- PolyJet is a powerful 3D printing technology can create accurate and smooth parts, tooling, and prototypes
- Having a resolution and accuracy of 0.014 mm and being able to process & apply the widest range of materials within the market, it can produce thin walls and complex geometries.
- Benefits include the ability to create final-product looking prototypes that are detailed and smooth
- It’s great for producing manufacturing tools, fixtures molds and jigs that are really accurate
- Really useful if you need to produce highly complex and intricate features that are delicate
- Also amazing if you need to include variable materials and colors into a single mold really efficiently
- You might need a large format 3D printing service to get this work done, or check out these pricey options from TreatStock
3D printing technology continues to advance. As a category, it also covers a wide range of methods and materials.
With some types of 3D printing being much more popular, and some would argue more effective, than others, PolyJet printing is a printing technique increasingly used for various projects.
Polyjet 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that offers high accuracy, resolution and detail. It’s perfect for creating prototypes or models with intricate features or smooth surfaces- as you can see above. If you’re a 3D printer enthusiast, polyjet printing is definitely worth checking out- though they are pricey and not cheap to operate either.
What is PolyJet 3D Printing?
This is a unique, and extremely effective printing technology that has some similar characteristics to old-school ink jet printing, but advanced far into the future to create finely detailed, precise, and smooth models of all kinds.
The technology can print very thin pieces, as well as complicated angles and shapes, with few peers in the 3D printer world.
The print material it uses is liquid photopolymers, which the printer instantly heats and makes solid. The models it produces are full color, and there is no need for any post-printing curing. The removal of that step, which is necessary with many other 3D printing techniques, can help save significant time without sacrificing quality.
Who is the PolyJet 3D Industry Leader?
There is no hesitation or question about who is paving the way for this print technique. It was designed and developed by Stratasys, who not only invented the process, but also owned its patent.
Stratasys have proven themselves to be true 3D print innovators, as well as demonstrated a devotion to delivering quality results. The company continues to improve the process and expects this to remain in demand for many years to come.
Stratasys offers a wide range of industrial quality printers that use this technology, aimed at dentists, healthcare specialists, engineers, and educators, to name just a few categories where their solution is popular. They range in size from desktop models all the way up to extra large sizes designed to meet production needs.
PolyJet Benefits
Why would a person or company choose to go with a PolyJet 3D printer over other options? Here’s a look at the benefits this technology and process delivers.
- The ability to make prototypes that look as professional as end products, giving an accurate view of what can be expected.
- A proven ability to create first-class molds and useful tools for manufacturers.
- The technology to more easily produce reliable complex models, with fine details, and thin pieces, walls, and features.
- It is able to deliver models in a wide range of colors, adding to the superior aesthetics of its models and prototypes.
- For the quality and reliability of its printing, the technology is attractively priced.
- The printers are compatible with a number of different popular software choices.
Drawbacks of PolyJet 3D Printing
This choice of printer is not without some drawbacks. Being unique in the industry, it can take some users a little longer to master than other technology they may be more familiar with.
In addition, with the patent held firmly by Stratasys, there is no cross company competition pushing the technology forward. Stratasys is very well regarded, but seeing other companies also developing PolyJet would likely accelerate the breakthroughs delivered with the technology.
Future Expectations
The team at Stratasys expects more models to be available soon, covering the entire range of 3D printer users. Some will also target specific niches, similar to the current models that target the dental community, which continue to rise in popularity.
Marketing efforts from Stratasys are also expected to grow in size in 2022 and beyond.
Recent News
There has been no shortage of recent PolyJet 3D printing being used to have a great positive impact in various industries.
It has been credited for helping a top train company be able to quickly produce parts for their trains on an “as needed” basis, as well as cutting costs by a stunning 90% recently for a leading aerospace firm who also used the technology to quickly and affordably make parts.
The American Navy also recently signed a $20 million contract for two dozen printers using this tech, as well as needed materials, and on demand related services over a five year contract.
Expect the interest in and application of PolyJet printers to only continue to rise.
The Types Of 3D Printing
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): (check out the best SLS 3D printers)
- Digital Light Processing (DLP)
- PolyJet 3D printing
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Binder Jetting (BJ) Technology
- Drop on Demand (DOD)
- Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
