PolyJet is one of the fastest and most accurate 3D printing technologies out there. This resin-based method can produce highly detailed parts in a matter of hours. Better yet, it can create parts with multiple materials and up to half a million colors.
But PolyJet printers and materials can be very expensive — for example, some resins can cost up to $350 per kilogram. Getting your own PolyJet printer requires a significant investment that smaller companies in particular, can ill afford.
This makes on-demand PolyJet 3D printing services an attractive solution. They allow manufacturers, businesses, or individuals to get their hands on affordable, photorealistic parts, prototypes, and small batches of end-use products. They’re also a great way to try out PolyJet printing before committing to buying a machine.
But PolyJet as a service is not that easy to find. Below, we scouted out 10 PolyJet 3D printing service providers we recommend, but first, let’s take a look at what PolyJet is so you can better understand how to order your parts.
PolyJet 3D Printing Explained
PolyJet is a proprietary material jetting 3D printing technology developed in 2000 by Objet-Geometries. In 2011, 3D printing company Stratasys merged with Object, thus getting ownership of the PolyJet name and technology. Stratasys has since vastly expanded the method and expanded the 3D printer lineup to 14.
Today, all PolyJet printers are manufactured by Stratasys. The technology, however, functions the same as other material jetting technologies, with a few extras.
A PolyJet printer consists of a material container, a build platform, and a frame on which UV lights and jetting print heads are mounted. The printer begins a print run by heating resin in the material container to bring it to an appropriate viscosity.
As the printing begins, the print heads move across the platform — or in some cases, the platform rotates — depositing tiny droplets of liquid resin onto it. Following immediately behind them are the UV lights, which instantly cure the resin into a solid. Then the platform lowers by the height of one layer and the process repeats until the part is done.
Thanks to multiple print heads, PolyJet printers can deposit several materials at once. This includes both support material and other resins. Thus, the printers are capable of building complex parts with several different materials incorporated into them. The print heads can also dispense colored resins, unlocking the capacity to produce colored parts in the full CMYK range.
As a unique quirk of PolyJet, Stratasys has opted to use a support material that dissolves in water. This makes post-processing the parts very easy. The supports can simply be washed away with pressurized water.
PolyJet Printers
Since PolyJet is a resin-based technology like SLA, it can produce extremely accurate and intricate surface details. The multiple print heads also give PolyJet printers amazing print speeds. Combined with its ability to color parts, PolyJet is a particularly popular technology for creating stunningly accurate, photorealistic prototypes in a variety of materials, from clear to flexible. In addition, the availability of biocompatible materials is making it increasingly popular in medical and dental applications, such as ready-to-wear dentures.
Current Lineup of Stratasys PolyJet 3D Printers
- J3 DentaJet 3D Printer
- J5 DentaJet
- DentaJet XL
- J5 MediJet 3D Printer
- J5 Digital Anatomy 3D Printer
- J850 Digital Anatomy 3D Printer
- J35 Pro 3D Printer
- J55 Prime 3D Printer
- J850 TechStyle 3D Printer
- J850 Pro 3D Printer
- J850 Prime 3D Printer
- J826 Prime 3D Printer
Stratasys makes versions of PolyJet machines for specific markets, such as medical and dental. The Stratasys J700 Dental is dedicated to the high-volume production of clear aligners, the Stratasys J700 Dental is a full-color, multi-material 3D printer combining speed, large capacity, high resolution, and access to up to six materials at once, while the Stratasys J5 DentaJet is a compact dental printer for dental labs delivering implants, surgical guides, and dental models.
For medical modeling, Stratasys offers the J5 MediJet, the larger J850 Digital Anatomy, and the brand new J5 Digital Anatomy. The MediJet prints visual anatomic models, while the Digital Anatomy printers prints biomechanically realistic models that simulate bone, organs, and other tissues.
The J850 TechStyle provides full-color, multi-material capabilities for printing on textiles.
Although there are differences in build volume, material compatibility, and maximum detail level, PolyJet printers are more or less comparable in reliability since they are all manufactured by Stratasys. As such, when comparing PolyJet printing services, you can concentrate more on the material ranges, part size, and lead times each service offers. However, it’s still a good idea to ask your service provider which PolyJet machines they have if you’re looking for a specific size or detailed part.
