Multi Jet Fusion Technology for Additive Manufacturing
Multi Jet Fusion
Technology
An advanced powder bed process
Multi Jet Fusion works by spreading a fine layer of nylon powder across a build platform.
The result is a highly efficient, parallel process capable of producing multiple parts simultaneously within a single build volume. Unlike many other additive methods, MJF does not require support structures for the majority of geometries, as the surrounding unfused powder provides natural support throughout the build.
Material versatility & performance
A range of high-performance nylon materials are available, each offering a distinct combination of mechanical, chemical, and physical properties to suit specific engineering requirements.
The technology is particularly well-suited to parts that would be difficult or prohibitively expensive to produce through traditional manufacturing. Complex internal channels, interlocking assemblies, and highly detailed surface geometries are all achievable within a single build without additional assembly stages.
The advantages of Multi Jet Fusion
Multi Jet Fusion has been specifically engineered for industrial production environments. It represents a significant step forward from earlier powder bed technologies.
For designers and engineers seeking a reliable additive manufacturing route to both prototypes and end-use components.
The process eliminates the need for hard tooling, making it an accessible and cost-effective solution for low-to-medium volume production runs and bridging manufacture. Parts are produced directly from your CAD data, meaning design iterations can be implemented rapidly without incurring tooling modification costs.
Production-grade parts
MJF is designed from the ground up for industrial-grade production without the need for tooling. Parts emerge with the mechanical integrity required for functional testing and end-use deployment.
High-volume capability
The full build volume can be densely populated with parts, making MJF exceptionally efficient for volume production runs. Multiple part numbers can be nested together within a single build.
Exceptional throughput
Production speeds are significantly faster than many traditional powder bed processes, allowing more parts to be produced in a shorter timeframe without compromising dimensional accuracy.
Consistency & repeatability
Volume production runs deliver parts that are dimensionally consistent build to build. This repeatability makes MJF suitable for regulated industries and quality-critical applications.
Fine detail & surface quality
The combination of precision fusing and detailing agents produces parts with crisp feature definition and a consistently uniform surface finish, requiring minimal post-processing for many applications.
Non-hygroscopic materials
Certain MJF nylon grades exhibit low moisture absorption, making them well-suited to environments where dimensional stability and long-term performance in humid or wet conditions are important.
Geometry without compromise
One of the most significant advantages of Multi Jet Fusion over conventional manufacturing is the almost unlimited geometric freedom it affords designers and engineers. Complex internal channels, lattice structures, undercuts, and interlocking assemblies that would be entirely impossible to produce through injection moulding or CNC machining can be realised in a single build with no additional cost or complexity.
Trusted across demanding sectors
MJF has established itself as a reliable manufacturing route across a broad range of industries, precisely because it delivers the dimensional accuracy, material performance, and part-to-part consistency that demanding applications require. From early-stage concept models through to end-use components, the technology scales to suit the needs of each sector.
- Aerospace & Defence
- Healthcare Medical Devices
- Automotive & Transportation
- Consumer Products
- Aerospace & Defence
- Healthcare Medical Devices
- Automotive & Transportation
- Consumer Products
Want more from your parts?
Bonding & assembly
MJF parts can be structurally bonded together to form larger assemblies or complex multi-body structures that exceed the build volume of a single print. This allows for the creation of large-format components with excellent join integrity.
Colour dyeing
Parts can be dyed to a wide range of colours to suit your branding requirements, product specifications, or customer expectations. Dyeing penetrates the surface of the nylon for a durable, consistent finish across the entire component.
Vapour fusing
Our vapour fusing process chemically smooths the surface of MJF parts, dramatically reducing surface roughness and producing a finish that is far closer to that of an injection-moulded component. The result is a visually superior and more tactile surface.
Partnering with global leaders across diverse industries
High-performance materials available
Nylon 12
Main Properties
Application examples
- Structural and load-bearing components
- Highly detailed enclosures and housings
- Industrial components requiring chemical resistance
- Functional prototypes and end-use parts
Nylon 12 is the workhorse material of the MJF range. It delivers excellent tensile strength, high density, and strong resistance to a broad range of chemicals and solvents. Its non-hygroscopic nature makes it particularly suited to parts that will be used in environments where moisture exposure is a factor.
