There are many types of 3D printing technologies available today, but what’s the difference between them?
This blog post will look at PolyJet vs FDM printing technologies and compare the two. Read on to learn more!
PolyJet Vs FDM: Understanding What They Mean
PolyJet and FDM are two of the most popular 3D printing technologies.
Both have their pros and cons, but which one is the best for your project?
Let’s look at PolyJet vs FDM to see how they compare.
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PolyJet
PolyJet technology uses an inkjet print head to deposit layers of photopolymer resin.
This allows precise control over layer height, resulting in smooth surfaces and fine details.
PolyJet printers also have a large build area, ideal for large-scale projects.
However, PolyJet printers are more expensive than FDM printers, and the photopolymer resins used can be more challenging to work with during 3D printing.
FDM
FDM technology works by extruding layers of melted plastic filament.
This process is not as precise as PolyJet, but it is cheaper and easier to use.
The best FDM printers also have a smaller build area than PolyJet printers, which makes them unsuitable for larger projects.
FDM is ideally suited for smaller-scale projects where precise detail is not essential. But, if you need precise detail for larger projects, PolyJet works best.
So, which technology is best for your project? It depends on your budget and what you need to print.
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How Does PolyJet Printing Work?
PolyJet printing is a 3D printing technology that uses liquid photopolymers to produce parts.
They use a print head to deposit droplets of photopolymer onto a build tray, which then cures or hardens under UV light.
PolyJet printing is similar to FDM printing in that it can create parts layer by layer.
However, there are some critical differences between PolyJet and FDM printing.
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PolyJet Differences
For example, PolyJet printers deposit material in weak layers, typically between 16 and 30 microns.
This allows for smooth surfaces and fine details.
PolyJet printers can also print in multiple materials simultaneously.
This gives designers greater flexibility when creating parts with complex geometries.
Finally, PolyJet printers use UV-curable resins, which produce amounts with superior mechanical properties.
The short video below further illustrates how PolyJet printing works:
How Does FDM Printing Work?
FDM printing is a 3D printing technology that uses thermoplastic filaments to produce parts.
The filament is fed through a nozzle that melts the plastic and deposits it in layers to build the desired shape.
FDM printing is popular because it is relatively affordable and easy to use, and it can produce parts with high accuracy and detail.
In addition, FDM printers can be used with a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, and PETG.
FDM printing is ideal for prototyping or for creating small batches of parts.
However, it is not well suited for large-scale production due to its slow print speed.
So what are the advantages of FDM over PolyJet?
Advantages Of FDM Over PolyJet
FDM and PolyJet are two of the most popular 3D printing technologies.
Both have advantages and disadvantages, but FDM tends to be more widely used due to its lower cost and compatibility with a broader range of materials.
Here are some of the critical advantages of FDM over PolyJet:
- FDM is less expensive than PolyJet, both in terms of the initial purchase price of the printer and the 3D printer material cost.
- FDM printers are more versatile than PolyJet printers and can print with a broader range of materials. This includes both standard plastics and more specialized materials like ABS and PLA.
- FDM prints tend to be more accurate than PolyJet prints due to the nature of the technology.
- FDM prints tend to be stronger than PolyJet prints because the fused layers create a stronger bond than the glue used in PolyJet printing.
Overall, FDM is a more widely-used 3D printing technology due to its lower cost and versatility.
How does FDM compare with other 3D printers? The video below compares FDM to DLP and SLA:
Advantages Of PolyJet Over FDM
Although FDM does have numerous advantages over PolyJet, here’s a quick rundown of some of the advantages of PolyJet over FDM:
- PolyJet can print on a broader range of materials, including photopolymers, resin, and wax. This gives you more flexibility when choosing a suitable material for your project.
- PolyJet produces smoother and more detailed prints than FDM. This is because the material is deposited in thick layers with only a few microns.
- PolyJet is faster than FDM, making it a good choice if you need your prints quickly.
Final Words
Now that you know all about PolyJet vs FDM printers, which technology do you think would better fit your project?
Keep in mind the pros and cons of each printing process when deciding which to use for your next project.
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