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How to Design for HP Multi Jet Fusion With HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology, the printing processes and quality of materials allows for exceptional freedom of design and level of detail, especially compared to traditional manufacturing processes. As with all 3D printing technologies, there is a set of recommendations to follow when designing for HP Multi Jet Fusion technology to ensure parts and features are printed to specification, as well as to leverage the full potential of the advanced printing processes. Design Essentials Tolerances Expect a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.3% (with a lower limit of +/- 0.3%) ​ Bounding Box This represents the largest model we can manufacture in one piece. As with injection molding, a larger part can be digitally cut and printed in smaller parts, which can be re-connected after printing. Maximum 284 x 380 x 380 mm Minimum x + y + z greater than 9 mm Wall Thickness Walls that do not meet the minimum measurements risk damage in the cleaning and printing process. They are also prone to warping during printing. Min. supported wall thickness 0.4 mm Min. unsupported wall thickness 0.5 mm ​ Wires "Wires" are sections that are long and narrow. Supported wires are connected at 2 ends. Unsupported wires are connected at only one end. Min. supported wires 0.4 mm Min. unsupported wires 0.9 mm ​ ​ Surface Detail Min. embossed detail 0.2 mm high & wide for readable text - 0.5 mm wide, 0.3 mm high Min. debossed detail 0.2 mm high & wide for readable text - 0.4 mm high & wide ​ Escape Holes Because Multi-Jet Fusion uses layers of powder to build parts, excess powder can be trapped in hollow models. The powder can be left in the hollow piece, or "escape holes" can be added so pressurized air can be used to blast out excess powder. Diameter of single escape hole 4.0 mm Diameter of 2+ escape holes 2.0 mm ​ Clearance Clearance is the space between parts that are built in place, such as in a ball-and-socket joint or hinge. ​Minimum clearance 0.6 mm ​ Sprues Sprues are wires that join multiple parts. To minimize the risk of breaking during the cleaning process they should be thicker than the minimum wire thickness. Sprue minimum thickness​ 2.0 mm HP Design Guides Best Practices What you need to know to optimize your design for MJF. View Design Guide Interlocking Parts Design for interlocking parts, such as chains and chain mail. View Design Guide Design for Accuracy Learn how to achieve maximum accuracy with your part design. View Design Guide Hinge Design Learn more about hinge design for 3D printing with Multi Jet Fusion. View Design Guide Design for Aesthetics Learn how to design and print parts for optimal appearance. View Design Guide Design for Cleaning Learn how to facilitate the cleaning process and minimize printing cost. View Design Guide

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HP Multi Jet Fusion Materials Design Guidelines 3D Printing in Action Get a Quote HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing Services Volume production of end-use parts Here at Tempus 3D we use HP's Multi Jet Fusion 5200 3D printer because of it's industry-leading capabilities that make it one of the most popular choices in the industrial sector for rapid prototyping and low-to-mid volume manufacturing of end-use parts. This equipment is designed specifically for the production environment to mass-produce engineering-grade plastic parts with excellent mechanical properties at a low cost per part. With printing speeds up to 10x faster than comparable technologies, Multi Jet Fusion is a popular choice for the transition between prototyping and mass production of end-use parts. This technology is also an economical alternative to injection molding with more design freedom, shorter lead times and greater adaptability. Tempus 3D is proud to be a qualified member of HP's Digital Manufacturing Network As an HP Digital Manufacturing Network Production Professional, Tempus 3D has been evaluated and qualified based on our end-to-end 3D printing capabilities for production at scale, as well as our manufacturing and quality processes. Learn More Applications for Multi Jet Fusion MJF is ideal for building prototypes that can be tested in real-world applications for form, fit and function. Functional prototyping Multi Jet Fusion is up to 10x faster than it's competition, making it an affordable alternative to injection molding. Manufacturing MJF is a popular choice for industries where customization is important, such as medical and consumer goods. Mass customization HP Multi Jet Fusion Materials HP Nylon PA12 Strong, detailed, low-cost quality parts suitable for a wide range of applications. Chemical resistance and biocompatible. HP's most popular 3D printing material. ​ Learn More Ultrasint TPU TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a rubber-like polymer ideal for producing parts that require high elasticity, shock absorption, elasticity and energy return. ​ Learn More Nylon PA12 GB HP Nylon 12 filled with 40% glass bead to give stiffness and stability while maintaining the excellent material qualities of HP Nylon PA12. Ideal for stiff, functional parts. ​ Learn More Polypropylene This durable plastic has high elasticity, low moisture absorbtion, and high elongation at break. It is an excellent choice for light, water-tight, and durable parts. ​ Learn More How does Multi Jet Fusion work? Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a Powder Bed Fusion technology designed by HP for manufacturing end-use plastic parts. A thin layer of powder (0.08 mm thick) is laid in the build platform and fusing and detailing agent is laid on top. Each layer is fused ~10 layers deep with irradiant heat. With this process hundreds of parts can be built at once, compared to one at a time with most 3D printing technology such as SLS or FDM . ​ This unique printing process produces parts with high density and low porosity, with excellent mechanical properties and an exceptionally smooth surface straight out of the printer. This process also means short lead times, ideal for rapid prototyping and small- to medium-production runs of engineering-grade end-use parts. ​ Additional post-production treatment can enhance the surface finish and performance of the parts. Get your parts into production today Get a quote

Welcome to week 3! The advanced manufacturing era has revolutionized the orthotics industry, making it possible to produce customized, high-quality orthotics with unprecedented speed and precision. But with so many 3D printing technologies and materials available, choosing the right combination for your clinic's needs can be daunting. Let’s dive into the most common 3D printing methods and materials for orthotics, comparing their benefits and limitations to help you make informed decisions.    Top 3D Printing Technologies for Orthotics   1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)   FDM is a widely accessible 3D printing method that works by extruding melted thermoplastic layer by layer.  Pros : Affordable, suitable for simpler orthotic designs, and easy to access.  Cons : Lower accuracy, rougher surface finishes, and fewer material options compared to advanced methods.  2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)   Using lasers to fuse powdered material, SLS creates durable and complex designs with a smooth finish.  Pros : Perfect for intricate geometries, highly durable, and provides excellent surface quality.  Cons : Higher costs and less availability in smaller clinics.  3. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)   HP's MJF technology uses binding agents and heat to produce orthotics with exceptional speed and precision.  Pros : Outstanding accuracy, fast production, smooth finishes, ideal for complex designs, and well suited to large batches  Cons : Requires specialized equipment with a higher upfront cost.  4. Material Jetting (MJ)   This method involves jetting liquid materials that are cured layer by layer with UV light, delivering unmatched precision.  Pros : Exceptional detail, multi-material capability, and high-quality finishes.  Cons : Expensive and less commonly used for orthotics.  Choosing the Right Technology   Choosing of 3D printing technology often depends on your clinic's budget, the complexity of the orthotic design, and material requirements. For high-precision, durable orthotics, SLS and MJF   are leading options, while FDM and MJ work well for simpler or more specialized needs.    Exploring Material Options for 3D Printed Orthotics   The choice of material directly impacts the strength, flexibility, and comfort of orthotics. Here are the most popular materials used in 3D printing orthotics and their key characteristics. We will be focusing on the MJF materials we offer here at Tempus 3D of course! 1. PA-12 (Nylon 12)   A durable, flexible, and biocompatible material ideal for everyday o rthotics.Th is is hte most common material we do by far! Pros : High strength, impact resistance, and versatility.  Cons : May require additional finishing for smoother surfaces.  2. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)   Known for its rubber-like flexibility, TPU is perfect for orthotics requiring cushioning and shock absorption.  Pros : Excellent flexibility and comfort for patients.  Cons : Less durable and may wear faster over time.  3. PA-11 (Nylon 11)   A lightweight, bio-based material offering similar benefits to PA-12 with added flexibility.  Pros : Strong, and ideal for lightweight orthotics.  Cons : Slightly more expensive than PA-12.    Making the Right Choice for Your Patients   Selecting the right 3D printing technology and material is a balancing act between performance, cost, and patient needs. While PA-12   and TPU are versatile and widely used, materials like PA-11 cater to more specific requirements. Similarly, advanced printing methods like MJF excel in precision and durability, ensuring the highest quality outcomes for patients.  At Tempus 3D, we provide access to MJF technologies and materials, ensuring you have the right tools for any orthotic design challenge. We would love help you create orthotics that enhance patient comfort and mobility with the precision of advanced manufacturing!

