Multi-jet Printing Research Articles

Curved HSIW: an affordable performance for non-planar millimeter-wave applications

This paper introduces a Curved Hollow Substrate Integrated Waveguide (CHSIW) to address the growing demand for millimeter-wave applications, including communication, sensing, imaging, radar, and wireless power transfer systems. Leveraging advancements in integrated circuits and system-in-package (SiP) technology, the CHSIW tackles the challenges associated with hardware integration into curved structures. The design utilizes MultiJet Printing (MJP) for the M3 crystal dielectric substrate and a water laser cutter system for copper sheets, streamlining the fabrication process by eliminating complex via manufacturing steps through prefabricated through-hole vias. Operating in the frequency range of 21.7 GHz to 32 GHz, the CHSIW exhibits outstanding performance on curved surfaces, with measured average attenuation constants of 1.89 Np m−1 (16.42 dB m−1) and 1.95 Np m−1 (16.94 dB/m) for samples with radii of curvature of 166.8 mm and 125.1 mm, respectively. Beyond addressing technical challenges, the CHSIW presents a cost-effective and simplified fabrication process, positioning it as a breakthrough solution for diverse millimeter-wave applications, including future robotic and UAV communications. Furthermore, the proposed design and fabrication technique hold promise for the realization of conformal and free-form Hollow Substrate Integrated Waveguide (HSIW) devices in the future.

Thermo-Viscoelastic Characterization of 3D Printing Polymers

Polymer materials used in 3D printing exhibit degradation of material mechanical properties when exposed to thermal environments and thermal expansions can induce residual stresses in products or molds, which may result in dimensional instability and subsequent structural failures. In this study, based on linear thermo-viscoelastic principles, material degradation master curves, shift functions, and glass transition temperatures for four different polymers used for 3D printing techniques such as MultiJet Printing and Digital Lighting Process were measured by using a dynamic mechanical analyzer. Based on the single frequency test, the glass transition temperature was measured. In addition, dynamic measurements were carried out over a frequency range at isothermal condition and storage modulus vs. frequency curves were obtained. Then, the storage moduli curves measured at different temperatures were superposed into master curves using the frequency–temperature superposition principle and shift factors were calculated as a function of temperature. Subsequently, the complex moduli curves that were measured in the frequency were curve-fitted onto generalized Maxwell models by using the least squares method and the master curves of relaxation moduli at reference temperature were obtained. The effects of temperature, frequency, and time on dynamic moduli and relaxation behaviors of four polymers used for 3D printing were evaluated. Experimental results showed that Polymers C and D could be suitable to use at the service temperature above 100 °C and Polymer C was highly crosslinked and showed low modulus reduction after about a year. The master relaxation curves obtained through this process can be utilized to predict the long-term performance of polymer molds made by 3D printing at a given environmental condition.

Influence of additive manufacturing method and build angle on the accuracy of 3D-printed palatal plates

ObjectivesIn this in vitro study, the effects of additive manufacturing (AM) methods and build angles on the trueness and precision of 3D-printed palatal plate orthodontic appliances for newborns and infants were examined. MethodsSpecimens were fabricated by different representative AM methods, including digital light processing (DLP), fused filament fabrication (FFF), and MultiJet printing (MJP). Three build angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) were used. After scanning, all specimens were analyzed using the 3D inspection software. The root mean square values were measured for trueness and precision. Color maps were created to detect deviations in samples. The data were statistically analyzed with a two-way ANOVA. ResultsThe trueness and precision were statistically influenced by both AM methods and build angles (p < 0.05). Moreover, the root mean square values of the 45° DLP (0.0221 ± 0.0017 μm) and the 0° MJP (0.0217 ± 0.0014 μm) were significantly lower compared to those in other groups (p < 0.001). ConclusionsAM methods (DLP, FFF, and MJP) and build angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) significantly impacted the dimensional accuracy of additively manufactured palatal plate orthodontic appliances. Also, the 45° DLP and the 0° MJP were associated with the highest trueness and precision. Clinical SignificanceAll tested AM methods with different build angles yielded clinically acceptable outcomes (within an acceptance range of ±300 μm for trueness), achieving the highest accuracy with a technology-specific suitable build angle.

