Manufacturing services · Chapter F · Method 36

PolyJet printing

Printheads jet tiny droplets of photopolymer and cure them instantly with UV light. Mixes rigid, rubber-like and coloured materials in one print.

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PolyJet 3D printer. Representative process photo · Vigh Előd · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

How it works

PolyJet printing, step by step.

A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Labelled diagram showing how polyjet printing works — Schematic · not to scale. Drawn by TCI Group.

STEP 01

Jet

Printheads deposit droplets of resin.

STEP 02

Cure

UV lamps cure each pass immediately.

STEP 03

Support

Gel-like support fills gaps and overhangs.

STEP 04

Clean

Water-jet away the support material.

Reference figures

What to expect.

Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.

Tolerance±0.10 mm + 0.002 mm/mmTypical

FinishRa 0.8–2.0 µmVery smooth

Min Feature1.0 mm1.3 mm recommended

Multi-MaterialYesRigid + rubber-like

Materials	Rigid opaque and clear photopolymers, rubber-like Shore A blends, full colour.
Finishes	Gloss or matte; very smooth surfaces; full-colour textures.
Design guidance	Use for look-and-feel and simulated overmoulds. Rubber-like grades approximate Shore A values. Keep thin features above 1 mm.
Best suited to	Realistic prototypes, overmould simulations and fine-detail master patterns.
Watch-outs	Parts are less durable and UV-sensitive; not for long-term end use.

Other methods in 3D printing

Previous: Stereolithography (SLA)Next: Carbon DLS

Next step

Not sure this is the right route?

Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.

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Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.