What is Multijet Printing (MJP)?
What is Multijet printing (MJP)?
Multijet printing (MJP), also known as Material Jetting (MJ), is a 3D printing process that forms layers much like a 2D printer. Rather than depositing ink, MJP deposits droplets of photoreactive material that solidify when subjected to UV (ultraviolet) light. This layer deposition technique is applied very similarly to other 3D printers -- software slices a solid body into layers, which are then printed on top of each other to form a part. The resultant parts are solid, smooth, and accurate.
MJP uses thermoset photopolymer resins to build parts, patterns, and molds. Within an MJ printer, different printheads can dispense different materials within a single layer, allowing full-color and multi-material parts. This means that parts can consist of rigid and flexible elements all in one. Dissolvable support structures can be used to provide a platform for printing and to allow for hollow spaces in the resulting product.
These printers are often found in offices and can be used for applications within dental, orthotic, media, and aerospace. They’re also used in jewelry making as an alternative to lost-wax casting.
In contrast to MJP machines, Markforged produces FDM-based printers that make strong, industrial parts that are ideal for creating strong, geometrically complex parts. Unlike MJP parts, Markforged parts fit into a wide variety of manufacturing applications due to their durability.
FAQ
Are Multijet printers suitable for use as office printers? Multijet printers are high-resolution printers yet they are also affordable and economical, so they are often found in dental offices and other environments where 3D printing is useful.
Why use dissolvable support materials in MJP? Dissolvable support materials are easily removed in the final product and allow for delicate, complex features and internal cavities that can be printed and easily cleaned.
How thin are the layers printed with MJP? MJP can build layers with a thickness as low as 16 microns. It offers best in class Z-resolution for 3D printers.
What is the difference between Multijet Printing vs Multi Jet Fusion? Multijet Printing, Multi Jet Fusion and Material Jetting all refer to the same process, abbreviated as MJP or MJ Printing.
What is the difference between Multijet printing vs Polyjet printing? Although the process of printing is similar between the two, Multijet Printing (MJP) is a proprietary technology from 3D Systems and Polyjet (PJ) is a proprietary technology by Stratasys.