Industrial 3D printing has rapidly grown in popularity largely because it meets rigorous requirements regarding the quality and precision of printed parts. The most important solution of this type is the HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, which allows for serial printing of several hundred parts in a single process.
The short answer to this question about dimensional tolerances, based on HP materials, is:
±0.3 mm for elements below 100 mm
±0.3% of nominal size for larger elements (over 100 mm)
These parameters often dispel companies’ doubts about whether this technology will meet their needs. In the following article, however, we will delve a little deeper into the topic, possibilities, and potential of this modern solution.
We will also tell you a little more about additional procedures that we use at Cubic Inch to ensure excellent repeatability for customers who require an additional level of precision. Based on these, we can provide customers with parts with an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm.
Multi Jet Fusion: the default method of parts production for modern companies
Among the greatest advantages of the HP MJF solution, profitability is always mentioned first. Unlike classic injection molding, which requires expensive molds and long production preparation time, MJF allows for the production of plastic parts in days with no upfront costs.
Precision and quality of detail are usually the second argument, although for many companies, it is a necessary condition. However, our experience shows that for these devices, practically nothing is impossible – from parts used in mechanisms, medical elements, consumer electronics housings, and even prostheses.
What’s more, technology also allows for the quick creation of fully functional prototypes, which revolutionizes the processes of creating innovative products.
In summary, Multi Jet Fusion powder printers appeared on the market less than 10 years ago and thus opened up completely new horizons for both specialist technology companies and large factories that need fast and reliable access – e.g. to format parts. And one of the main reasons for the success of the solution is precisely their capabilities in terms of precision and print quality.
Basic Specifications of Multi Jet Fusion Technology
The table below provides a number of basic specifications and design guidelines for Multi Jet Fusion technology.
Typical general tolerances: | ±0.3 mm for elements below 100 mm ±0.3% of nominal size for larger elements (over 100 mm) |
Minimum wall thickness: | approx. 0.5–0.7 mm (for PA12), but a minimum of 1 mm is recommended for functional elements |
Size of the smallest detail: | ok. 0,3–0,5 mm |
Minimum spacing between moving elements: | approx. 0.5 mm, but 0.7–1.0 mm preferred |
Minimum channel diameter 10 mm thick | ok. 0,5 mm |
If we look at these results in the context of older 3D printers – e.g., FDM (±0.5 mm or more), it becomes clear that we are dealing with much more advanced technology. But that is not surprising. Multi Jet Fusion printers are designed for mass production of high-quality, isotropic parts, not just individual components or prototypes for basic testing.
The specification alone is not everything. Thanks to the principle of operation based on powder printing without supports, designers and constructors working with MJF have much greater possibilities regarding solutions that allow for increasing the strength of parts, even while reducing their weight. Here are some of the most common practices:
- Various methods of weight reduction
- Creating ribs, honeycombs, and other internal structures
- Including methods of combining elements
- The use of inserts
- Topological optimization.
Additional processes allow us to achieve higher precision
Some projects require special attention, as well as the inclusion of additional processes that ensure maximum repeatability that goes even beyond the standard.
Our many years of experience with Multi Jet Fusion technology have helped us implement processes that allow us to achieve this additional level of accuracy.
Consultation and test printing
The first step is a detailed consultation to fully understand the needs and role of a given element in a given project, followed by the execution of a test project.
The lack of upfront costs is a huge advantage here. MJF allows us to quickly deliver a full prototype to the customer with injection molding quality close to the mold. Instead of investing in a mold or risking testing on low-quality parts, R&D teams can test parts that have the same functionality as those produced in series at the early stages of product development.
In the same process, we can conduct an additional round of testing and feedback until a satisfactory result is achieved.
Quality control system
In special cases where very high precision is required, we can implement additional elements of the quality control process, such as:
- Tests of part dimensions, surfaces, and fragility
- Production and use of special tools
- Overproduction and strict selection of parts
Of course, depending on your specific needs, this process may vary. The ultimate goal is to ensure that each piece delivered to the customer meets the assumed requirements.
As evidenced by fruitful, long-term cooperation with companies such as Imago or Proteo, these processes work perfectly. In both cases, the key customer requirement was excellent precision.
The Place of MJF Technology in Modern Production
HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, although relatively young, already offers extremely attractive precision and dimensional repeatability with no initial costs, which makes it a great match for almost every industry – from equipment production to automotive and FMCG.
However, it should be remembered that this is still a very young technology.
Its dynamic development – both in terms of hardware and materials – means that with each successive generation of devices, HP further refines tolerances, surface quality, and process stability.
So if your company needs excellent quality parts in individual or short-series production, arrange a free consultation.
