Question 1

What is PolyJet 3D printing?

Accepted Answer

PolyJet jets microscopic droplets of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray and cures each layer with UV light, similar to a 2D inkjet printer working in 3D. It produces very fine detail, smooth surfaces, and can jet multiple materials and colors within the same layer.

Question 2

PolyJet vs SLA resin: what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Both cure liquid photopolymer with light, but SLA and DLP cure a single resin per build with a laser or projector, while PolyJet jets droplets and can combine multiple resins, colors, and rigid-to-flexible material blends in one part. SLA resins are generally more durable and lower cost; PolyJet wins on multi-material realism and surface smoothness.

Question 3

Can PolyJet print multiple materials or colors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PolyJet can jet rigid and flexible photopolymers, and combinations of them called digital materials, side by side in a single build, along with full color. That makes it well suited to overmolded-look prototypes, soft-touch grips on a rigid housing, and realistic color models.

Question 4

How accurate is PolyJet?

Accepted Answer

PolyJet holds tight tolerances and very fine layer resolution, which is what gives it the smoothest surface finish and crispest detail among common additive processes. A shop confirms exact tolerance against its printer and the specific material or material blend used.

Question 5

Are PolyJet parts functional or mainly cosmetic?

Accepted Answer

PolyJet parts are primarily used for cosmetic models, color and multi-material prototypes, and design validation rather than load-bearing functional parts, since the photopolymers are generally less durable and more UV-sensitive than nylon or engineering thermoplastics. For functional testing, shops often recommend SLS, MJF, or CNC machining alongside a PolyJet appearance model.

Design rule	Typical spec	Why
Layer resolution	16 to 28 microns	The finest layer height of the common additive processes.
Typical tolerance	+/- 0.1 mm	Holds tight on small to mid-size parts; confirm on larger builds.
Min wall thickness	0.6 to 1.0 mm	Thinner walls are fragile once support material is removed.
Multi-material / digital materials	up to dozens of blends in one build	Rigid, flexible, and digital-material blends can sit side by side in a single part.
Support removal	water-jet or dissolvable support	Fine features and internal channels can trap support material; flag them for the shop.

Process	Best for	Typical volume	Choose it over PolyJet when
Resin, SLA/DLP	Durable single-material detail at lower cost	Prototype to low volume	You do not need multi-material or multi-color and want a more durable single resin at a lower cost. PolyJet wins when you need multi-material combinations or the smoothest, most color-accurate surface.
FDM / FFF	Cheap functional prototypes	Prototype to low volume	You want the lowest cost or a rugged functional prototype and can accept visible layer lines.
SLS	Functional nylon parts	Low-volume production	You need strong, near-isotropic functional parts rather than fine cosmetic or multi-material detail.

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