMMC Level 2 -
In-House Services: 3D Printing,
CNC Machining, Urethane Casting,
and Sheet Metal Fabrication
Digital Manufacturing Made Simple.
Upload your manufacturing project’s CAD file.
We review your file and provide manufacturability design (DFM) feedback.
We complete precision manufacturing using certified processes.
Our team ships the finished additive manufactured product to you anywhere in the USA.
What is multi-jet fusion?
Multi-jet fusion is one of two in-house powder-bed printing processes.
The HP multi-jet fusion 3D printer uses an advanced additive manufacturing process. It incorporates powdered thermoplastic material, liquid agent, and infrared energy to fuse components seamlessly with remarkable accuracy. Our additive manufacturing (AM) technicians expertly remove any excess powder from the pieces, preparing the parts for use or further refinement.
This technology is excellent at creating functional nylon prototypes and end-use parts. Its real strength lies in producing brackets, connectors, hinges, housings, and thin-wall ductwork with utmost precision. Multi-jet fusion is also a strong choice for applications requiring fluid or gas containment due to its excellent density and minimal porosity.
How does a multi-jet fusion printer work?
MJF allows us to deliver high-quality components with speed and reliability. The process is straightforward:
- It begins when our AM technician uploads your CAD file into the machine, where the software breaks it down layer by layer.
- The printer uses an inkjet array to apply both a fusing agent and a detailing agent across a nylon powder bed fused by heating elements.
- Once finished, a roller applies a new layer of powder onto the powder bed, and the process repeats. There is no need for support structures because the powder bed suspends the part.
- Upon completion of the build, the entire powder bed is removed and taken to a breakout station, where AM technicians remove the parts from the powder, brushing off the excess.
- All parts are placed into a container and blasted with a blasting medium to remove the remaining powder.
- Once post-processing is complete, the parts go to the finishing department.
Advantages of Multi-Jet Fusion
Multi-jet fusion technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. This process offers many advantages, including:
- No support structures means efficient manufacturing.
- Production of high-density components suitable for demanding applications.
- Automated vapor smoothing is available to enhance surface finish and appearance.
- Fine feature resolution to meet precise engineering requirements.
Disadvantages of Multi-Jet Fusion
While there are many advantages, multi-jet fusion also has some disadvantages to consider:
- Finishing and post-processing are necessary to achieve smooth surfaces.
- Parts may be brittle.
- Components are not UV-resistant and can discolor.
HP Multi-Jet Fusion Services at Prototek
At Prototek, our approach to multi-jet fusion focuses on simplicity and scalability. Bring us your innovative ideas, and we will handle the details. Once you upload your CAD file and receive a quote, our experienced team will review your design and begin production using our cutting-edge MJF technology.
We serve as your partner through every phase, whether you need a single prototype or full-scale production. Our comprehensive services also include advanced material selection and finishing options, guided by our AM experts.
| The What: | In-house MJF Capabilities |
|---|---|
|
Multi-Jet Fusion Machine Companies: |
HP |
|
Multi-Jet Fusion File Types: |
Preferred Files: Solid, STEP, and DFX |
|
Max Build Chamber Size: |
14.96 x 11.18 x 14.96 in |
|
Lead Time: |
2 – 4 Days |
|
Materials: |
HP Nylon 12 and HP Nylon 12 GB |
|
Tolerances: |
±0.010 in for the first inch and ±0.003 in/in for each additional inch |
- Are you ready to make your manufacturing project a reality, or do you have questions?
Prototek's MJF Materials
At Prototek, we partner with our customers to find the right material for their application. Material selection is crucial in multi-jet 3D printing because it directly impacts your part’s properties, performance, and cost. We carefully consider factors like tensile strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance when recommending materials.
HP Nylon 12
HP Nylon 12 is a high-performance MJF material with exceptional durability and versatility. Its chemical resistance and mechanical strength mean that parts made from this nylon powder can survive in harsh conditions without breaking or becoming misshapen.
