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AM Powder Bed Technologies

Selective Laser Sintering vs. Multi-Jet Fusion

Discover the fascinating realm of powder bed additive manufacturing, which involves utilizing cutting-edge selective laser sintering and multi-jet fusion technologies. These advanced techniques allow for the precise and efficient creation of complex 3D-printed objects, opening up a world of possibilities for manufacturing and design.

Selective Laser Sintering
Laser Sintering (LS) Component

Selective laser sintering is an innovative and advanced additive manufacturing process that utilizes state-of-the-art laser technology to fuse a carefully selected blend of highly refined powdered materials into exceptional 3D objects. Due to its precision and versatility, this cutting-edge process is used in a wide range of industries and applications. With the ability to produce incredibly intricate and complex designs and manipulate the physical properties of the final product, selective laser sintering is revolutionizing the field of manufacturing and paving the way for the future of design and engineering.

Multi-Jet Fusion
Prototek Capabilities_Multi-Jet Fusion

Multi-Jet Fusion is an versatile additive manufacturing technology that utilizes powdered thermoplastic material, liquid binding agent, and infrared energy to fuse layers to create high-quality, functional parts that are both durable and efficient. This cutting-edge process has revolutionized the manufacturing industry and paved the way for unprecedented progress in the medical and aerospace engineering fields. With its ability to produce complex, intricate designs with exceptional precision and speed, Multi-Jet Fusion is a game-changer in advanced manufacturing.

Comparing these powder bed technologies.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet fusion (MJF) are two groundbreaking additive manufacturing techniques that have recently revolutionized the manufacturing industry. These techniques use distinct processes and offer unique capabilities, benefiting businesses across different sectors.

Selective laser sintering uses high-powered lasers to fuse layers of powdered materials, resulting in highly accurate and durable finished products. On the other hand, multi-jet fusion utilizes a combination of heat, pressure, and UV light to combine layers of powdered materials, resulting in faster production times and enhanced material properties.

Regarding surface finish and part accuracy, SLS and MJF create products with unique characteristics. SLS typically produces parts with a slightly rougher surface finish due to the powder-based process, but it can achieve greater part accuracy than MJF. MJF, on the other hand, generally produces parts with a smoother surface finish due to the liquid-based process. However, the accuracy of MJF parts may be slightly lower compared to SLS. It is essential to consider the specific application and requirements when choosing between these two technologies for 3D printing.

By embracing these cutting-edge technologies, businesses can achieve significant cost savings, increase efficiency in their production processes, and enjoy greater design flexibility. From aerospace and automotive manufacturing to medical device production and beyond, the potential applications for these techniques are virtually endless. The ability to create complex and intricate designs with incredible precision, selective laser sintering, and multi-jet fusion genuinely changes how we think about manufacturing. If you want to stay at the forefront of your industry, it’s time to explore the possibilities these exciting new technologies offer.

Powder Bed Technologies in a Glance

Selective Laser Sintering
AM Technology_Laser Sintering

OEM: EOS & 3D Systems

Max Build Area: 26 x 13.5 x 21.8 in

Lead Time: 3 – 5 Days

Material: Fire Retardant Nylon 11, Glass Filled Nylon 12, Nylon 12, Ultrasint® TPU 88A

Tolerances: First inch ± 0.005 in and additional inches ± 0.002 in/in

Multi-Jet Fusion
Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing Technology_Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

OEM: HP

Max Build Area: 14.96 x 11.18 x 14.96 in

Lead Time: 1 – 3 Days

Material: HP Nylon 12 and HP Nylon 12 GB

Tolerances: First inch ± 0.010 in and additional inches ± 0.003 in/in

Selective Laser Sintering
Multi-Jet Fusion
Powder Bed AM Technology Laser Sintering (LS)
Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing Technology_Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

OEM

EOS & 3D Systems

HP

Max Build Area

26 x 13.5 x 21.8 in

14.96 x 11.18 x 14.96 in

Lead Time

3 – 5 Days

2 – 4 Days

Tolerances

First inch ± 0.005 in

Add. inches ± 0.002 in/in

First inch ± 0.010 in
Add. inches ± 0.003 in/in

Design Recommendations

Selective Laser Sintering

Connecting & Moving: Connecting 0.006 in and moving 0.012 in

Escape Holes: 0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving: Width 0.04 in and height/depth 0.04 in

