Roundtable Roundup: Multi Jet Fusion

Multi Jet Fusion Applications

Q: Is MJF print technology seen as the most mature and capable for end-use production parts?

A: Absolutely. MJF is the leading 3DP technology for low volume production plastic parts. It's an ultra-versatile nylon material. The part finish off the printer is production quality and there are no layer lines. It prints faster than SLS, making it a very economical printing option for end-use part production.

Q: Are there any specific areas of consumer products that you see the most active in utilizing 3D MJF for end use production, not just rapid prototyping?

A: Consumer products span a many areas (phone cases, action figures, etc.). We see MJF being utilized for medical devices and drones. Customized orthopedics prosthetics are also up and coming. For example, insoles, ankle braces, prosthetic socket mountings, scoliosis bracing, hand bracing, etc.

Future of Multi Jet Fusion

Q: Do you see Multi Jet Fusion technology working itself down to the consumer printers, kind of like FDM printers?

A: Our lowest cost machine is around $100k, and in the end use part powder bed laser sintering technology, this cost can be considered at the consumer level. Basically at this price, you are getting color for free. Don't see technology going desktop, much lower than a cost, like a $5k MJF printer in the future.

Q: What are you most excited about for the future of additive?

A: The needle is constantly moving. MJF has really moved in the past few years - new materials, colors, texture options, etc. The pace of innovation speeds up with technologies like MJF. It offers the ability to decentralize manufacturing. Mass customization and flexibility are invaluable. Orders changing from R&D prototyping department to the sourcing department for end-use parts. As 3D printing design ramps, there's no going back with all of the trained engineers out there.

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