Polyjet Technology

So far we have learned about:

• Fused Deposition Modeling
• Selective Laser Sintering
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering
• Stereolithography

Please read through old posts if you want to learn about the upper mentioned technologies.

Today we want to look at another popular one in the high-end additive manufacturing market. It is "Polyjet or Thermojet" technology. Let's first learn how Polyjet works and then we can shed some light on its strengths and weaknesses.


PolyJet 3D printing is similar to inkjet printing in fact this is the only method which has close resemblance to printing the way it works. Instead of jetting drops of ink on the paper, PolyJet 3D Printers jet layers of curable liquid photopolymer onto a build tray.

Polyjet was developed by OBJET which came under the umbrella of Stratasys in 2012.

Production: 

The 3D printer jets and instantly UV-cures tiny droplets of liquid photopolymer. Fine layers accumulate on the build tray to create a precise 3D model or part. Where overhangs or complex shapes require support, the 3D printer jets a removable gel-like support material.

Support removal: 

The user easily removes the support materials by hand or with high pressure water jet.

I am pretty sure you will enjoy the Objet30-pro video

High resolution (28micron layers) printing, robust quality and higher accuracy are strengths of Polyjet. You will be able to print fine detailed and smooth surface finished parts. Even high end FDM machines won't be able to compete polyjet when it comes to surface finish and smaller/fine details. On the other hand Higher material and maintenance cost can hurt your profitability.  

With Objet260-connex1 you can print softer rubber like and Harder material together. Learn more about Objet Connex here

and with  Objet260-connex3 can you can get unlimited shades of colors in your print.

References:

"Stratasys.com"