Unconventional Use Cases of MJF Printing in Education, Culture, and Art
In industry, 3D printing is valued for its speed and cost efficiency. In the cultural sphere however, some of its other characteristics matter more, such as precision, repeatability, and the ability to physically interact with the object. That’s because an architectural model must match the original to the millimetre, a tactile exhibit must retain its shape after hundreds of touches, and a replica must be identical to dozens of others.
It’s in these contexts that MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) technology, which was originally created for serial production, finds a new purpose. Where form is a vehicle for meaning, it becomes not just a technical solution, but part of the cultural process.
Why stability matters in cultural projects
Exhibitions may last for years, during which time exhibits are transported, supplemented, reprinted, or replaced. Since participants of educational programmes and projects often handle the objects and models, the items are exposed to wear and can lose their original appearance.
MJF technology enables the creation of objects that retain their quality and appearance over time. If necessary, identical objects can be produced. There are now many non-industrial MJF applications, and the technology ensures consistency from batch to batch: the geometry is not dependent on the positioning of parts in the print chamber, so there is no shrinkage or deviation, and no need for manual post-processing. Even if an item is reproduced a year later, it will be identical to the original.
In the cultural domain, such reliability in creative prototyping isn’t just convenient – it’s the foundation of trust in a form that conveys meaning.
Case study: Social inclusion and urbanism
A striking example of model use in the cultural sphere is the Odesa project “Odesa by Touch”. The organisers used casting to produce scaled-down copies of famous historical buildings: the Old Stock Exchange, the Archaeological Museum, and the Maritime Museum. The models are equipped with Braille, allowing blind people to “see” architecture through touch.
The process began with photogrammetry – 3D scanning of buildings. This method allows for accurate digital models to be made, which can then be miniaturised. These models can also be successfully used with MJF, as the technology guarantees accessibility, repeatability, and high product quality.
By using MJF and PA12 polyamide, customers can print batches of such objects for different cities, adapt them for temporary exhibitions, or use them in indoor spaces. The ability to produce high-detail educational tools for exhibit design makes MJF not just an alternative, but a powerful aid for tactile projects.
Makerly Case: Art objects as a production system
The Makerly team printed a series of miniature figures for a public art installation. These were miniatures of iconic buildings and sculptures. The shapes were complex, with thin protrusions, mesh structures, and many small elements.
We selected grey PA12: the material ensured strength, resistance to weather, and precise geometry. The items required no manual finishing, could be painted, and most importantly, could be reprinted identically at any time.
In fact, our experience became more than an artistic project – it became a system, where using MJF for creative prototyping meant that every figurine could be replaced, reproduced, or supplemented. That’s the kind of “expandable production system” that is so valuable in culture.
Museums: not just preservation, but scalability
Modern museums don’t work only with originals. Sometimes, producing a precise replica is more important, such as for an educational programme, a travelling exhibit, visitors with limited vision – or to restore a damaged fragment.
With MJF, it’s possible not only to print museum replicas, but to establish a complete replication system. All items will be identical. They can be transported, painted, and integrated into different settings.
Education: models that work in your hands
For educational 3D models, functionality and practicality are key, with students observing and holding them, passing them around (dropping them!) and sometimes taking them apart.
Using MJF printing in education cases produces nylon PA12 custom pieces that are wear-resistant, keep their geometry, don’t crack and don’t require frequent replacements. If a part is lost, it can easily be reprinted. And most importantly, it will be identical to the original.
These custom educational models with MJF become not just learning tools, but a stable part of the educational infrastructure.
Art: freedom of form without loss of meaning
Artists strive to express their ideas through form, but technologies often fall short: they can’t produce fine mesh, overhangs, or intricate shapes. However, the creative uses of MJF printing have no such limitations.
MJF printed art installations allow for the creation of sculptures, set design elements, and outdoor art objects with no supports, shrinkage, or manual sanding. Even if a project requires dozens of identical pieces – they’ll all be exactly the same, ensuring that the artistic idea is preserved throughout the production process.
These artistic projects using MJF printingshow that it’s not just a method of fabrication. In the context of cultural heritage preservationand education, it’s a reliable way to work with form.
Architecture, sculpture, educational models all demand precision and the ability to reproduce identical items. MJF enables the creation of objects, including visual communication tools, that can be modified or recreated at any time – without losing fidelity.
For architects, curators, teachers, artists, and museum professionals, it’s not just about making a ‘thing’ – it’s about making it reproducible. MJF is the right solution for the task.
