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Inspecting an MJF 3D printed part with a CT scanner

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Date
August 1, 2022
Introduction to MJF

Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) is a 3D printing process developed by HP that uses inkjet heads to selectively apply a fusing agent to plastic powder. MJF parts resemble SLS prints, and the process has become popular because it produces strong, functional parts at high volume with cost-effective operation.

Like all 3D printing processes, MJF requires specialized design knowledge and careful post-processing to achieve optimal results. An industrial CT scanner can quickly pinpoint invisible problems that can lead to part failure.

Explore this scan in Voyager by creating a free account.

Trapped powder

Internal features can trap unfused powder, requiring design revisions or painstaking manual post-processing. This trapped powder is outwardly invisible, but easy to find with a CT scanner.

Surface quality

The MJF process offers excellent thermal control during printing, resulting in parts with low porosity and good surface finish. Here our CT scan shows a generally high-quality surface finish with a slight uniform roughness.

Accuracy

Thermal printing processes can introduce warping and other dimensional problems. This part turned out well, however; the Lumafield logo is sharp, and even the fine internal channel stays close to its 1 mm nominal diameter throughout its length.

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Inspecting an MJF 3D printed part with a CT scanner

August 1, 2022

Inspecting an MJF 3D printed part with a CT scanner

Introduction to MJF

Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) is a 3D printing process developed by HP that uses inkjet heads to selectively apply a fusing agent to plastic powder. MJF parts resemble SLS prints, and the process has become popular because it produces strong, functional parts at high volume with cost-effective operation.

Like all 3D printing processes, MJF requires specialized design knowledge and careful post-processing to achieve optimal results. An industrial CT scanner can quickly pinpoint invisible problems that can lead to part failure.

Explore this scan in Voyager by creating a free account.

Trapped powder

Internal features can trap unfused powder, requiring design revisions or painstaking manual post-processing. This trapped powder is outwardly invisible, but easy to find with a CT scanner.

Surface quality

The MJF process offers excellent thermal control during printing, resulting in parts with low porosity and good surface finish. Here our CT scan shows a generally high-quality surface finish with a slight uniform roughness.

Accuracy

Thermal printing processes can introduce warping and other dimensional problems. This part turned out well, however; the Lumafield logo is sharp, and even the fine internal channel stays close to its 1 mm nominal diameter throughout its length.

Other Articles in the Series