Tensile Strength
6,960 psi
Tensile Modulus
247 ksi
Elongation @ Break
20%
Flexural Strength
9,425 psi
Flexural Modulus
251 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
203° F
HP Nylon 12 GB
HP Nylon 12 GB is a highly durable thermoplastic with exceptional mechanical properties. It is a blend of nylon and glass beads, with the glass beads comprising 40% of the material. The addition of glass beads strengthens the material, enhancing its dimensional stability and making it less likely to warp or deform under high temperatures or mechanical stress.
Tensile Strength
4,350 psi
Tensile Modulus
406 ksi
Elongation @ Break
6.5%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
N/A
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
250° F
Please Note: Biocompatible materials are only biocompatible in their natural state. Once a finish that coats the material is applied (priming, painting, and clear coating), it is no longer biocompatible. Special processing may be required. Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.
- Are you ready to make your manufacturing project a reality, or do you have questions?
MJF Design Recommendations
When designing parts for HP MJF, you must consider several critical factors to ensure the best possible outcome. Our designers will walk you through each step, helping you create functional parts optimized for production to meet the specific needs of your applications:
- Optimized designs: MJF printing is a powder-based manufacturing process, so the design should be optimized for this technique.
- Accurate specifications: It is essential to consider the effects of thermal expansion, which may cause slight changes in the dimensions of the final product as the powder material heats up during printing. Avoid overly thin wall thickness or delicate structures to prevent distortion and ensure that tolerances are specified correctly.
- Design efficiency: Lastly, designers should leverage MJF’s 3D printing technology benefits, including high resolution, fast build speed, and low post-processing requirements.
| Feature | Measurements | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
Connecting: 0.006 in |
|
|
Escape Holes |
0.04 in |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 0.04 in |
|
|
Holes & Openings |
0.03 in |
|
|
Horizontal Spans |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Minimum Features |
0.03 in |
|
|
Pin Diameter |
0.03 in |
|
|
Supports & Overhangs |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Walls (Supported) |
0.02 in |
|
|
Walls (Unsupported) |
Supports Not Required |
Multi-Jet Fusion Finishes
Prototek Digital Manufacturing is excited to offer advanced finishing solutions explicitly designed for components using multi-jet fusion technology. Furthermore, our state-of-the-art automated post-processing capabilities ensure consistently high-quality surface finishes for your parts, significantly enhancing their performance and visual appeal. With our finishing solutions, you can expect unparalleled precision and reliability, ensuring that your components meet industry standards.
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
|
Natural |
Matte, grey finish. |
|
Standard |
Matte finish dyed black. |
|
Tumbled |
The surface is smoothed with a media for an eggshell finish. |
|
Smoothed & Sealed |
Bead-blasted and vapor smoothed for a sealed, satin watertight finish. |
|
Smoothed, Sealed, & Dyed |
Vapor sealed and dyed black for a satin, watertight finish |
|
Primed Exterior |
Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are smoothed and coated in grey primer. |
|
Painted |
Parts are smoothed, primed, and painted (provide drawing with paint specifications). |
|
Custom |
Custom finish. Let us know if your project requires special finishing. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form. |
Learn More About 3D Printing
Through our resources, you can explore the intricacies of 3D printing and gain valuable insights into designing top-notch products specifically tailored for this cutting-edge technology.
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Prototek's Other Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Why Choose Prototek for MJF Additive Manufacturing?
Leveraging our processes, agility, and expertise, Prototek can deliver tailored multi-jet fusion solutions that solve your most important challenges. Here are just a few reasons why customers from numerous industries choose Prototek for MJF printing services:
- Competitive pricing: Prototek offers high-quality multi-jet fusion services at competitive prices. Whether for prototyping or low-volume production runs, customers can get the needed parts without compromising quality or budget.
- Industry expertise: Our experienced engineers and technicians can provide expert advice and support throughout the MJF process, from design to production. We always ensure our customers get the best results.
- Advanced technologies: Prototek has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities that enable us to produce HP multi-jet fusion parts quickly and efficiently. Customers can get their parts faster, which can be especially important in time-sensitive projects.
Partner with Prototek for your next multi-jet fusion project. Our resources allow you to accelerate product development and create exceptional MJF components of the highest quality — with speed, precision, and reliability. Let’s bring your ideas to life. Request a quote for MJF services to get started.