HP Multi Jet Fusion

HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology is an advanced 3D printing method that enables the creation of highly precise and durable plastic objects. The technology was developed by HP and will surpass other technologies due to its speed, quality and efficiency.

In a nutshell, the MJF printing process is based on applying thin layers of powder to a platform. Then, the print heads apply dedicated chemicals – agents (fusing and detaling) to the surface of the powder, which is then melted using a UV lamp. The powder, which has been heated and the energy absorption has been enhanced by fusing, forms a homogeneous structure, resulting in robust and precise objects. MJF technology offers a number of advantages, including highly precise and durable prints, high printing speeds and the ability to print in large batches. In addition, with post-processing capabilities, even better surface quality and detail can be achieved.

MJF technology can use a wide variety of plastics, such as nylon, polypropylene and polyurethane, allowing the creation of a variety of objects with different mechanical and thermal properties.

How exactly does the printing process work with MJF technology?

In HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology, two carriages move in perpendicular directions on the work platform area. One carriage is responsible for applying fresh material, while the other with print heads distributes agents (fusing and detaling)…. This solution divides the process into two stages: material application and printing.

The entire process begins with the application of a thin layer of powder to the entire work platform, where the carriage responsible for applying the material moves along the vertical axis. Then the printing unit, equipped with an HP thermal inkjet head and energy source, moves from right to left across the work area, performing the scanning. The energy source directly heats a layer of powder (0.08 mm) on the work platform before printing to ensure constant and accurate temperature control.

The print heads precisely apply agents to the powder layer to define the geometry of the part and give it the right properties. The printing unit then moves back from left to right to connect the areas that have just been printed, while lamps heat up the printed parts. When each layer is finished printing, the surface of the work area is lowered to the thickness of a sheet of office paper, and then the material is reapplied.

In the printing process, parts are formed layer by layer until complete parts or sets of parts are formed in the printing unit. Each layer is defined by an area that is fused and surrounded by powder that has not yet been bonded. With the right properties, the materials can be reused in subsequent processes. High surface quality is ensured by constant control of temperature and the amount of chemicals applied.

MJF technology makes it possible to print objects in high quality, quickly and with a wide variety of plastics. It is an industrial process that is used in the production of prototypes and finished products.

Printing parameters are shown in the table below:

Fusing and Detaling

In HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, agents used are detailing and fusing agents that are applied to the surface of an object using a print head. The agents are designed to increase adhesion between layers of powder (increase absorption of energy from the lamps) and improve the surface quality of the object.

Similar agents are used in many different industries, including 3D printing, due to their chemical and physical properties. They are resistant to moisture, UV radiation and high temperatures, making them ideal for use in manufacturing processes.

However, it is worth remembering that in HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, the use of an agent is one of the steps in the 3D printing process and does not affect the safe use of the printed objects. The final quality of the object depends on many factors, such as the choice of material, the temperature of the printing process, as well as the quality of the object design.

What makes MJF technology different from other powder 3D printing techniques?

HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology is considered more advanced and efficient than the traditional powder 3D printing technology, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

Here are some reasons why MJF technology is often touted as superior to SLS technology:

1. printing speed: MJF technology is much faster than SLS. Using two print heads and UV lamps, MJF can print 10 times faster than SLS.

2 Precision: MJF technology provides greater precision and accuracy than SLS. By controlling the composition and amount of material bound on each layer, MJF makes it possible to create prints of very high quality.

3 Durability: Objects printed with MJF technology are much more durable than those printed with SLS technology. The materials used in MJF are more resistant to temperature and moisture.

4 Cost: Although MJF technology is more costly than SLS, printing with MJF technology can be more cost-effective in the long run. With greater speed and efficiency, the technology can allow more objects to be printed in less time, reducing production costs.

5. Multi-material capability: MJF technology allows printing with a wide variety of plastics, such as nylon, polypropylene, and polyurethane. SLS has a smaller number of materials that can be used for printing.

Application of HP’s Jet Fusion Technology

MJF has a very wide range of applications in prototyping and especially in manufacturing. Until now, there has been no technology on the 3D printer market that is as effective and offers such a wide range of possibilities. The right implementation can even replace injection molding-based production of volumes up to tens of thousands of pieces. The MJF is an ideal tool for producing prototypes of complex parts and products. With fast production times and accurate geometry creation, prototypes can be tested and developed in a short period of time. MJF technology can also be used to produce various tools and molds that are used in mass production. With accuracy and strength, precision tools and molds can be created to speed up and facilitate the manufacturing process. In the medical field, MJF is used to produce surgical instruments that are customized for individual patients. With accuracy and precision, tools can be designed and created that are not only effective, but also safe for the patient. Jet Fusion technology is also used by industries such as automotive , mobility, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, design, everyday objects, furniture and food industry, plants with production lines.

Would you like to find out more? Then contact us

Producer