Polyjet

What is the polyjet process?

The polyjet process is also known as multi-jet modeling (MJM) and is one of the additive printing processes. Polyjet printing works in a similar way to an inkjet printer – with the difference that instead of two-dimensional ink being applied to paper, a three-dimensional object is created using liquid photopolymers in a layering process. The polyjet process is popular for rapid prototyping, as UV light quickly solidifies the photopolymers and the printed object is therefore ready in no time.

How does the Polyjet process work?

Before printing, special CAD software calculates along which lines the photopolymer and in which areas support structures are to be sprayed onto the worktop. UV light-sensitive photopolymers are used as the base material for this process.

Once the object to be printed has been completed in the CAD program, the data is sent to the printer. Here, the print head sprays or jets the liquid starting material along the specifications with several nozzles in tiny drops onto a movable printing plate. In each step, the liquid photopolymer is simultaneously cured using UV light. The UV lamp is attached directly to the print head. The printing plate then moves downwards by the thickness of the applied layer. The next layer of curing polymers can now be applied – until the object specified in the computer is finished.

What needs to be considered in the polyjet process?

3D printing with polyjet technology is a free-space process: This means that support structures are required, which must be calculated digitally beforehand. These support structures can then be removed manually with a water jet or using a special solution bath.

The polyjet process allows a mix of materials during the printing process. The UV light-sensitive polymer is available in various colors as well as transparent. The design of multi-colored workpieces is therefore no problem.