China-based PCBWay specializes in printed circuit board prototyping, low-volume production, and assembly services. Now, the company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities by launching a PolyJet 3D printing service.

In PolyJet 3D printing – also known as photopolymer jetting – photopolymer droplets are jetted layer by layer, then cured with UV light, resulting in high-resolution parts that can printed with multiple materials and colors.

PolyJet parts are also capable of achieving complex geometries and fine details, with layer thicknesses as fine as 16 microns, which is why the technology is often used to create high-quality, functional prototypes and medical models, as well as end-use parts in industries such as consumer goods.

Another benefit of PolyJet parts are their smooth surfaces, the quality of which is so high that they often don’t require post-processing. That said, PCBWay offers a variety of options on the post-processing and surface-finish front should you require or want it, including bead blasting, polishing, electroplating, a reinforced coating, and inlay-nut insertion.

Those who opt for the service simply upload a CAD file (STL, OBJ, STEP, and STP are all accepted), choose a material – PCBWay offers “rigid, flexible, transparent, and high-temperature options” – and a surface finish, specify details regarding thread holes and insert placement, then submit a request for a quote.

The sky is really the limit here in terms of creativity and possibility, although users’ designs must adhere to several print requirements. PCBWay’s PolyJet parts can feature a maximum build size of 490 x 390 x 200 mm (and a minimum of 5 x 5 x 5 mm), and a minimum wall thickness of 1 mm. At the time of this writing, lead times for PCBWay’s PolyJet 3D printing service is two to three business days after a quote has been accepted on the user’s end.

With the launch of its PolyJet 3D printing service, PCBWay now offers a total of six 3D printing technologies – also including FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS – as well as custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) and circuit board assembly, CNC machining, and prototyping.

Those curious can also make use of the company’s 3D printing resources page, which offers a great deal of insightful information, including guides, tutorials, and downloadable materials designed to help users maximize the potential of PCBWay’s services.

For more on PCBWay’s PolyJet 3D printing service, visit its website, where you can find a full list of options and requirements, as well as a request a quote and get started creating PolyJet parts of your own.