A Guide to Post Processing MJF Parts

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that excels in producing high-quality, complex functional parts. Unlike most 3D printing technologies, MJF can manufacture detailed parts without the need for support material. The process allows for high throughput and consistent mechanical properties —ideal for both prototypes and end-use parts.

While MJF creates parts fit for end-use straight off the printer, applying a post-process to your 3D printed parts can elevate the properties and aesthetics. At Endeavor 3D, we use a series of post-processing steps to refine MJF parts, ensuring they meet industry standards and customer-specific requirements. In this article, we’ll uncover the various post-processing methods available for MJF parts at Endeavor 3D.

Initial Processing

Depowdering

Depowdering is the first step in post-processing and involves carefully extracting the MJF parts from the build chamber and removing any excess powder. This is done using specialized tools and high-pressure compressed air. Proper depowdering is critical because any residual powder can interfere with subsequent steps and affect the final finish of the part.

Bead Blasting

Once depowdering is complete, the parts are bead-blasted to smooth the surface and eliminate any remaining loose powder particles. In this process, fine-rounded media is blasted onto the part’s surface at a high velocity. Bead blasting leaves MJF parts with a more uniform finish and helps prepare parts for dyeing and vapor smoothing by ensuring a clean surface.

Pros

Smooths surface finish

Enhances part durability

Minimizes surface defects

Removes residual powder

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Advanced Finishing

Vapor Smoothing

Powerfuse S vapor smoothing technology. Source: DyeMansion

For applications that require a smoother surface or enhanced part performance, vapor smoothing is applied. Vapor smoothing uses chemical vapors to create a controlled melt of the outermost surface material, creating a sealed surface. The process minimizes blemishes and troughs on the part’s surface by carefully redistributing the material evenly in a controlled atmosphere. The result is a glossy finish that improves the aesthetics, part strength, and liquid resistance of the part.

Pros

Produces sealed and airtight parts

Increased mechanical properties

Biocompatible

Creates a smooth surface (even parts with intricate and complex geometries)

Design Guidelines

Maximum Size	300mm x 570mm x 270mm
Minimum Wall Thickness	1mm for PA materials and 1.5mm for TPE material.
Channels and Openings	A continuous channel with a diameter of 15mm and a length of approximately 250mm is processable. Geometric features with openings on both ends are preferable to features with deep one-sided openings (i.e. blind holes).
Moving Parts	Ideally, the parts are separated and mounted separately. Depending on the application, spaces and fixers can be added to the design to avoid contact.

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DyeMansion Service Guidelines

Explore the design guidelines for parts using DyeMansion PowerShot C and Vapor Smoothing technology.

Tumble Smoothing

Tumble smoothing is a well-established method of improving the smoothness and surface roughness of materials. At Endeavor 3D, a high-energy tumble finisher is used which is up to 90% faster than low-energy deburring tumblers. High-energy tumble finishers use small media, typically ceramic, and high forces to provide the deburring and polishing of parts with intricate grooves and corners.

Tumble smoothing has two key benefits for 3D-printed parts — improved functionality and enhanced aesthetics. Once the material is tumbled and becomes smoother, it enables moving parts to operate with a lower coefficient of friction. This makes it ideal for parts that need to be assembled such as hinges, actuators, and clips. The improved surface roughness also improves porosity, making tumbled parts more resistant to fluids.

Bel Air high-energy centrifugal disc finisher for tumble smoothing

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Texturing

3D Texture tools allow you to incorporate unique textures into your 3D printed designs. For MJF parts, Endeavor 3D uses SolidWorks 3D Textures to add detailed modifications to the part’s surfaces.

When using this tool, we can create intricate, high-fidelity textures directly on .STEP files. To do this, SolidWorks 3D Textures relies on grayscale heightmap images to modify surface textures.

A heightmap image is a grayscale image where different shades of gray represent varying heights on the part’s surface. When applied in SolidWorks, darker areas create recessed regions, while lighter areas form elevated sections, translating directly into the printed part’s texture. This capability means that almost any pattern or design can be converted into a tangible texture on the part’s surface.

16 different multi jet fusion (mjf) texture patterns for 3d printed parts

Various textures on 3D printed parts. Source: HP

Next, the grayscale data is translated into a 3D mesh. Once translated the mesh is “displaced,” meaning the surface geometry of the model is adjusted based on the height information provided by the grayscale image. The level of detail and resolution of the heightmap directly influence the quality of the texture, making it essential to use high-resolution images for finer textures.

The 3D Textures tool also offers complete control over key parameters that affect the appearance and performance of the part’s texture including depth, pattern scale, orientation, and placement. By having precise control, we can ensure that the final product meets specific design requirements.

