What to Know About Material Jetting 3D Printers

As far as types of manufacturing go, 3D printing is one of the most impressive because of how quickly it can be developed and how many different types exist—including material jetting. This layer-by-layer method is versatile and can handle a wide range of materials to build exactly the product you need. If you’re intrigued by the process, get to know how it works below and the types of materials you can run through a material jetting printer. 

What Is Material Jetting?

Like many other types of 3D printers, material jetting entails building an object through layers. However, it stands out from other types based on how those layers are built — it drips liquefied material onto the printing bed in the shape you’ve designed. The material used is photosensitive, and it’s cured through UV light. 

To make sure this process runs smoothly, you’ll want to be aware of the different parts of a material jetting printer and what functions they provide. There are four major components, including the printheads, which are responsible for getting the material onto the build platform — another vital part. Then there is the material container, which holds onto the liquid resin before the printheads dispense it. Lastly, there’s a UV light, which is responsible for curing the finished build. 

We’ve given a general idea of how material jetting works below. 

How the Process Works

Here are the steps a printer takes to create a material jetted product:

1. The first thing that’ll happen is the machine will heat up the resin or liquid material you’re using so it’s viscous enough to print.
2. Then, the printhead will move based on directions from the design file and release small droplets of the resin onto the build platform.
3. Once the first layer is done, the UV light will cure it and then the printhead will start on the second layer until the model is complete.

Material Jetting vs. Binder Jetting 

When you’re deciding between types of 3D printing methods, you’ll probably come across many comparisons between material and binder jetting. The main difference between these two is how they’re cured. Material involves UV light, whereas binder jetting is a touch more complex and will involve placing down a binder on top of a powder bed that’ll then be fused together. If precision and surface finish are the priority, you’ll want to opt for material jetting, but if large-scale production and lower costs are more important, binder jetting is the way to go. 

Types of Materials Used

There are lots of different materials you can use with a material jetting printer, which might make it tougher to settle on one, but you’ll usually find it’s between polymers, plastics, and waxes. When you’re considering various resins, think about the mechanical properties your parts will need, the cost, how easy the material will be to process and finish, and how compatible this material is with your printer. Here are several of the materials you’ll find that work with a material jet printer:

• Polypropylene
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
• Photopolymers
• Wax
• High-density polyethylene
• Polymethyl methacrylate
• Polystyrene and high-impact polystyrene

Advantages and Disadvantages

Working with a material jetting printer has quite a few benefits, including the following:

• Precise: This method can print parts with intricate designs that other printers might not be able to render accurately.
• Top-Tier Aesthetics: This is a great type of 3D printing if you care about the surface finish of the product or if it’s an important part of its function or looks. 
• Speed: You can expect products with a quicker turnaround thanks to this speedier printing type, especially in comparison to FDM.
• Easy curing: Since the UV light is built into the machine, you don’t have to cure the product after it has been printed. 
• Adaptable: There are many applications this type of printing is good for, including making molds and accurate prototypes. 

There are also a handful of limitations to be mindful of before choosing this printing method:

• Material options: While there are plenty of plastics out there you can use with a material jetting printer, it’s limited when it comes to other types of materials.
• Cost: Material jetting 3D printing is usually more expensive than other types, like the aforementioned binder jetting, and its tech and machine may require more maintenance. 
• Build Size: This method isn’t cut out for printing extra-large parts and is better equipped for smaller components. 
• Poorer mechanical properties: Because you’re working with plastic and wax, the final product won’t have the strength and other features of a 3D-printed part made of something stronger or mechanically superior.

Disclaimer

The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.