By Tempus 3D with Guest Contributor: Crux Laboratory     The Future of Foot Care: Easier, Affordable, and Happier Patients with Advanced Foot Scanning   Introduction   Welcome to Week 2 of our exploration! Foot scanning technology has completely changed the way foot care professionals diagnose and treat foot-related issues. These technologies are making it easier to achieve a comfortable, custom fit for orthotics—quickly, accurately, and in a way that’s less intrusive for patients. By replacing the traditional methods with high-tech digital scans, clinics are enhancing their ability to deliver a higher level of care. In this week’s blog, we’ll explore the main types of foot scanning technologies available today, the specific benefits they offer, and why these tools are valuable for clinics aiming to provide the best for their patients.  Challenges with Traditional Foot Scanning Methods   Historically, the process of creating a custom orthotic required taking a physical impression of the foot, often using foam boxes or plaster casts. While this technique provided a baseline for creating orthotics, it was often inconsistent and prone to error. Imperfections in the cast could lead to an orthotic that didn’t fit quite right, leading to less effective treatments and the need for adjustments. Additionally, physical casting processes could be messy, time-consuming, and not always comfortable for patients.  With the introduction of digital scanning, this process has transformed. Digital scanners can capture incredibly precise 3D images of the foot in just seconds, ensuring higher accuracy, consistency, and efficiency. This not only shortens wait times but also enhances the quality of the orthotic, giving patients a product they can rely on.  Types of Foot Scanning Technology   Laser Scanners   Laser scanners employ laser beams to capture precise measurements of the foot's surface, creating a high-resolution 3D model. These scanners excel at capturing intricate details, such as subtle contours and minute variations in foot shape. This precision makes laser scanning ideal for orthotics that require complex customization, allowing for an exact fit that aligns with the unique anatomical structure of each patient’s foot. However, the level of detail and accuracy they offer comes at a cost—laser scanners are generally the most expensive type of foot scanner.  Due to their high precision, laser scanners are well-suited for clinics focused on specialized care, such as treating complex foot conditions or working with athletes who need high-performance orthotics. Additionally, the detailed data these scanners collect can be useful in research or teaching settings, where understanding the fine structure of the foot is important.  Structured Light Scanners   Structured light scanners operate by projecting a pattern of light, often in a grid or stripe, onto the foot's surface. As the light pattern deforms around the contours of the foot, cameras capture these changes, and specialized software converts them into a 3D model. Structured light scanning is known for being both fast and accurate, striking a balance that makes it ideal for high-traffic clinics where time and efficiency are important.  One of the primary advantages of structured light scanning is its speed. With these scanners, a 3D model of the foot can be captured in seconds, making them suitable for practices that need to scan multiple patients in a short period. The structured light method also tends to be less sensitive to minor patient movements, reducing the risk of distorted images. While structured light scanners may not match the ultra-fine detail of laser scanners, they still deliver a high degree of accuracy that’s more than sufficient for most clinical applications. This makes structured light scanners a versatile choice for clinics that need a dependable mix of speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.  Photogrammetry (Camera-Based Scanners)   Photogrammetry scanners take a different approach, using multiple cameras positioned at different angles to capture images of the foot. These images are then processed and combined to create a 3D model. This type of scanner is generally more affordable than laser or structured light options, making it an accessible choice for clinics looking to integrate foot scanning without a significant upfront investment.  While photogrammetry scanners can still produce accurate 3D models, they may lack the high level of detail found in laser or structured light scanners. This can make them less ideal for highly specialized orthotic applications that require extreme precision. However, they are a practical choice for many general clinics and smaller practices where the emphasis is on cost-effectiveness rather than top-tier detail. Photogrammetry scanners are also portable and relatively simple to set up, which can be beneficial for clinicians who need to use the scanner in multiple locations or offer mobile scanning services.    Comparing the Scanners: Which One is Right for Your Clinic?   Each type of scanner has its own strengths, so choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of the practice:  For Maximum Precision:  If your practice requires orthotics with intricate customization, laser scanners may be the best choice due to their unparalleled detail and accuracy. This option is suitable for clinics focused on specialized care, where high-quality outcomes are a priority.  For Efficiency and Speed:  Structured light scanners offer a good mix of speed and accuracy, ideal for high-volume clinics that need a scanner capable of quickly processing patients without compromising quality. This option is suitable for general practices that aim to provide a high standard of care while keeping patient wait times minimal.  For Budget-Friendly Flexibility:  Photogrammetry scanners provide an affordable and adaptable option, great for clinics that want to introduce foot scanning without a significant financial commitment. They are best suited for practices that don’t require ultra-high precision but still want the advantages of digital scanning.    In choosing the right technology, clinics should assess their specific patient needs, workflow demands, and budget. Each scanner type has something unique to offer, and selecting the right one can help ensure that your clinic is providing the most suitable and efficient care possible.  