Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to 3D printing. In general, 3D printing technologies can be split up into 2 groups: direct and indirect 3D printing. The main difference lies in the fact that the design is made from 3D printing (direct) or 3D printing was used in the process of creating your model (indirect). PolyJet is an example of a direct 3D printing technique.
How It Works
PolyJet prototyping technology is used to build your design with this material. Objet’s patented PolyJet inkjet technology works by jetting photopolymer materials in ultra-thin layers onto a build tray, layer by layer until the model is completed. Each photopolymer layer is cured by UV light immediately after being jetted, producing fully cured models that can be handled and used immediately. The gel-like support material, which is specially designed to support complicated geometries, can easily be removed by hand and water jetting.
Materials
Multicolor+
- The only material that offers full color models
- Surface has a layered plastic look
- Allows a lot of freedom in design
- Mostly used for items with limited functionality
High-Detail Resin
- Ideal for small and/or very finely-detailed visual models
- Allows a lot of freedom in design
- Mostly used for non-functional items
Trivia
Did you know that?
- In 2012, Objet announced that it agreed to merge with Stratasys in an all-stock transaction.
- Hollywood seems to love PolyJet Technology. Movies like Iron Man, Real Steel, Pacific Rim, Coraline and Avatar have all used it in some kind of way.
- Materialise has been using this technology since 2006.