Holes & Openings: 0.02 in

Horizontal Spans: Supports not Required

Minimum Features: 0.03 in

Pin Diameter: 0.02 in

Supports & Overhangs: Supports not Required

Walls (supported): 0.03 in

Walls (unsupported): Supports not Required

Multi-Jet Fusion

Connecting & Moving: Connecting 0.006 in and moving 0.012 in

Escape Holes: 0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving: Width 0.04 in and height/depth 0.04 in

Holes & Openings: 0.03 in

Horizontal Spans: Supports not Required

Minimum Features: 0.03 in

Pin Diameter: 0.02 in

Supports & Overhangs: Supports not Required

Walls (supported): 0.02 in

Walls (unsupported): Supports not Required

Selective Laser Sintering
Multi-Jet Fusion

Connecting & Moving Parts

Connecting: 0.006 in
Moving: 0.012 in
Connecting: 0.006 in
Moving: 0.012 in

Escape Holes

0.04 in

0.04 in

Embossing & Engraving

Width: 0.04 in
Height/Depth: 0.04 in

Width: 0.04 in
Height/Depth: 0.04 in

Holes & Openings

0.02 in

0.03 in

Horizontal Spans

Supports not Required

Supports not Required

Minimum Features

0.03 in

0.03 in

Pin Diameter

0.02 in

0.02 in

Supports & Overhangs

Supports not Required

Supports not Required

Walls (Supported)

0.03 in

0.02 in

Walls (Unsupported)

Supports not Required

Supports not Required

Finishing Levels

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF)

Natural –

SLS | Matte, white finish.

MJF | Matte, grey finish.

Standard –

SLS | NA

MJF | Matte finish dyed black.

Tumbled – The surface is smoothed with a media for an eggshell finish.

Smoothed & Sealed – Bead-blasted and vapor-smoothed for a sealed, satin, watertight finish. 

Dyed – 

SLS | Dyed, please specify the color.

MJF | NA

Smoothed, Sealed, & Dyed – Vapor-sealed and dyed (specify color) for a satin, watertight finish.

Primed Exterior – Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are smoothed and coated in grey primer.

Painted – Parts are smoothed, primed, and painted (provide drawing with paint specification).

Custom – Custom finish. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form if your project requires special finishing.

Selective Laser Sintering
Multi-Jet Fusion

Natural

Matte, white finish.

Matte, grey finish.

Standard

NA

Matte finish dyed black.

Tumbled

The surface is smoothed with a media for an eggshell finish.

The surface is smoothed with a media for an eggshell finish.

Smoothed & Sealed

Bead-blasted and vapor smoothed for a sealed, satin watertight finish. Check out our automated post-processing capabilities.

Bead-blasted and vapor smoothed for a sealed, satin watertight finish.

Dyed

Dyed, please specify the color.

NA

Smoothed, Sealed, & Dyed

Vapor-sealed and dyed (specify color) for a satin, watertight finish.

Vapor-sealed and dyed (specify color) for a satin, watertight finish.

Primed Exterior

Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are smoothed and coated in grey primer.

Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are smoothed and coated in grey primer.

Painted

Parts are smoothed, primed, and painted (provide drawing with paint specifications).

Parts are smoothed, primed, and painted (provide drawing with paint specifications).

Custom

Custom finish. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form if your project requires special finishing.

Custom finish. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form if your project requires special finishing.

Are you ready to start your project?

FAQs

What are the similarities between selective laser sintering and multi-jet fusion?

Selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet fusion (MJF) are both additive manufacturing techniques that utilize powdered materials. They share similarities in their layer-by-layer build process, ability to produce complex geometries, and suitability for various engineering-grade materials. Both technologies offer high precision and repeatability, making them valuable options for industrial applications.

What are the differences between selective laser sintering and multi-jet fusion?
Selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet fusion (MJF) are both additive manufacturing techniques, but they differ in their approach. SLS uses a laser to selectively sinter powdered materials, while MJF employs a fusing agent and infrared heat to bind the powder. These distinct processes result in parts with varying surface finishes, mechanical properties, and production speeds, making them suitable for different applications.

The content on this blog post is for informational purposes only. Prototek does not make any declaration or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, regarding the information’s accuracy, completeness, or validity. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be assumed to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or us. It’s crucial to note that buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for their project.

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