Key Considerations When Choosing a Scanner   Accuracy:  Higher accuracy means better-fitting orthotics, which can make a real difference in comfort and effectiveness for patients. Laser scanners usually top the list in terms of precision, followed closely by structured light and then photogrammetry.  Speed:  Structured light scanners are among the fastest on the market, making them ideal for busy clinics that need to move quickly from one patient to the next. Fast scanning times mean clinicians can focus on patient care and analysis rather than waiting for scans to complete.  Cost:  While laser scanners tend to be the most expensive option, structured light and photogrammetry scanners provide more budget-friendly alternatives. It’s important for clinics to weigh these costs against the benefits they offer, taking into consideration both their budget and the type of care they want to provide.  The Benefits of Going Digital in Foot Scanning   Transitioning to digital foot scanning offers numerous advantages for both patients and clinicians. For patients, the process is faster, more comfortable, and more reliable than traditional methods, with digital scans capturing their foot’s shape and structure precisely. This leads to orthotics that are a better fit, improving both comfort and effectiveness. Additionally, digital scans allow for faster turnaround times, reducing the waiting period between diagnosis and receiving orthotic care.  For clinicians, digital scanning simplifies workflows and eliminates the need for storing physical molds, which can be cumbersome and difficult to manage. Digital files are easy to share, store, and analyze, which makes it easier for clinicians to review patient progress or make adjustments as needed. Overall, digital foot scanning supports a higher standard of care, as clinicians can offer patients a product that’s customized precisely to their needs, leading to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.  Conclusion   Whether using laser, structured light, or camera-based scanning, foot scanning technology has transformed the way clinicians approach foot care. By understanding the different options available, clinics can select the right technology to suit both their practice needs and budget. Investing in these advanced scanning tools opens the door to more efficient workflows and improved patient experiences, paving the way for a new era in personalized foot care.

By Tempus 3D with Guest Contributor:  Crux Laboratory   Over the next 9 weeks us here at Tempus 3D have partnered with Crux Laboratory in Calgary Alberta to give some insights on how a modern workflow with 3D printing has changed foot orthotics. We’re excited to collaborate with another Canadian company to show how seamless a transition to a digital workflow can be, and how 3D printing can be the best way to make an orthotic  Introduction:   Orthotic care is undergoing a transformation. While traditional methods for diagnosing and treating foot issues have long been effective, the pace and precision of modern digital technologies are setting new standards in the industry. In the coming weeks, we hear insights from clinicians who’ve made the switch to a fully digital workflow, sharing how it has enhanced both their practice and patient outcomes! Partnering with Tempus 3D,  clinicians now have a seamless end-to-end solution that not only improves efficiency but also boosts patient satisfaction.    Challenges of Traditional Orthotic Processes:   Historically, creating custom orthotics was a hands-on, labor-intensive process. Clinicians would take manual measurements, create molds, and often make repeated adjustments. Many steps were involved, with practitioners sending molds to labs and awaiting returns—a process that added time and room for error. While this approach worked, it was unfortunately far from efficient and often delayed timelines.    Why Digitize and Partner with a 3D Printing Specialist?:   Moving to a digital workflow has brought about dramatic improvements. Today’s clinicians use advanced foot scanners, which capture precise measurements and eliminate the need for physical molds. This digital data is used to make 3D models of the desired orthotic, which is then sent directly to Tempus 3D, where it’s used to produce orthotics with precision through state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. This workflow allows for quick turnaround times and a consistently high-quality fit, enhancing the comfort and effectiveness of orthotics for patients.  A Better Patient Experience:   For patients, the benefits are immediate. With a streamlined process, from the initial consultation to receiving their orthotic, they experience quicker turnarounds, fewer adjustments, and ultimately improved comfort and outcomes. Having Tempus 3D as a dedicated partner ensures that each orthotic is produced quickly and with a high degree of accuracy, is setting a new benchmark for patient care!    A Quick Comparison: Traditional vs. Digitized:   Traditional Workflow : Relies on manual molding, longer production times, and often leads to a less precise fit.  Digitized Workflow with Tempus 3D : Faster, highly accurate, and offers a degree of customization that traditional methods can’t achieve, thanks to the expertise of Tempus 3D.    Conclusion:   By adopting a digitized workflow and partnering with Tempus 3D for 3D printing, clinicians are enhancing the quality of care they deliver, providing precise, custom-fitted orthotics in a fraction of the time. As technology advances, the orthotics field will continue to evolve, bringing even better outcomes for patients. Embracing these innovations is an investment in the future of orthotic care—and one that both patients and clinicians are excited to be a part of! Next week we will take a bit of a closer look at what kinds of 3D scanners can be used, stay tuned!

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.

Describe your service here. What makes it great? Use short catchy text to tell people what you offer, and the benefits they will receive. A great description gets readers in the mood, and makes them more likely to go ahead and book.