Numerical investigations on mechanical properties of bio-inspired 3D printed geometries using multi-jet fusion process

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to find the best geometries among the cylindrical, enamel and honeycomb geometries based upon the mechanical properties (tensile test, compression test and shear test). Further this obtained geometry could be used to fabricate products like exoskeleton and its supporting members.Design/methodology/approachThe present research focuses on the mechanical testing of cylindrical, enamel and honeycomb-shaped parts fabricated through multi-jet printing (MJP) process with a wall thickness of 0.26, 0.33, 0.4 and 0.66 mm. The polymer specimens (for tensile, compression and shear tests) were fabricated using a multi-jet fusion process. The experimental results were compared with the numerical modelling. Finally, the optimal geometry was obtained, and the influence of wall thicknesses on various mechanical properties (tensile, compression and shear) was studied.FindingsIn comparison to cylindrical, enamel structures the honeycomb structures required less time to fabricate and had lower tensile, compressive and shear strengths. The most efficient geometry for fully functional parts where tensile, compressive and shear forces are present during application – cylindrical geometry is preferred followed by enamel, and then honeycomb. It was found that as the wall thickness of various geometries was increased, their ability to withstand tensile, compressive and shear loads also enhanced. The enamel shape structure exhibits greater strain energy storage capacity than other shape structures for compressive loads, and the strength to resist the compressive load will be lower. In the case of cylindrical geometries for tensile loading, the resisting area toward the loading will be higher in comparison to honeycomb- and enamel-based structures. At the same time, the ability to store the stain energy is less. The results of the tensile, compression and shear load finite element analysis using ANSYS are in agreement with those of the experiments.Originality/valueFrom the insight of literature review, it is found that a wide range of work is done on fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. But in comparison to FDM, the MJP provide the better dimensional accuracy and surface properties (Lee et al., 2020). Therefore, it is observed that past research works not incorporated the effect of wall thickness of the embedded geometries on mechanical properties of the part fabricated on MJP (Gibson, n.d.). Hence, in this work, effect of wall thickness on tensile, compression and shear strength is considered as the main factor for the honeycomb, enamel and cylindrical geometries.

In vitro biocompatibility evaluation of a heat-resistant 3D printing material for use in customized cell culture devices.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) enables the fabrication of highly customized and complex devices and is therefore increasingly used in the field of life sciences and biotechnology. However, the application of 3D-printed parts in these fields requires not only their biocompatibility but also their sterility. The most common method for sterilizing 3D-printed parts is heat steam sterilization-but most commercially available 3D printing materials cannot withstand high temperatures. In this study, a novel heat-resistant polyacrylate material for high-resolution 3D Multijet printing was evaluated for the first time for its resistance to heat steam sterilization and in vitro biocompatibility with mouse fibroblasts (L929), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293E), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.cerevisiae)). Analysis of the growth and viability of L929 cells and the growth of S.cerevisiae confirmed that the extraction media obtained from 3D-printed parts had no negative effect on the aforementioned cell types, while, in contrast, viability and growth of HEK 293E cells were affected. No different effects of the material on the cells were found when comparing heat steam sterilization and disinfection with ethanol (70%, v/v). In principle, the investigated material shows great potential for high-resolution 3D printing of novel cell culture systems that are highly complex in design, customized and easily sterilizable-however, the biocompatibility of the material for other cell types needs to be re-evaluated.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF MICROFLUIDIC LAB-ON-A-CHIP DEVICES

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, also known as 3D printing, which offer advantages such as design flexibility, short lead time and cost effectiveness compared to traditional production methods, are used in many different areas. With the exponentially increasing technological developments, complex structures at micron level can be produced and used in customized applications. One promising unique application of AM is Lab-on-a-chips (LOCs). These microfluidic devices can effectively be used in laboratory experiments carried out on a very small scale in biomedical, chemistry and clinical cases. Lab-on-chip systems, which are time-consuming, specialization-required, and expensive to produce with traditional 2D microfabrication technologies such as lithography and PDMS-glass bonding, have become easily producible with AM methods. Although there are many different AM methods can be used in 3D printing of microfluidics, Multi Jet Printing (MJP) method is frequently preferred because of its high sensitivity and dimensional accuracy. MJP AM technology is based on spraying photopolymer resins to a layer thickness of down to 16 µm, then curing with UV light. This paper critically reviews relevant methods and materials used for 3D printing of microfluidics, especially for the MJP based technologies. A case study on 3d printing complex microchannels for microfluidics application using a commercial material jetting based 3D printer (Objet 30 Prime - Stratasys) has also been presented. The results show that the 3D printing of microfluidics is a promising area for often novel applications.

