Binder Jetting vs Material Jetting Key Differences

Jetting Technology in Additive Manufacturing

Jetting has become one of the buzziest approaches in additive manufacturing, but the word itself causes headaches. Binder Jetting technology, Material Jetting, Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), even Metal Jet, they all sound like they’re versions of the same idea. They’re not. Each one works differently and serves very different needs.

The roots of jetting-based 3D printing trace back to plain old inkjet printers. Engineers noticed: if you can shoot microscopic drops of ink with accuracy, why not droplets of resin, or glue, or even a suspension of metal powder? That spark kicked off today’s wide family of jetting processes. And while the names blur together, the methods couldn’t be more different.

That history explains why you’ll see certain jetting tech dominate in areas like dental labs or jewelry casting, while others are scaling up for automotive and aerospace metal parts. The common thread is precision, but the way each technology gets there is its own story.

At JLC3DP, we see this up close. Clients come to us when detail, surface finish, and multi-material flexibility aren’t “optional,” they’re mission critical. Jetting often ends up being the answer.

What is Binder Jetting Technology?

People call it “3D printing with glue.” Fair enough. It gets the idea across. But the process is a lot more than that. Binder Jetting technology lays down powder in thin layers, then sprays liquid binder only where you want the part to form. Over time, layer after layer, the powder bed hides a growing, solid part inside. What comes out of the machine isn’t a finished part, it’s a fragile green body that needs serious post-processing.

Core Principles of the Powder-Bed Process

a. A thin layer of powder (metal, sand, or ceramic) is dusted on the build plate.

b. An inkjet-style head deposits binder exactly where the geometry requires.

c. The process repeats, building up the part layer by layer.

d. Once complete, the part is “cured” to harden the binder before de-powdering.

The result is dimensionally accurate, but weak until further steps are taken.

Metal Jetting Technology: Specialized Applications

HP’s Metal Jet is a notable evolution, it uses a similar binder-on-powder approach but is tuned for high-throughput metal production. Industries like automotive and medical devices are piloting it for cost-effective, complex geometries where lasers or EBM are overkill.

What makes it stand out?

a. Scalability: Multiple parts nested tightly in one build.

b. Lower thermal stress: No lasers = no warping during the build.

c. Surface finish: Smoother than many powder-bed fusion methods.

Post-Processing Requirements and Considerations

Here’s where Binder Jetting technology demands attention. Straight out of the printer, parts aren’t usable, they need strengthening:

a. Sintering (for metals/ceramics): burns out the binder, fuses particles.

b. Infiltration: bronze or other metals fill the pores to boost strength.

c. Surface finishing: polishing, machining, or coating often needed.

Expect 30-50% of the workflow to be post-processing. That’s the trade-off for Binder Jetting’s speed and scalability.

What is Material Jetting Technology?

(source: Loughborough University)

If Binder Jetting is about speed and scale, Material Jetting technology is about precision and realism. Think of it as the closest additive manufacturing gets to “printing like nature builds”, layering photopolymers drop by drop, then instantly curing them with UV light.

Photopolymer Jetting and UV Curing Process

a. Droplet deposition: Printheads jet liquid photopolymer onto a flat build tray.

b. UV curing: Each droplet is immediately hardened under ultraviolet light.

c. Support material: A secondary jet lays down removable support structures for complex geometries.

This cycle repeats with astonishing accuracy, often achieving layer thicknesses as low as 16 microns, smooth enough to eliminate most sanding or polishing.

If you’d like a deeper breakdown of how the process works and why it’s so effective for high-accuracy parts, check out our full guide on Material Jetting.

Multi-Material and Full-Color Capabilities

One of Material Jetting’s biggest flexes is multi-material control within a single build. A part can transition seamlessly between rigid and rubber-like zones, transparent and opaque, or multiple colors in one print.

a. Full-color realism: Ideal for medical models, product design prototypes, or consumer goods where visuals sell.

b. Hybrid properties: Engineers can test living hinges, overmolds, or gasket-like seals straight out of the machine.

c. Transparent features: Perfect for optical components or fluidic devices.