There are 42 PolyJet materials, but your service provider may not off them all, so be sure to inquire.
Top PolyJet 3D Printing Services
Craftcloud
Craftcloud is more than just a PolyJet 3D printing service. It helps you compare prices and technologies from different services near you to find ones that fulfill your needs at a price you’re comfortable with.
Currently, Craftcloud partners with more than 150 printing service providers all across the globe. Comparing them is easy — all you need to do is upload your CAD model, select PolyJet as the technology, then select your finishing or colors, and browse through the list of offers to find a quote that works. Craftcloud generates quotes instantly without hidden fees, so you will always get an accurate quote.
Craftcloud has a good collection of PolyJet resins available. The material range covers everything from high-detail and tough resins to flexible, multicolor, and transparent materials.
- Maximum build volume: 998 x 798 x 498 mm
- Detail level: 27 microns
- Materials: Vero Clear, Agilus 30, Vero White, and multicolor resins
- Turnaround: From 2-3 business days
Stratasys Direct
If you’re looking for Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing it makes sense to go directly to Stratasys, or rather the company’s on-demand 3D printing service called Stratasys Direct, which launched all the way back in 1991.
It’s no wonder Stratasys offers PolyJet printing services through Stratasys Direct — after all, the company owns the PolyJet technology and trademark. Its on-demand printing services promise extremely high-detailed prints due to its expertise with the material.
Not only can Stratasys create accurate parts, but it also offers large-format PolyJet printing. With the help of its wide material range, Stratasys can create large and detailed end-use-ready resin parts.
Stratasys supplies PolyJet parts for rapid prototyping, concept and anatomical modeling, and investment casting. The company promises production times of 3-4 business days, not accounting for shipping.
The Stratasys Direct website has a handy Material Wizard tool that lets you compare the physical properties of different PolyJet materials in real time. The wizard can make finding the appropriate printing material for your application fast and easy with instant quotes. The company also offers design services and can provide CAD modeling and model customization, training, and consultation.
- Maximum build volume: 998 x 798 x 498 mm
- Detail level: 27 microns
- Materials: Vero, Agilus 30A-95A, Agilus over Vero, Digital ABS Plus, Rigur, VeroClear and Multicolor
- Turnaround: From 2-3 business days
Materialise
Materialise has been active in additive manufacturing for more than 30 years. Over this long history, it’s built a reputation with its software solutions, but the company also offers a large range of on-demand 3D printing services.
These services include PolyJet resin printing. Materialise offers multiple varieties of dyable Vero materials, in addition to the transparent Veroclear resin. It can also print with a range of six flexible Agilus composite materials that are suitable for prototypes of rubber components. The company says it can mix all the materials into one component, allowing for great part complexity and colors.
Materialise offers short lead times, starting at only three days. Ordering online is easy with instant quotes but do note that online orders are restricted to smaller print volumes than offline orders. If you need Materialise’s full print volume, you have to pick up the phone.
On the catalog are also design and engineering services for additive manufacturing that can help you create CAD files for parts and find the right material and technology for your applications. The company also offers consulting and training services for additive manufacturing.
- Maximum build volume: 490 x 390 x 200 mm
- Detail level: 32 microns
- Materials: Vero, VeroClear, Agilus
- Turnaround: From 3 business days
Fathom
Fathom focuses primarily on US and Canadian customers with its wide range of 3D printing and additional services.
PolyJet printing is Fathom’s flagship additive manufacturing technology. It claims to have a range of more than 900 material combinations for the technology. The standout curiosities of the material range are the ABS-like and PP-like resins, ideal for electronics casings and snap-fit parts, and the two different simulated rubber materials. It can also produce very large PolyJet parts.
Fathom promises its customers can have parts with certain characteristics manufactured within 24 hours, giving them extremely short lead times. The company offers instant quoting through a simple online user interface, although parts larger than 250 mm in any dimension require manual review. In addition to 3D printing services, Fathom offers extensive post-processing services for additive manufacturing, alongside part design, concept development, and quality assurance. Fathom provides a comprehensive package of additive manufacturing services — if you’re located in North America.