HP 3D Digital Texture Library

Another powerful tool used to incorporate textures into Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) part designs is HP’s 3D Digital Texture Library. This extensive library allows designers and engineers to choose from thousands of texture options available. Designers can create parts that have enhanced grip, reduced glare, or improved wear resistance, all while maintaining the precision that MJF technology offers.

To streamline the design process further, HP’s 3D Digital Texture Visualization Tool enables designers to preview how textures will appear on 3D models before production. This tool allows for real-time modifications to pattern, scale, and orientation, providing a high level of accuracy in visualizing the final part. For engineers working on functional prototypes or end-use parts, this means that design decisions regarding texture can be finalized before a single part is printed, reducing the need for reworks. By integrating this visualization step with the 3D printing process, designers can ensure that the chosen texture will not only enhance the appearance but also meet specific performance requirements, such as improved durability or tactile feedback.

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Capabilities Document

Post Processing One-Pager

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Dyeing and Coloring

The standard finish for MJF parts is a natural gray color, providing a clean, neutral appearance. This is often the preferred look for functional prototypes, mechanical components, or internal assemblies where aesthetics is secondary. However, beyond these applications, additional post-processing dyeing and coloring services can help elevate the quality of your 3D-printed part.

Deep Dyeing with DyeMansion

Endeavor 3D utilizes DyeMansion technology to offer a wide range of color options for MJF parts. The dyeing process allows for consistent, repeatable, and high-quality color finishes tailored to specific design and branding requirements. Endeavor 3D utilizes the DyeMansion DM60 system for industrial-grade additive manufacturing.

Dyed (Black): Dyed black is the most popular post-processing color choice for MJF parts at Endeavor 3D. The color is specifically preferred in the automotive industry because of its ability to withstand external influences. For example, DyeMansion’s Automotive Black^X color is heat and light-resistant, has good scratch resistance, and has excellent color fastness.

Dyed black Nylon and TPU 3D printed parts

Quality and Consistency: The DyeMansion DM60 begins by heating the dye solution, which is then pressurized to ensure that the color penetrates the surface of the parts uniformly. By using a proprietary dyeing process, we can achieve penetration depths up to 200 μm. This sets itself apart from spray painting, a common coloring technique for 3D printed parts, which typically creates a surface coating of 5-10 μm. This is particularly important for parts subjected to regular handling, friction, and UV exposure.

Wide Color Range: For years, color options for grey MJF parts have been limited to black and dark shades. Furthermore, incorporating colors with unique properties for specific applications, such as increased heat and UV resistance for the automotive industry, was nonexistent for MJF parts. With DyeMansion we offer 17 standard colors.

Source: DyeMansion

Automated, Repeatable Process: This DM60 is designed for automation, with precise control over parameters like dye concentration, temperature, and time.

The system is equipped with an RFID chip for quick scanning of your cartridge and easy handling. This keeps the colors used by our customers organized for more efficient tracking.

Custom Colors with Endeavor 3D

For years, MJF 3D printing has been synonymous with monochromatic parts. In many projects, precise color matching is essential to align with strict brand guidelines. Companies invest heavily in their brand identity, often centered around signature colors that promote brand recognition and evoke specific emotions.

At Endeavor 3D we’ve introduced custom coloring services, adding an extra layer of creative freedom and allowing designers to mass customize MJF 3D printed parts. The problem with MJF color 3D printing is getting that consistent color-matching capability without experiencing fading. Endeavor 3D addresses this issue by implementing advanced quality control and fade-resistant dyeing processes.

We use state-of-the-art quality control equipment to ensure consistent and high-quality color matching including but not limited to:

Keyence VL-500 3D Scanner and Keyence VR-6000 Optical Profilometer: Allows us to measure and verify part dimensions and surface quality with extreme accuracy, ensuring that colors are applied to the exact specifications.
X-Rite MetaVue V3200 Non-Contact Spectrophotometer: Helps us achieve flawless color matching by analyzing and adjusting the color spectrum for each piece.
SUV-W161 Accelerated Weathering Chamber: Ensures durability and long-lasting color by stimulating environmental conditions.

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Customize your FREE sample part wheel with Endeavor 3D. Choose from 4 wheel-hub and axel colors to complete your custom wheel.

Learn More About Endeavor 3D's Post Processing Capabilities

At Endeavor 3D, we understand that high-quality post-processing is just as critical as precision printing. Whether you’re looking to enhance surface finish, durability, or aesthetic appeal, our advanced post-processing capabilities ensure that your parts meet the highest standards. Ready to take your projects to the next level?

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Design Guidelines

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A Guide to Post Processing MJF Parts