Answer which 3D printing technology is “better” MJF or SLS depends on our needs and project specs. Each technology has benefits and drawbacks that make it better suited to specific applications. Here is a summary of their key strengths.
SLS (Selective laser sintering) is an additive manufacturing process that employs a high-powered laser to selectively fuse powdered material (such as nylon, thermoplastics, or metals) layer by layer to construct the finished object.
- Improved material versatility: SLS can deal with a variety of materials, including nylon, thermoplastics, metals, and ceramics, providing you with more alternatives for your project.
- High-quality prints: Because of the sintering process, SLS creates items with good mechanical strength and fine features, making them suited for practical prototypes and end-use parts.
- SLS can handle elaborate and sophisticated designs, making it helpful for manufacturing parts with intricate internal systems.
MJF (MultiJet Fusion): MJF uses powdered material (typically nylon-based), but it uses several jets to apply a liquid binding agent and heat to fuse the powder, layer by layer, to make the item.
- Faster print speed: MJF is often faster than SLS, allowing for faster part production and making it appropriate for projects with short deadlines. MJF generates smoother surfaces and greater surface details, leading to more visually pleasing parts with fewer visible layer lines.
- MJF is ideal for functional prototypes and small to medium-volume production of end-use parts due to its speed and surface finish combination.
- Faster print speed: MJF is often faster than SLS, allowing for faster part production and making it appropriate for projects with short deadlines.
- MJF generates smoother surfaces and greater surface details, leading to more visually pleasing parts with less evident flaws.
The conclusion is that MJF produces stronger and more flexible parts than SLS parts. Additionally, MJF parts exhibit more uniform mechanical properties throughout the entire part (ISOTROPIC), while SLS parts tend to have weaker mechanical properties along the print direction.
Both SLS and MJF technologies are capable of printing parts with comparable accuracy. Well, skill and expertise determine the quality manufacturer.