- Maximum build volume: 1,000 x 800 x 500 mm
- Detail level: 30 microns
- Materials: Digital ABS Plus (Ivory), Vero Clear, Vero, Rigur, Agilus 30 Clear, TangoBlack+
- Turnaround: From 1 business day
Protolabs
Protolabs was founded in 1999 with the goal of reducing lead times when it comes to prototyping. Its 3D printing service launched in 2014 and has expanded since. In 2021, for example, Hubs came under the Protolabs family. Today, the company operates 12 manufacturing centers in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Protolabs offers PolyJet printing using Stratasys Objet260 and Object350 Connex3 machines. Using eight resins of different strengths and three colors (including clear), the company can produce parts for multiple purposes. The detail accuracy is good but lags slightly behind some other listed services. The prints can have multiple materials incorporated into one part, thanks to PolyJet’s capabilities.
But where Protolabs really shines is speed. The company says its printing service can offer lead times as short as one day, even for parts with complex geometries. Online quotes have a processing time of a couple of hours.
Multiple surfacing options are available for PolyJet prints, from dyeing to polishing. Protolabs maintains a sizeable collection of design guides for 3D printed parts. Unlike many other companies on this list, Protolabs doesn’t offer separate design services. However, they are able to produce well-detailed parts very fast, which makes them a good prototyping partner.
- Maximum build volume: 490 × 390 × 200 mm
- Detail level: 30 microns
- Materials: 30A-95A, Rigid
- Turnaround: From 1 business day
Proto3000
Proto3000 is a Canadian additive manufacturer that also offers part design and 3D scanning. When it comes to PolyJet, the company offers several Stratasys printers including a Stratasys J750.
The company’s blog offers a guide to investment casting with PolyJet and one on PolyJet molds for silicone parts, which gives hint of what the company’s customers are using their PolyJet parts for.
For customers not sure if PolyJet is the right technology, Proto3000 will send you a sample part.
The company was founded in 2007 and is also a 3D printer reseller.
- Maximum build volume: 490 x 390 x 200 mm
- Detail level: 16 microns
- Materials: Digital ABS, Helios, VeroClear, Vero, Rigur, TangoPlus (flexible), Med610, VeroDent
- Turnaround: From 3 business days
RapidObject
When Germany-based RapidObject launched in 2006, they were the first online shop to offer 3D printing to a global customer base. The service was ahead of its time nearly 15 years ago and is still doing strong. RapidObject offers a comprehensive range of additive manufacturing services that will suit most business needs, no matter the scale.
RapidObject has a fascinating material range. The service has a total of eight options available, giving it one of the largest material libraries on this list. It features some exotic materials, like the high-detail AR-H1 polymer and multiple flexible resins. RapidObject can also combine its materials into digital composite resins.
The maximum build volume offered by RapidObject ranges from large to sub-average. However, the service says that it can build larger parts through multi-part manufacturing with certain materials. The lead times are long, but you can request 24h Express manufacturing for AR-M2 and 35A Silicon Rubber parts and 48h Express service for VeroClear parts. Instant quotes are available on the website.
RapidObject shines in particular with its additional services. The company offers CAD design, 3D modeling and scanning, component consolidation and optimization, consulting, and education services. Although its lead times are long, RapidObject offers a complete solution for anything from prototyping to small-series production.
- Maximum build volume: 500 x 400 x 200 mm
- Detail level: 16 microns
- Materials: VeroWhite, VeroClear, AgilusBlack, AR-H1 (tempered/untampered), AR-M2, Silicone Rubber 35A & 65A, digital composite materials
- Turnaround: 5-10 business days, 24h & 48h express service for certain materials
Xometry
A relative newcomer to 3D printing services, Xometry started its operations in 2013. But in less than a decade, they’ve grown significantly. Today, Xometry operates a global network of more than 5,000 suppliers for both additive and traditional manufacturing.
That network includes the capacity for PolyJet printing. Xometry’s on-demand service can print with the usual Vero and VeroClear resins. As a curiosity, the company also offers the TangoBlackPlus rubber-like material. It can also print parts with two or more PolyJet materials and mentions that more material options for PolyJet may be available upon special request.
