SLS vs. MJF: Differences and Comparison
Learn about the differences between these two 3D printing technologies.
SLS and MJF are powder-bed fusion technologies that create 3D parts from a thermoplastic powder. Selective laser sintering (SLS) uses a laser to melt and fuse powder grains, whereas multi-jet fusion (MJF) employs a fusing agent, heat, and infrared light to fuse the powder. SLS can employ a more comprehensive selection of materials – many of which can be dyed – whereas MJF creates better isotropic properties at a slightly higher print resolution. MJF is ideal for smaller functional parts, while SLS is the better choice for visual prototypes and medium-sized functional parts. Both styles are similar in terms of printing cost and speed, though MJF is cheaper for larger production volumes.
This article will compare SLS vs. MJF and outline their differences, materials, and printing technology.
SLS Definition and Comparison to MJF
SLS (selective laser sintering) is a powder-bed 3D printing technology for thermoplastic materials. It was first invented by Dr. Carl Deckard and Dr. Joe Beaman in the mid-1980s. This process works by selectively sintering a plastic powder with a laser beam (typically a CO2 laser). The laser beam traces out successive cross-sections of a part and sinters the plastic particles as it moves. After each layer, the print bed moves down, and another layer of powder is applied. Sintering refers to the process of heating the plastic particles to the point where their outer surfaces begin melting. This causes the individual particles to stick together. SLS technology is a much more mature technology than MJF and functions on a wider range of materials. Below is an image of a typical SLS machine:
To learn more, see our guide on SLS Printing.
A typical SLS machine (EOS P396).
What Are the Advantages of SLS Compared to MJF?
Listed below are some key advantages of SLS vs. MJF:
- Though both processes regularly use nylon 12, SLS can operate on a broader range of other materials.
- SLS parts are typically printed in white or gray but can be dyed almost any color.
What Are the Disadvantages of SLS Compared to MJF?
Listed below are some key disadvantages of SLS vs. MJF:
- Only 30 to 50% of the powder can is recyclable after an SLS printing run. MJF has significantly better recyclability, which can reduce costs.
- Parts printed with SLS have anisotropic material properties. Anisotropy means their mechanical properties differ depending on the direction of the applied load. MJF prints do not have this problem.
MJF Definition and Comparison to SLS
MJF (multi-jet fusion) is a powder-bed 3D printing technology that was developed by Hewlett-Packard in 2016. It employs a multi-step process. A thin layer of powder is first laid down on the print bed. The powder is then heated to just below its sintering temperature. Next, a fusing agent is applied to the powder in the shape of the part’s cross-section. A detailing agent is then applied to the edges of the part to help create crisper and sharper edges. Finally, an infrared heat source passes over the plastic and sinters the treated plastic particles. MJF is a more advanced technology geared towards high production rates than SLS. The image below shows an MJF printing process:
To learn more, see our guide on What is MJF.
The MJF printing process.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
What Are the Advantages of MJF Compared to SLS?
Listed below are some key advantages of MJF over SLS:
- MJF machines are capable of producing parts with isotropic material properties – the resulting plastic is almost 98% isotropic.
- The powder used in an MJF printer is significantly more recyclable; up to 80% of the powder is often reusable.
- MJF printers have removable build volumes. This means the completed parts can be allowed to cool outside the printer, and the workspace prepped for more production right away.
What Are the Disadvantages of MJF Compared to SLS?
Listed below are some key disadvantages of MJF vs. SLS:
- MJF parts are gray and can only accept black dye.
- The material choice for MJF printers is more limited. Hewlett Packard, however, is continually developing new materials.
| Attribute | SLS | MJF |
|---|---|---|
Attribute Print resolution | SLS 100 microns | MJF 80 microns |
Attribute Can print large parts | SLS Yes | MJF No |
Attribute Can be dyed in multiple colors | SLS Yes | MJF No |
Attribute Minimum feature size | SLS 0.75 mm | MJF 0.50 mm |
Attribute Has Isotropic material properties | SLS No | MJF Yes |
Attribute Can recycle more than 80% of unused powder | SLS No | MJF Yes |
Attribute Parts need to be cooled after printing | SLS Yes | MJF No |
Attribute Parts need support structures | SLS False | MJF False |
Attribute Largest print volume | SLS 550 x 550 x 750 mm | MJF 380 x 284 x 380 mm |
Table 1. SLS vs. MJF Comparison
MJF can produce higher-resolution parts of the two, and its raw material is significantly more isotropic and recyclable. SLS machines are available with larger build volumes, though.