Generation of Beam Tilt through Three-Dimensional Printed Surface

In this paper, 3D printed surfaces are presented to study this technology’s application in generating beam tilt for the electromagnetic waves in the Ku-band. Additionally, the input source is maintained by a feed horn that is additively manufactured and is coated with copper spray paint to add conductivity, which is fed by a WR-75 waveguide. The proposed beam tilt generating surface is also referred to as a Beam Deviating Surface (BDS). There is no relative gap between the BDS and the aperture of the horn, which eventually decreased the overall antenna height. The BDS layer is able to deviate the beam for a fixed elevation angle of 22.5∘ and could be consequently rotated along with the rotation of the BDS prototype. The voltage standing wave ratio value is less than two over the operating frequency range, which depicts the wideband behavior. The measured and simulated radiation patterns show that we can tilt the electromagnetic waves in ranges of up to +/−22.5∘ with a minimum side lobe level of −5 dB at frequencies from 10 to 15 GHz. This signifies the wideband characteristic of the proposed prototype, which is achieved by Vero material from Multijet Printing that is a low-cost and rapid manufacturing 3D printing technology.

Study Regarding the Influence of the Printing Orientation Angle on the Mechanical Behavior of Parts Manufactured by Material Jetting

Initially developed as a rapid prototyping tool for project visualization and validation, the recent development of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies has led to the transition from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing. As a consequence, increased attention has to be paid to the mechanical, chemical and physical properties of the printed materials. In mechanical engineering, the widespread use of AM technologies requires the optimization of process parameters and material properties in order to obtain components with high, repeatable and time-stable mechanical properties. One of the main problems in this regard is the anisotropic behavior of components made by additive manufacturing, determined by the type of material, the 3D printing technology, the process parameters and the position of the components in the printing space. In this paper the influence of the printing orientation angle on the tensile behavior of specimens made by material jetting is investigated. The aim was to determine if the positioning of components at different angles relative to the X-axis of the printer (and implicitly in relation to the multijet printing head) contributes to anisotropic behavior. The material used was a photopolymer with a mechanical strength between 40 MPa and 55 MPa, according to the producer. Four sets of tensile test specimens were manufactured, using flat build orientation and positioned on the printing table at angles of 0˚, 30˚, 60˚ and 90˚ to the X-axis of the printer. Comparative analysis of the mechanical behavior was carried out by tensile tests and microscopic investigations of the tensile test specimens fracture surfaces.

Additive manufactured semi-plate lattice materials with high stiffness, strength and toughness

Closed-cell materials, such as plate-lattices, are attracting increasing attention as a result of their potential to achieve the theoretical upper bounds for isotropic elasticity and strain energy storage (the Hashin-Shtrikman upper bounds) (Berger et al., 2017). However, their complex meso-geometries, especially their enclosed structures, make most of additive manufacturing methods impossible to undertake, due to difficulties associated with removing the Supporting material. To overcome this, plate-lattices with small holes located in the plates, termed semi-plate lattices, have been manufactured at the centimeter scale using a multi-jet printing plastic 3D printer combined with a wax removing process. Experimental compression tests on the resulting specimens have shown that semi-plate lattice structures offer an enhanced stiffness, strength and a much-improved energy absorption capability compared with their truss-based lattice counterparts. Numerical predictions agree well with the experimental data and show that the plate topology have higher stress contours with more homogeneous stress distribution. The Mode I fracture toughness of the semi-plate lattices has also been investigated. The fracture toughness of both the semi-plate lattices and the truss lattices has been shown to increase linearly with relative density and the square root of the cell size. The introduction of holes in semi-plate lattices plays a significant role in controlling the propagation of cracks in terms of both speed and direction. Compared with metal foams, the additively manufactured semi-plate lattices are lighter and stronger, whilst offering an equivalent fracture toughness. By using additive manufacturing with different constituent materials, such as alloys and ceramics, semi-plate-based lattice materials can be manufactured to offer greater potential in engineering design than traditional truss-based lattice materials.

Dimensional Accuracy of Dental Models for Three-Unit Prostheses Fabricated by Various 3D Printing Technologies.

