Does your design demand ultra-fine detail and sleek surface finishes? PolyJet and SLA are both capable of producing high-detail parts, but when you need to push the boundaries of precision and versatility, PolyJet tends to lead the pack.

In this blog, we explore how PolyJet stacks up against SLA, and why so many engineers and designers turn to this 3D printing technology for high-spec prototyping.

Understanding 3D printing technologies

What is SLA 3D printing?

Stereolithography (SLA) is one of the oldest 3D printing technologies that uses a UV layer to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer-by-layer. It’s the go-to choice for smooth surface finishes and intricate geometries, and is often seen in the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries. But while SLA 3D printers do deliver on detail, they are limited to printing using one material at a time, and the extensive post-processing needed can dramatically slow down production timelines.

What is PolyJet 3D printing?

PolyJet works similarly to inkjet printing, jetting droplets of liquid photopolymer onto a build platform and curing them instantly with UV light. This allows for high accuracy and vibrant full-colour parts, and it can even combine multiple materials in a single print. Originally launched by Objet Technologies in 2000, PolyJet has grown rapidly in demand, with an expected market growth of $37.4 billion by 2029. When we take a closer look at the advantages of PolyJet, it’s easy to see why…

Key advantages of PolyJet

1) Razor-sharp resolution

PolyJet printers can achieve layer thicknesses as fine as 14 microns over a build area of 490 x 390 x 200mm. This enables you to produce high resolution parts with intricate geometries, which is perfect for precise applications like dental moulds and surgical guides.

2) Superior surface quality

Unlike SLA, PolyJet parts come off the printer ready to go with minimal post-processing required. Thanks to its smooth surface finish, additional steps like sanding and polishing are unnecessary, making PolyJet ideal for producing customer-facing prototypes and showroom-ready presentation models.

3) Extensive material toolbox

PolyJet 3D printers use a wide range of rigid and flexible materials to produce high-detail parts. At 3D Print Bureau, we stock an extensive array of PolyJet materials to suit just about any application – from ergonomic tooling to biocompatible surgical guides:

• – The Vero family for rigid, detailed parts
• – Agilus30 for rubber-like flexibility
• – A combination of Vero and Agilus30 for polypropylene-like parts
• – The VeroDent range for dental applications 
• – High Temperature for heat-resistant 3D printed parts 
• – Digital ABS plus for tough, high-impact parts
• – VeroClear and VeroUltraClear for transparent components
• – Bespoke digital materials, blended to suit your project requirements

4) Multi-material and colour capabilities

One of PolyJet’s standout features is its ability to print multiple materials and colours simultaneously. At 3D Print Bureau, we can combine up to 27 different digital materials and 500,000 different colours within a single print. This opens up the door to prototyping that looks and feels like the final product.

Use cases where PolyJet excels

Medical prototyping

PolyJet enables the creation of detailed, full-colour medical anatomical models, biocompatible surgical guides, and simulation tools. Rubber-like materials like Agilus30 can replicate the feel of soft tissue, while VeroClear enables you to visualise internal structures in transparent models. 

Consumer products

From consumer packaging mock-ups to fully functional gadgets, PolyJet brings realistic aesthetics and tactile properties to the prototyping process. With endless colour and texture capabilities available, you can gather feedback on a product’s appearance before committing to tooling. 

Automotive components

PolyJet allows you to develop robust, impact-resistant automotive parts with complex geometries and multiple material properties. For example, you could use Digital ABS to create components with supreme impact resistance, and combine this with softer materials like Agilus to seal features and buttons.

Electronic parts

PolyJet facilitates the production of high-precision electrical housings and components. You can test the fit, finish, and usability of intricate, high-detail enclosures with integrated labels, buttons, and light-diffusing elements.

Produce precise PolyJet parts with 3D Print Bureau

At 3D Print Bureau, we use Connex PolyJet 3D printing technology to create prototypes and parts that meet the highest quality standards. Our in-house fleet of advanced PolyJet 3D printers can produce parts with resolutions as fine as 16 microns, and our comprehensive range of PolyJet materials allow us to fulfil even the most complex project requirements.

Whether you’re working on a transparent dental component, a full-colour consumer presentation model, or a functional automotive design, our impressive PolyJet 3D printing capabilities can help bring your concept to life. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project.