Nylon 11
Main Properties
Application examples
- Living hinges and snap-fit features
- Automotive interior components
- Medical device housings and components
- Parts requiring repeated flexure or impact loading
Nylon 11 offers a greater degree of flexibility and toughness compared to PA 12, with an excellent elongation at break that makes it the preferred choice for parts that must withstand repeated impact, deflection, or dynamic loading without fracturing. It is also bio-sourced, offering a more sustainable material option.
Nylon TPU
Main Properties
Application examples
- Straps, bands, and clip features
- Automotive clips, gaskets, and seals
- Consumer product soles and grips
- Flexible enclosures and protective covers
TPU for MJF delivers the flexibility and elasticity of a rubber-like material combined with the dimensional accuracy and repeatability of the MJF process. With an 88A Shore hardness, it is ideal for parts that require compression, stretch, or vibration damping characteristics whilst retaining their shape over time.
Need expert guidance?
We have compiled answers to the questions our customers ask most frequently about MJF technology, materials, and the process of working with us.
How does MJF differ from other powder bed technologies such as SLS?
Both MJF and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) use a bed of nylon powder as their build medium, but the way in which they fuse that powder is fundamentally different. SLS uses a single laser to trace and sinter each layer point by point, which is an inherently sequential and time-consuming process. MJF, by contrast, uses an inkjet array to spray chemical agents onto a thin layer of thermoplastic powder, which are then fused together by infrared heating elements.
The practical result is that MJF is considerably faster, particularly for volume production runs, and delivers more consistent mechanical properties throughout the part because the thermal energy is applied more uniformly. MJF parts also typically exhibit a finer, more consistent surface finish straight from the machine, with better isotropy in their mechanical properties across the X, Y, and Z axes.
What tolerances and minimum feature sizes can MJF achieve?
MJF is capable of holding tight dimensional tolerances, making it suitable for functional assemblies and components that require consistent part-to-part fit. As a general guide, you can expect tolerances in the region of ±0.3mm for smaller features, with larger parts typically holding within ±0.3% of the nominal dimension. However, achievable tolerances can vary depending on part geometry, wall thickness, build orientation, and the specific material used.
Minimum recommended wall thickness is typically around 0.5mm for structural walls, though thinner features can be produced in certain geometries. Minimum feature sizes such as pins, bosses, and fine text are generally achievable down to approximately 0.5mm. We recommend sharing your CAD data with our team so that we can review the geometry and advise on the most appropriate build strategy to achieve your required tolerances.
Is MJF suitable for end-use production parts, or is it primarily for prototyping?
MJF is very much a dual-purpose technology and is widely used for genuine end-use production parts across a broad range of industries. Unlike some additive manufacturing processes that are better suited to one-off or low-volume prototype work, MJF has been engineered from the outset with industrial production in mind. Its throughput, repeatability, and part-to-part consistency make it a credible alternative to injection moulding for low-to-medium volume production runs, particularly where tooling costs would be prohibitive or where design flexibility is still required.
The technology is used in production environments within the automotive, medical device, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment sectors, among others. If you are considering MJF for a production application, our team can advise on the most appropriate material, build strategy, and any post-processing that may be required to meet your performance or aesthetic requirements.
How do I prepare and submit MJF files, and what is the typical lead time?
We accept files in a range of standard 3D formats, including STL, STEP, and 3MF. STL is the most commonly used format for additive manufacturing, but STEP files are preferred where precise dimensional data and surface definition are important. Before submitting, please ensure your file is watertight (manifold), that all surfaces are correctly oriented, and that the geometry is free from intersecting or duplicate bodies.
Lead times are dependent on build volume, the number of parts, and current capacity. Standard lead times for MJF parts are typically three to five working days from file approval, with expedited options available for urgent requirements. Once we have received and reviewed your files, we will provide a formal quotation along with a confirmed lead time. Simply upload your files via our quoting portal or contact our team directly to get started.