High-Precision Applications and Advantages

Material Jetting shines when detail and finish matter more than raw strength:

a. Medical visualization.. surgical models, dental aligners, anatomical replicas.

b. Aerospace and automotive prototyping.. form, fit, and function testing without secondary finishing.

c. Consumer goods design.. packaging, product ergonomics, and full-color mockups.

Advantages in a nutshell:

a. Smooth, near-injection-mold quality surfaces.

b. True multi-material and color integration.

c. Micron-level resolution unmatched by most other 3D printing methods.

Binder Jetting is built for scaling production, while Material Jetting shines when you need detail and accuracy. Think of it less as a rivalry and more as two tools for very different jobs.

Key Differences: Material Jetting vs. Binder Jetting

The real difference between material jetting and binder jetting comes down to the feedstock. Material Jetting technology cures liquid resin with UV light, while Binder Jetting fuses powder with a liquid binder. Same family name, but very different mechanics.

A side-by-side look:

Breaking It Down

Mechanism ⇢ Material Jetting vs Binder Jetting is like painting with liquid vs. gluing powder. Material Jetting hardens resins instantly with UV, while Binder Jetting creates a “green part” that only becomes strong after additional processing.

Material Flexibility ⇢ If you need metals and ceramics, Binder Jetting leads. If you need resins, transparency, or full-color parts, Material Jetting dominates.

Post-Processing ⇢ Binder Jetting technology demands more work after printing, sintering, curing, or infiltrating with secondary materials, making timelines longer. Material Jetting technology, on the other hand, is nearly plug-and-play.

Surface Finish & Accuracy ⇢ For parts requiring near-injection-mold quality, Material Jetting wins. Binder Jetting parts often need machining or polishing to achieve tight tolerances.

Cost & Economics ⇢ Material Jetting looks expensive at first glance, but it pays off for prototypes where visual accuracy saves design cycles. Binder Jetting scales better for high-volume metal or sand casting applications.

We’ve seen teams use both, Material Jetting technology for stunning prototypes and Binder Jetting for rugged production. The key is matching the process to your part’s end use.

Practical Applications and Industry Use Cases

JLC3DP offers both binder jetting and material jetting services under one roof, so you don’t have to compromise. Get a free instant quote today, starting from just $0.30 per part.

Of course, technology is only half the story, choosing the right material matters just as much. For a deeper breakdown of which polymers, metals, and composites excel in different scenarios, check out our Best 3D Printing Material Guide for Every Application.

Decision Framework: Choosing the Right Jetting Technology

A quick decision checklist for you so, you can use when deciding between material jetting and binder jetting technology for your project:

Binder Jetting technology = best for production-ready, functional parts at volume.

Material Jetting technology = best for prototypes, precision models, and aesthetics.

The Future of Jetting Technologies

Binder jetting and material jetting both have their place in modern manufacturing, one excels at scaling functional parts, the other at delivering flawless prototypes. But the real challenge isn’t choosing the process, it’s finding a partner who knows how to get the most out of it.

That’s where JLC3DP comes in. From binder jetting for metal parts to material jetting for ultra-precise prototypes, our team runs the same machines we offer to clients, so you get results that are tested, reliable, and production-ready. With instant quoting, global shipping, and services starting from just $0.30, we make it easy to go from idea to finished part.

Ready to find out which technology fits your project? Get a free quote today at JLC3DP.

FAQ

1. What is jetting technology in 3D printing?

Jetting technology refers to additive manufacturing methods that deposit material droplets or binders layer by layer. Examples include binder jetting technology, material jetting, and metal jetting technology.

2. What is the difference between material jetting and binder jetting?

The difference between material jetting and binder jetting lies in the mechanism:

Binder jetting uses a liquid binder to fuse powder (often metal or sand).

Material jetting uses photopolymer resins cured by UV light for smooth, detailed prototypes.

3. When should I use binder jetting vs material jetting?

Use binder jetting for functional, durable parts and low-cost scaling.

Use material jetting for prototypes, full-color models, and medical applications.

4. What is metal jetting technology?

Metal jetting technology is a variation of binder jetting that specializes in building parts from metal powders. After printing, parts go through sintering or infiltration to reach final strength.

5. Is binder jetting cheaper than material jetting?

Yes, binder jetting is generally more cost-effective for larger volumes of functional parts. Material jetting is more expensive but excels in precision and surface finish.