New materials have been announced for Multi Jet Fusion. These materials include PA 11, PA 12 Glass Beads and Polypropylene.
HP 3D High Reusability PA11
This material is is for those parts requiring a greater impact resistance and ductility than from the PA 12 material. Examples of usage are insoles, snap fits and living hinges.
HP 3D High Reusability PA 12 Glass Beads
For parts requiring dimensional stability and increased stiffness over normal PA 12. Examples would be enclosures fixtures and tooling. This material was used to print the tray on the zero gravity 2D printer developed for NASA .
HP 3D High Reusability Polypropylene
As typical for parts made from polypropylene this would give greater flexibility and chemical resistance. Example are parts that are lighter and watertight requirements. This material will not be available until mid-2018.
HP Open Materials Platform
HP has opened the development of materials for the technology to all companies. They have over 50 companies developing materials using the Material Development Kit. (MDK) shown.
The latest additions to this group have been DSM and Evonik. We can only assume that the future will bring available a lot more material options.
Sources:
• 3D Printing Industry
• TCT Magazine
• Engineering.com