Material Jetting (MJ)
Material Jetting (MJ), otherwise known as Polyjet, is an ultraviolet-sensitive gel deposited by a print head and immediately cured by a UV lamp. The machine can use rigid and rubber-like materials and has an excellent surface finish.
Material jetting is a solution for designers who want excellent visual models with an end-product feel. This technology also allows multiple materials and colors to be incorporated into one print. It is suitable for complex, flexible models.
Table of Contents
How does Material Jetting work?
We take your CAD file and input it into the machine, and the software breaks it down layer by layer. We also consider the direction of the build and the placement of the supports. The Material Jet machine sprays extremely fine layers of tiny droplets in the shape of the part from a printhead nozzle which is instantly cured with a UV light. Material Jetting can use multiple materials and colors.
Once finished, the part coated in the support material, a combination of glycerin, polyethylene, and propylene, during the build is removed using a chemical solution bath and pressurized water stream.
What are the ideal applications for Material Jetting?
- Models with smooth surfaces and fine details
- Form and fit prototypes
- Tooling and master patterns
- Low-volume production for complex end-use parts
- Overmolds and liquid silicone rubber molds
- Material Jetting allows for the combination of materials and multiple colors
Material Jetting at Midwest Prototyping
OEM:
Stratasys
Max Build Area:
19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in.
Lead Time:
1 – 2 Days
Material:
Agilus30, Tango Black, Vero Clear, Vero Black+, and Vero White+, other materials may be available upon request.
*Most common materials are listed in bold.
Tolerances:
+/- .004 in. for the first inch and +/-.0015 in. for each additional inch
Layer Thickness:
Layer thickness is .0006 in. for high quality builds and .0012 in. for high speed builds.
Do you have a question about your design or materials that would fit your project? Email one of our Solutions Managers.
Which Material Jetting Materials does Midwest Prototyping Offer?
Material Jetting is the only industrial 3D printing technology that can print multiple materials at one time. This process allows for the combination of flexible and rigid materials, over-molds, and numerous colors. Picture a transparent human heart model with colored materials marking the arteries, atriums, veins, and ventricles that show blood flow. Since the materials are UV-cured they cannot withstand long exposure to light or heat without becoming discolored. Parts made by using Material Jetting should not be used in rugged environments.
Material
Description
Key Characteristics
More Information
Agilus30 is a photopolymer with excellent flexibility and tear-resistance and can withstand repetitive bending and flexing due to its rubber-like qualities.
- Flexible
Tango Black is a flexible photopolymer that can simulate thermoplastic elastomers with flexible, rubber-like qualities.
- Elastomeric
- Flexible
Vero Clear is a transparent photopolymer that simulates acrylic and can be used as an alternative to glass. Vero Clear can also combine it with colors to create various transparent colored lenses.
- Clear/ Translucent
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Vero Family
The Vero Family is a photopolymer offering multi-color applications, strength, and stiffness. Photopolymers may be blended with other photopolymers to vary flexibility, translucency, and heat resistance.
- High Resolution/High Detail
- Rigid
Compare Materials
Best Practices for Designing Parts For Laser Sintering At Midwest Prototyping
Feature
Measurement
Supported Walls
.04 in
Unsupported Walls
.04 in
Supports & Overhangs
Supports not required
Embossing & Engraving
Width: .02 in, Height/Depth: .02 in
Horizontal Spans
Supports not required
Holes & Openings
.02 in
Connecting & Moving Parts
.008 in
Escape Holes
.04 in
Minimum Features
.02 in
Pin Diameter
.02 in
What are the Material Jetting Finishing Levels at Midwest Prototyping?
Level
Process
Description
1
Supports removed
Standard finish: supported surfaces appearing matte and non-supported surfaces appearing glossy. Parts will have slight layer lines.
2
Part built using matte build settings and supports removed
Standard finish: parts built surrounded in support. All surfaces appear matte. Parts will have slight layer lines.
3*
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces sanded to 320 grit
Show quality finish: removes layer lines. Parts are prime and paint ready.
4*
Supports removed and cosmetic surfaces wet sanded to 600 grit
High gloss finish: recommended only for plating and optically clear parts (note that clear-coat and light bleaching is necessary for optimal clarity).
* Elastomeric materials can only be finished to Level 1 and Level 2. For a higher quality finish, these materials may be coated in soft touch.
