What is MJF?
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is the only technology in our portfolio that uses infrared heaters and auxiliary ink rather than lasers to sinter the powder. Although it is very similar to SLS in its foundation, it is even faster than laser due to this feature.
Suitable uses of MJF
MJF is designed for small batch production, prototypes and end parts, which boast excellent mechanical properties, quality surface and fine details.
Do you need to tailor each part to your different needs or make a unique shape in small series? Are you considering custom production? Choose MJF technology.
Main advantages
- faster than laser
- high level of detail and surface quality
- does not require support
Technical specifications of MJF
| Standard delivery time | minimum of 4 working days (depends on material selection, size and number of parts and surface finish) |
| Standard accuracy | according to ISO 2768-c |
| Layer thickness | 0.08 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.5 mm (depends on material, lower thicknesses can be produced after consultation) |
| Production chamber size | 380 x 284 x 380 mm (part size is theoretically unlimited as the part can be “cut” by software and glued together after production) |
| Surface characteristics | The part typically has a grainy surface that can be abrasive blasted, dip dyed, chemical smoothed, spray painted, plated or machined |
How does MJF work?
MJF technology is essentially a combination of SLS technology and an inkjet printer. The whole method is based on radiation absorption, where a dark surface absorbs more radiation than a light surface.
The MJF method thus uses the printhead to apply the black Fusing Agent to predefined locations where the powder is sintered layer by layer using thermal energy from infrared heaters.
Recoating
The delivery recoater applies a thin layer of powder over the entire production area, which is heated just below the melting temperature of the polymer powder.
Application of reagent
The print head applies the Fusing Agent to where the cross-section of the part is located in a given layer, while the Detailing Agent is applied to prevent the powder from overheating in close proximity to the part.
Caking
Running the infrared heaters just above the production area absorbs the black ink radiation and exceeds the melting point of the powder in the areas where it is applied, thereby bonding the material to the lower layers.
Lowering of the platform
After one complete layer is completed, the production platform lowers by the thickness of one part layer and the whole process is repeated until all parts are manufactured.
