Material jetting
What is PolyJet and how does it work?
A technology that jets photopolymer droplets from inkjet heads and cures them instantly; capable of full-color and multi-material printing.
Material Jetting
PolyJet is the three-dimensional counterpart of the two-dimensional inkjet printer. Hundreds of micro nozzles deposit photopolymer droplets onto the platform and a UV lamp cures them instantly. Because different resins can be mixed in the same layer, rigid and rubbery regions, transparency and hundreds of thousands of colors can be combined in a single part. It is ideal for realistic visual prototypes, product presentations and medical anatomical models.
| Typical tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Layer thickness | 16 – 32 µm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 1 mm |
| Color | Full color (CMYK + white + clear) |
| Surface | Very smooth; matte or glossy |
| Supports | Required; gel support is easily removed |
Process
PolyJet step by step
- 01
Heads jet droplets of model and support material.
- 02
A UV lamp cures the droplets on every pass.
- 03
Very thin layers (16 – 32 µm) are stacked.
- 04
The gel-like support is removed with a water jet.
Advantages
- Full-color and texture printing
- Rigid + rubbery + clear regions in one part
- Very smooth surface
- Realistic visual prototypes
Limitations
- Parts are mechanically weak and heat sensitive
- High material cost
- Color and properties change over time under UV
Best suited for
- Visual and marketing prototypes
- Anatomical models
- Multi-material prototypes (keypads, grips)
- Figures and collectibles
Design
PolyJet design guidelines
- Minimum wall thickness1 mm
- Smallest detail0.3 mm
- Minimum hole diameterØ 1 mm
- Overhang angleUnlimited (gel support)
- Clearance for moving parts0.2 mm
- Text and logosEmbossed ≥ 0.5 mm
Surface and assembly
Post-processing
- Support removal by water jet
- Polishing
- Clear varnish
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about PolyJet
What is PolyJet?
PolyJet is the three-dimensional counterpart of the two-dimensional inkjet printer. Hundreds of micro nozzles deposit photopolymer droplets onto the platform and a UV lamp cures them instantly. Because different resins can be mixed in the same layer, rigid and rubbery regions, transparency and hundreds of thousands of colors can be combined in a single part. It is ideal for realistic visual prototypes, product presentations and medical anatomical models.
How does PolyJet work?
Heads jet droplets of model and support material. A UV lamp cures the droplets on every pass. Very thin layers (16 – 32 µm) are stacked. The gel-like support is removed with a water jet.
What applications is PolyJet suitable for?
PolyJet is especially suitable for visual and marketing prototypes, anatomical models, multi-material prototypes (keypads, grips), figures and collectibles.
How accurate are PolyJet parts?
Typical tolerance is ±0.1 mm. The exact value depends on the machine, material and part geometry.
Other technologies
Let's talk about your project
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