HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing is one of the fastest, most precise 3D printing technologies out there. But if you’ve ever pulled a part fresh from the printer and found it a little rough around the edges—or worse, warped and off-dimension—you know that printing alone isn’t enough.
Great 3D prints don’t just happen. They’re designed. From accuracy tweaks to surface smoothing tricks, here’s how to make sure your MJF parts come out sharp, smooth, and ready to impress.
🎯 Precision is Everything: Designing for Accuracy
MJF is highly precise, but factors like heat and material shrinkage can throw things off. Want perfect-fit parts? Keep these in mind:
✅ Plan for shrinkage – MJF parts can shift slightly as they cool, so allow ±0.2 mm per 100 mm in tolerances.
✅ Mind the walls – Uneven thickness = uneven cooling = warped parts. Keep wall thickness consistent to avoid surprises.
✅ Orient wisely – The XY plane prints with the best accuracy. Keep key details horizontal whenever possible.
✅ Fit it right – Mating parts? Leave at least 0.4 mm clearance so they don’t fuse together. Moving parts? Make that 0.7 mm for a smooth operation.
🌊 Say Goodbye to Rough Surfaces
Let’s talk layer lines. At 80-micron resolution, MJF parts are smoother than many other 3D prints, but rough textures and stair-stepping can still appear. Here’s how to keep things sleek:
🔹 Watch your angles – Surfaces at less than 20° on the Z-axis will show more visible stepping. Adjust design orientation for smoother results.
🔹 Use curves, not cliffs – Sharp edges highlight layer lines. Chamfers and fillets create a more polished look.
🔹 Engrave with confidence – Need text or a logo? Make details at least 1 mm deep or high for crisp definition.
🛠 Post-Processing: The Finishing Touches
Even with great design, post-processing is where the magic happens. Depending on your part’s needs, here’s what works best:
✨ Bead Blasting – Quick and easy, removes powder and smooths the surface slightly.
🎨 Dyeing – A sleek, uniform color upgrade without altering texture.
💨 Vapor Smoothing – The ultimate glow-up, sealing the surface and making parts water-resistant.
🚀 Final Thoughts: Print Like a Pro
Designing for accuracy and surface finish isn’t just about making your parts look pretty—it’s about ensuring they fit, function, and perform as intended. A little planning goes a long way in MJF printing, saving you from extra sanding, tweaking, and troubleshooting.
Want pro-level 3D printing without the guesswork? RapidMade has you covered, from precision printing to expert post-processing.
🔗 Get a quote or talk to an expert at RapidMade.com!
