Cost Efficiency and Production Flexibility with MJF: Application Examples in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

In today’s business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises are constantly looking for ways to improve cost-efficiency and increase production flexibility. One of the most effective solutions to achieve this is the use of Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, which enables cost savings and adaptability in low-volume manufacturing. 

So how does MJF support small batch production? The technology eliminates the need for expensive tooling, shortens product development and implementation time, and enhances customization capabilities.

In this article, we’ll explore examples of cost saving with MJF in small businesses, and how it speeds up the design and manufacturing process.

Cost Reduction in Manufacturing with MJF

Adopting custom production with MJF in small businesses has the key advantage of reducing costs. Unlike traditional casting or milling, MJF significantly lowers manufacturing expenses because it doesn’t require the production of costly molds or tooling.

What opportunities does MJF offer for small-scale manufacturing?

• Lower cost per unit for low-volume production
• Minimal tooling costs — no need for injection molds
• Design flexibility — the ability to make design changes without major investments
• Efficient material management — powder recycling and reuse reduces waste
• Reduced need for inventory — parts can be produced on demand
• Lower logistics costs and lead times — no need to order parts from abroad and wait for long deliveries

For example, the Ukrainian company UAleks, a manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, needed to produce just five enclosures for testers used to check the functionality of their devices. They had tried various 3D printing methods, but none delivered the required quality. The solution came with the use of the industrial HP Jet Fusion 5210 printer and HP PA 12 polyamide, which allowed them to produce high-strength parts resistant to moisture, UV light, and mechanical stress. In just five business days, the company received fully finished parts that met all requirements.

MJF Flexibility in Medium-Sized Businesses

The flexibility of MJF for medium-sized businesses makes it an excellent solution for those requiring both scalability and production variability.

Where is MJF especially useful?

• In small-scale production, where limited batches are needed without additional costs
• In customized manufacturing, affordable production solutions with MJF are possible where each product is unique and requires personalization
• In rapid prototyping, when multiple versions of a product need to be created for testing
• In repair solutions, where parts can be manufactured as the need arises

The company Alfa-Lift Tech, specializing in elevator equipment, used MJF to produce 14 enclosures for magnetic sensors. The parts had to be not only lightweight and durable but also highly detailed, which ruled out the use of traditional manufacturing methods. The use of the HP Jet Fusion 5210 allowed them to quickly obtain a set of wear-resistant components that fully met the technical requirements.

Customization and Adaptive Manufacturing

One of the most important factors in business competitiveness is individualized production.

How does MJF support flexible manufacturing for small businesses?

• The ability to personalize each part without increasing production cost
• Rapid design changes and updates
• Production of limited batches with varying characteristics
• The ability to test new models without significant financial investment
• Minimization of warehouse inventory thanks to on-demand production
• Manufacturing of complex parts without additional expenses — MJF technology allows for the creation of products with intricate geometries

Accessible Manufacturing Solutions with MJF

One of the reasons MJF is widely used in small businesses is its economic accessibility. 

How does MJF simplify manufacturing for small and medium-sized enterprises?

• Eliminates the need to invest in injection molds
• Enables the launch of pilot series with minimal risk
• Supports experimentation and testing of new designs without significant costs
• Simplifies logistics and inventory management
• Allows small businesses to compete with large manufacturers thanks to high flexibility

This approach has been successfully implemented by Eleks, a company specializing in the production of voltage stabilizers and uninterruptible power supplies. Before launching a new device into mass production, the company tests not only electronic components but also enclosures, which must be highly durable. 

Manufacturing injection molds was too expensive and took months, so the company’s engineers turned to Makerly. With MJF, they were able to quickly produce prototypes, test them in laboratory conditions, and accelerate the release of new products to market.

Scalability and Sustainable Development

MJF technology not only facilitates business innovation, but also makes production more flexible and promotes the sustainable development of businesses:

• Resource optimization — reduced waste thanks to additive manufacturing
• Energy efficiency — lower production costs
• Scalability — the ability to quickly scale production as the business grows

Companies that adopt MJF gain sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing processes, making them more competitive.

These are just some examples of MJF use in business prototyping and manufacturing, but the possibilities are endless. What’s clear is that the use of MJF technology in small and medium-sized businesses provides significant advantages in terms of production flexibility, cost reduction, and product customization. For small batch manufacturing in particular, the ability to quickly create prototypes and modify designs without extra costs makes this technology a key tool for innovative companies.

Using MJF for cost-effective manufacturing enables entrepreneurs to quickly adapt to market changes and minimize financial risks — a crucial factor in today’s unstable economic environment. Small and medium-sized businesses are not only gaining a competitive edge by reducing production costs with MJF technology, but also improving production efficiency, making it indispensable for their growth.Makerly offers 3D printing services using the MJF method, helping businesses create high-quality parts with minimal costs. To quickly calculate your order price, use our online calculator.