PolyJet 3D printing finds extensive use across various medical applications. Although it has benefits for training and education, post-processing complex 3D-printed designs can prove difficult. Let’s look at the use of PolyJet 3D printing in the medical field, typical challenges encountered during post-processing, and strategies for addressing these issues.
PolyJet Printing in the Medical Industry
PolyJet has many advantages over other forms of 3D printing for the medical industry. Anatomical modeling for educational purposes benefits from PolyJet’s versatility in properties and colors. They can also use models pre-surgery to help doctors plan out their methods before operating, which can create better outcomes for patients. PolyJet is an excellent medium for these purposes as it offers detailed prints. Scans of patient anatomy can be easily replicated thanks to PolyJet’s ability to create small channels and details on models.
Common PolyJet printers used for medical applications can include:
- Eden
- Connex 260
- Connex 350
- Connex 500
- J735
- J750 DAP
- J8-Series
PolyJet prints offer the detail needed for medical models, but they can also create a lot of challenges for post-processing.
Challenges with PolyJet Post-Processing
Although PolyJet technology can produce accurate and intricate models, it can also give rise to a series of costly post-processing complications. Medical anatomical models have small channels that need careful cleaning by hand tools. The hybrid layer present on PolyJet-printed parts can pose difficulties as well, requiring additional manual steps like scrubbing and cleaning before we can consider the model ready for use.
These post-processing complexities can subsequently impose constraints on part design. The expense incurred because of part rebuilds stemming from breakage can also become problematic. With manual methods, breakage is incredibly common.
A post-processing solution that can mitigate these issues associated with conventional methods is needed. That’s where PostProcess’s automated and intelligent solutions come in.
Automated Post-Processing Solutions for Medical PolyJet Parts
By tackling the concerns and challenges commonly encountered with traditional post-processing techniques, PostProcess’s DEMI suite of solutions promises a significant enhancement for PolyJet-printed parts intended for the medical sector.
Our automated solutions are designed specifically for PolyJet support removal, processing both thin and thick wall geometries while minimizing breakage. With the ability to batch process multiple parts at once, software-driven automation virtually eliminates inconsistent part outcomes and any need for manual or skilled labor.
Given the advantages that PolyJet brings to the medical field, understanding the potential hurdles within the PolyJet workflow can be important. Embracing an automated post-processing solution has the potential to enhance not just the general quality of your PolyJet 3D printed components, but also streamline your 3D printing processes, leading to time and cost savings.
Curious to learn more about all the cost and time savings with an automated solution and see our systems in person? If you’re in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, check out our channel partner AdvanceTek’s Application Exploration Open House: Medical 3D-Printing happening on September 11th from 10 AM-2 PM.