"MJF's powder bed technology allows parts to be produced quickly while having mechanical properties and surface finishes suitable for production. Previous additive manufacturing methods have failed to meet these criteria."
- Doug Campell, President | SICAM
Injection Molding (IM) vs Mult-Jet Fusion (MJF)
Injection Molding has been a manufacturing process for over 150 years, and has revolutionized the industry in many ways.
Multi-Jet Fusion was fairly recently introduced by HP in 2016.
How are some engineers using MJF for production instead of IM?
Do they even compare?
Engineers in industries like aerospace, EV automotive, recreational, and as usual, consumer goods to name a few, evolve more rapidly now than ever. Demanding quick iterations, rigorous testing, and efficient quality production.
But let’s reverse-engineer this…
The Case for Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF): Speed, Flexibility, and Innovation
MJF has revolutionized how we approach rapid prototyping and production manufacturing. Why? Because it’s fast, incredibly flexible, and ideal for creating complex geometries that traditional methods struggle to replicate.
Speed• MJF allows for the
rapid production of parts directly from CAD designs, cutting down the time from concept to physical product dramatically. When you’re in an industry where time is money (and who isn’t?), the ability to iterate quickly can be a game-changer.
Flexibility• Need to make a last-minute design change? No problem. MJF enables on-the-fly modifications without the need for expensive tooling changes. This
flexibility is crucial when testing and refining new designs before committing to large-scale production.
Innovation• The ability to create intricate, high-resolution parts without the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods opens doors to new possibilities. Engineers can push the boundaries of design, experimenting with
complex geometries that were once considered impossible.
For small-lot production, especially when you need to get a prototype into your hands yesterday, MJF is hard to beat. But, as much as I’d love to say it’s the silver bullet for all manufacturing needs, it’s not without its limitations.
The Case for Injection Molding (IM): Precision, Durability, and Scale
When it comes to large-scale production, Injection Molding remains the heavyweight champion. It’s been around for decades for a reason—it’s reliable, precise, and cost-effective when churning out thousands (or millions) of identical parts.
Precision• IM is renowned for producing complex parts with high precision and tight tolerances. When consistency is non-negotiable, IM delivers.
Durability• The molds used in IM are built to last. Once your mold is dialed in, it can produce millions of parts with virtually no degradation in quality. This durability makes IM the go-to for high-volume production runs.
Scale• For large-scale production, IM is incredibly cost-effective. The initial investment in tooling can be steep, but once you’re in production, the per-part cost plummets, making it the most economical choice for mass production.
However, IM has it's drawbacks, particularly in the early stages of product development. The time and cost involved in creating molds can be prohibitive if you’re still iterating on your design. This is where MJF shines as a complementary technology.
Why Fast Iteration and Small-Lot Production Matter
Industries like Aerospace and EV Automotive are under constant pressure to innovate. Designs are evolving faster than ever, and the ability to quickly test and iterate on new concepts is crucial. This is where MJF offers a significant advantage.
With MJF, engineers can produce functional prototypes in a fraction of the time it would take to develop a mold for IM. This speed allows for rapid iteration, testing, and refinement before moving to full-scale production. For small-lot production runs, MJF provides the flexibility to meet demand without the overhead of creating molds.
But here’s the secret that savvy engineers know: The real magic happens when you leverage both technologies...
The Secret to Efficient Design and Production
Imagine you’ve nailed your design using MJF for rapid prototyping. You’ve iterated quickly, refined your part, and are now ready for production. This is where a partner like SICAM comes into play. At SICAM, we not only help you create your prototypes quickly and efficiently with MJF, but we also transition seamlessly into injection molding when it’s time for large-scale production.
...By partnering with a company that offers both MJF and IM, you get the best of both worlds. You can innovate quickly with MJF, and when your design is finalized, shift to IM for cost-effective, large-scale manufacturing. This approach improves efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures high-quality results every time.
Is MJF better than Injection Molding?
Need help comparing the costs for your project?
👉 GET A QUOTEThe answer, as with many things in engineering, is it depends. For rapid prototyping and small-lot production, MJF is an unbeatable tool in your arsenal. But when it comes to large-scale manufacturing, IM still reigns supreme.
The secret lies in knowing when to use each technology to its fullest potential—and that’s where SICAM can be your best-kept secret. We help you bring your designs to life, from rapid prototyping with MJF to full-scale production with IM. With SICAM as your partner, you’re not just keeping pace with industry demands—you’re setting the standard.
And who wouldn’t want to be at the cutting edge of innovation?