Material Jetting is a 3D printing process that selectively jets droplets of build and support materials onto the build platform and cures them by either ultraviolet light or heat to form a 3D object. The technique is capable of producing highly accurate parts with resolution down to 14 microns, which can produce smooth parts with surfaces comparable to injection molding and very high dimensional accuracy. The technology is ideal for realistic prototypes, providing an excellent level of detail, high accuracy, and smooth surface finish.
Compared to other additive manufacturing techniques, Material Jetting offers several advantages. Firstly, it is capable of producing highly accurate parts with resolution down to 14 microns, which can produce smooth parts with surfaces comparable to injection molding and very high dimensional accuracy. Secondly, it is capable of printing in multiple colors and several materials in a single print. Thirdly, it is a low-energy method for fabricating parts from powdered media, using less energy than comparable methods due to the lack of a laser in the process. Fourthly, it is a safer and easier to handle process with no loose powder. Lastly, it is ideal for precise and scalable mass production of small yet accurate objects .
However, there are also some challenges associated with the process. For example, Material Jetting requires supports for overhanging structures; however, supports can be easily dissolved away, leaving little trace of their existence. UV-activated photopolymers lose mechanical properties over time and can become brittle. Additionally, the machines are still expensive with limited throughput.