SLS vs. MJF: Technology Comparison
SLS and MJF are both powder-bed fusion technologies. Powder bed fusion (PBF) means that parts are cumulatively built up one layer at a time by fusing powdered thermoplastics. SLS uses a CO2 laser to fuse the particles. Meanwhile, the MJF process depends on an infrared heat source, preheated powder, and a specialized fusing agent that all work together to fuse the particles.
SLS vs. MJF: Material Comparison
SLS and MJF extensively use polyamides like nylon 12 and 11, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), TPA (thermoplastic polyamide), and polypropylene. SLS is also able to print with carbon- and aluminum-filled nylon. Specialized high-temperature SLS machines manufactured by EOS can print in engineering thermoplastics like PEEK (polyether ether ketone). Overall, SLS works with a broader range of materials.
SLS vs. MJF: Product Applications Comparison
SLS and MJF are used to create functional parts such as casting patterns, medical devices, and elastomeric parts. The parts made using MJF are typically stronger because they are almost entirely isotropic. Regarding aesthetics, MJF products have a dull, uneven gray color and can only accept black dye. However, SLS parts can be built or dyed with many colors, making them ideal for visual prototypes. Overall, MJF offers slightly better mechanical properties than SLS.
SLS vs. MJF: Print Volume Comparison
SLS machines have larger build volumes when compared to MJF. SLS can print more nested parts in a single run with a larger build area. Large 3D-printed parts can often warp, but it’s more of a problem for MJF processes than SLS. With SLS printing, it is important to utilize as much of the build volume as possible because so little of the powder can be recycled.
SLS vs. MJF: Surface Finish Comparison
SLS and MJF parts both have a characteristic rough/matte surface finish. However, in both cases, technicians can smooth the surfaces via bead blasting, air blasting, tumbling, or water blasting. Chemical vapor smoothing has recently allowed both SLS and MJF parts to achieve a sealed, semi-gloss surface at low costs.
SLS vs. MJF: Cost Comparison
SLS and MJF have similar print costs when scaled up. However, MJF becomes cheaper when scaled up compared to SLS. MJF is more competitive because the printing process is slightly faster and the unused material more recyclable. The table below shows the price comparison for SLS vs. MJF:
| Quantity Produced | SLS | MJF |
|---|---|---|
Quantity Produced 1 | SLS $101.64 | MJF $45.13 |
Quantity Produced 100 | SLS $40.93 | MJF $37.12 |
Table 2. SLS vs. MJF Price Difference
What Are the Mutual Alternatives to the SLS and MJF?
Despite the benefits of SLS and MJF, below is an alternative technology that can achieve similar results:
- Stereolithography (SLA): stereolithography can achieve similar or better print resolution and quality. SLA uses a liquid photopolymer and builds parts by curing successive layers of that liquid. However, because SLA does not produce thermoplastic parts, the mechanical properties and heat deflection will be lower than SLS or MJF.
What are the Similarities Between SLS and MJF?
Listed below are some of the similarities between SLS and MJF:
- Both technologies make use of powder bed fusion processes to manufacture parts.
- Printing cost is comparable when scaled up.
- Parts have a rough/matte surface finish.
- Both printers most commonly use nylon 12 powder.
What are the Other Comparisons for SLS Besides MJF?
Besides MJF, other 3D printing processes similar to SLS include:
- SLS vs. DMLS: DMLS (Direct Laser Metal Sintering) systems similarly produce metal parts to SLS. Instead of plastic powder, metal powder is the raw material. A more powerful laser enables it to hit higher temperatures, thus reducing the metal. Unlike SLS, DMLS requires strong support structures. For more information, see our article on SLS vs. DMLS.
What Are the Other Comparisons for MJF Besides SLS?
Besides SLS, other 3D printing processes similar to MJF include:
- MJF vs. Binder Jetting: Binder jetting is functionally similar to MJF but does not fully sinter the material during the printing process. A similar inkjet-style printing head applies a binding agent to the powder in the shape of each layer. The agent bonds the particles together and also bonds layers to one another. The actual sintering step occurs in a sintering furnace converting the "green" part to a solid shape.
Summary
This article summarized the differences between SLS and MJF 3D printing technologies.
To learn more about SLS vs. MJF and to help select the perfect technology for your products, contact a Xometry representative.
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