The service offers additional post-processing to improve PolyJet parts’ already good surface finish, including sanding. Some Xometry-produced parts may need it, since their minimum layer thickness is a rather high 45 microns.
All 3D printed parts produced in the U.S. through Xometry are eligible for free two-day shipping or ground shipping, and expedited next-day delivery is also available. The company can also ship parts internationally and has production partners in multiple countries. The Xometry website offers instant quotes based on an uploaded CAD model and selected options.
Xometry also offers rapid prototyping, high-volume production, and custom assembly services.
- Maximum build volume: 490 × 390 × 200 mm
- Detail level: 45 microns
- Materials: Vero, VeroClear, TangoBlackPlus, composite prints
- Turnaround: From 2 business days
Fit AG
Fit AG of Germany is a European veteran in additive manufacturing. The company has provided on-demand 3D printing services for nearly 25 years, offering a respectable range of technologies. Although the service focuses primarily on Germany (the website is available only in German), Fit AG says it serves customers worldwide.
The service has a wide range of materials available in different strengths. Curiously, the company offers composite materials under its own FIT brand, including Sh and Gray resins. In addition, you can order parts in VeroWhitePlus and TangoBlackPlus.
Fit AG offers an additional CAPPS.IT service that improves color adhesion on PolyJet printed parts. The company says this optional technology allows it to produce models and components with photorealistic coloring. Other post-processing options are available as well, from surface smoothing to lacquering. Sadly, the service doesn’t have an option for instant quoting.
In addition to 3D printing, Fit AG offers product design, part optimization, and reverse engineering services. They’re a good option for businesses located in Europe.
- Maximum build volume: N/A
- Detail level: 14 microns
- Materials: FIT Sh 40A-95A; FIT Gray 25, 40, 60; VeroWhitePlus, TangoBlackPlus
- Turnaround: N/A
GNK Additive Forecast 3D
GNK Additive Forecast 3D has been providing additive manufacturing services for a long time. It originally started in 1998 with SLS 3D printing alongside CNC manufacturing. Over the years, the company expanded its capabilities to other technologies. Today, Forecast 3D is one of the oldest and largest 3D printing service providers in the U.S.
PolyJet got added to the Forecast 3D catalog in 2010, so the company has plenty of experience in using the technology. It has an extensive library of materials, including some not offered by other services. For example, Forecast 3D is the only service to offer the PP-like Durus or biocompatible MED 610 materials.
In addition to a large material library, Forecast 3D can print parts with very high detail accuracy at only 16 microns. You can order multi-material parts, although that will decrease the quality to 30 microns. PolyJet parts are available with Glossy and Matte surfaces and can be post-processed to three detail surface qualities. Lead times are fast, starting from one business day.
Forecast 3D can design CAD files for printing. It also offers contract manufacturing services for both small- and large-volume production. The website has a decent library of guides and educational resources as well.
- Maximum build volume: 490 × 390 × 200 mm
- Detail level: 16 microns
- Materials: VeroHQ, Vero, Durus, Tango Flexible, Agilus30, Rigur, Digital ABS/ABS2, MED 610
- Turnaround: 1-3 business days
PolyJet for Medical Models & Fashion
When looking for a PolyJet 3D printing service, many customers may have a specific application in mind that PolyJet is known for, such as medical models or color 3D printing on textiles.
Medical Models
PolyJet machines are so popular for creating full-color medical models that Stratasys created two machines just for this purpose: the J850 Digital Anatomy and the J5 MediJet.
These printers offer multi-material, multicolor, and biocompatible capabilities sought after by healthcare institutions, universities, and researchers. The Digital Anatomy material family provides fully customized 3D printed medical models for anatomical realism that vary in softness, flexibility, and density to mimic native tissue and bone behavior.
If you’re looking specifically for medical models, even ones that are produced according to patient-specific data, check our Stratasys partner company Axial 3D.
Fashion and Textiles
Another unique PolyJet application is 3D printing directly on textiles for consumer use. In recent years, a number of fashion designers and fashion innovators have incorporated PolyJet textile 3D printing on everything from jackets to pillows. This method is only possible on a Stratasys TechStyle 3D printer.
License: The text of "10 PolyJet 3D Printing Services We Recommend" by All3DP Pro is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.