The PolyJet Process at Protogenic

Using an Objet Eden 500v system, Protogenic is able to produce parts directly from your CAD files in any one of several materials available.  PolyJet, or multi-jet modeling, is a printing process where photopolymers are jetted on to a build platform, then parts are built up layer by layer.  In this case, those layers can be as small as 16 microns, with 600x600 dpi. Most parts can be run in less than a day, and the result is either a very accurate rigid model, or a soft rubber-like model printed in one of the available Shore A materials.  For rigid models, we guarantee the same level of accuracy that can be expected from our SLA models, however it's possible your PolyJet models will be produced even closer to nominal than an SLA of the same file.

How it works...

PolyJet Material Properties - full disclosure

Compared to SLA's, the Shore D materials are generally stiffer, and with few exceptions, SLA's are often the better choice compared to PolyJet for rigid parts.  The shore A materials all have very poor tear strength properties, which often makes them more of a liability than an asset.  One highlight is the Tango Plus materials have a really good elongation, making them the only PolyJet material that will actually "stretch."  But when asked which process is best, more times than not we're not suggesting PolyJet.

So why have it?  Well sometimes you just need a part, and you need it to ship tomorrow.   PolyJet is fast, in fact in terms of total lead time (measured from when you say "go" to when your parts are available to ship) the Eden PolyJet is the fastest process we have, hands down.  We can often receive an order in the morning, and ship parts out that same day.  (need that to happen? just ask!)   For Shore A parts in particular, there's no question that you'll get better looking, and better performing parts from either cast urethanes or cast silicones.  But the time and cost associated with printing one PolyJet part compared to creating a master pattern, mold, and casting is considerably less, and we understand that sometimes you just run out of runway. 

There are some applications where a PolyJet part can do a great job at proving out a design, and other applications where it's likely going to be a disaster for you.  Here's a quick outline of each:

To download a copy of our standard tolerances and guidelines for each process, please click here.
To download a copy of the PolyJet material specs available at Protogenic, please click here .
To download a copy of the spec sheet from Objet for the Tango Plus, please click here

 And be sure to contact us if you'd like to see a sample!