Production-Grade 3D Printing

September 6, 2017

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Proto Labs (Maple Plain, MN) features Multi Jet Fusion as part of its suite of 3D printing technologies. The production-grade 3D printing technology, developed by HP, builds fully functional plastic prototypes and production parts with accelerated speed, detailed precision and consistent mechanical properties. HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology uses an inkjet array to apply fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder, which are then fused by heating elements into a solid layer. According to Proto Labs, the technology’s unique approach to binding powder results in more isotropic material properties, faster build speeds, and, ultimately, lower costs compared to other powder-based 3D printing processes.