Previous studies on accuracy of three-dimensional (3D) printed model focused on full arch measurements at few points. The aim of this study was to examine the dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed models which were teeth-prepped for three-unit fixed prostheses, especially at margin and proximal contact areas. The prepped dental model was scanned with a desktop scanner. Using this reference file, test models were fabricated by digital light processing (DLP), Multi-Jet printing (MJP), and stereo-lithography apparatus (SLA) techniques. We calculated the accuracy (trueness and precision) of 3D-printed models on 3D planes, and deviations of each measured points at buccolingual and mesiodistal planes. We also analyzed the surface roughness of resin printed models. For overall 3D analysis, MJP showed significantly higher accuracy (trueness) than DLP and SLA techniques; however, there was not any statistically significant difference on precision. For deviations on margins of molar tooth and distance to proximal contact, MJP showed significantly accurate results; however, for a premolar tooth, there was no significant difference between the groups. 3D color maps of printed models showed contraction buccolingually, and surface roughness of the models fabricated by MJP technique was observed as the lowest. The accuracy of the 3D-printed resin models by DLP, MJP, and SLA techniques showed a clinically acceptable range to use as a working model for manufacturing dental prostheses

Design of spatially-varying orthotropic infill structures using multiscale topology optimization and explicit de-homogenization

Abstract This paper presents a systematic design procedure of shell-infill structures for additive manufacturing (AM). Specifically, multiscale topology optimization based on the homogenization design method is employed for the design of a structure composed of coated exterior and spatially-varying orthotropic interior. The proposed procedure consists of five sequential steps including homogenization, topology optimization, and de-homogenization processes. Through the homogenization step, the effective elasticity tensor of the orthotropic infill microstructure is prepared as a function of microstructure design variables. In the topology optimization step, microstructure design variables are optimized together with the density design variable, for the simultaneous design of the infill microstructure and coated macrostructure. Finally, a spatially-varying infill microstructure is restored using a de-homogenization process. This study proposes a practical de-homogenization scheme that restores a designed infill microstructure using the explicit geometry representation of rectangular void holes. The proposed scheme is suitable to generate a result in a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) format for AM. The effectiveness of the proposed design procedure is validated through two design examples for compliance minimization problem. In addition, designed shell-infill structures are fabricated using a multi-jet printing machine.

Investigating Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Parts Manufactured in Different Orientations on Multijet Printer

Polymer material-based products in the engineering field are most widely produced by multi-jet printing (MJP). These products impart inherent benefits in manufacturing intricate contours and shapes at less additional expense. It emphasises the importance of studying the mechanical behaviour of the manufactured parts using polymeric materials in different orientations. In this investigation, density, tensile behaviour, and hardness were studied along with surface morphological examination for 3D-printed parts produced in four different orientations. It is found that the best mechanical properties part should be fabricated using orientation where the maximum area of the part will be in contact with the base plate. Furthermore, for density and tensile strength part should not be fabricated in an inclined manner. Also, in case of hardness, the part should not be fabricated in an orientation where the less area of the part will contact the base plate.

Design and Fabrication of Magnetic System Using Multi-Material Topology Optimization

This paper presents the design and fabrication schemes of a magnetic system consisting of segmented permanent magnet (PM) blocks, back-iron and frame structures. Here, a frame structure aims to bind PM blocks and iron structure. Non-intuitive design of segmented PMs and back-iron are obtained using multi-material topology optimization formulation. Subsequently, a non-magnetic frame structure is designed through a post-processing procedure, which is proposed using the smoothed fields of optimized PM and back-iron densities. Final design results are converted into computer-aided design (CAD) models and fabricated using conventional or additive manufacturing techniques. Segmented PM blocks, and back-iron structures are processed using water-jet cutting and wire electrical discharge machining, respectively. A frame structure is fabricated by additive manufacturing using a multi-jet printing machine. Using the proposed schemes, two magnetic systems are successfully designed and fabricated, respectively, for maximizing the magnetic field inside a rectangular cavity, and maximizing the magnetic force generated with a C-core electromagnet.

3D printed self-supporting elastomeric structures for multifunctional microfluidics.

Microfluidic devices fabricated via soft lithography have demonstrated compelling applications such as lab-on-a-chip diagnostics, DNA microarrays, and cell-based assays. These technologies could be further developed by directly integrating microfluidics with electronic sensors and curvilinear substrates as well as improved automation for higher throughput. Current additive manufacturing methods, such as stereolithography and multi-jet printing, tend to contaminate substrates with uncured resins or supporting materials during printing. Here, we present a printing methodology based on precisely extruding viscoelastic inks into self-supporting microchannels and chambers without requiring sacrificial materials. We demonstrate that, in the submillimeter regime, the yield strength of the as-extruded silicone ink is sufficient to prevent creep within a certain angular range. Printing toolpaths are specifically designed to realize leakage-free connections between channels and chambers, T-shaped intersections, and overlapping channels. The self-supporting microfluidic structures enable the automatable fabrication of multifunctional devices, including multimaterial mixers, microfluidic-integrated sensors, automation components, and 3D microfluidics.

A new method of manufacturing a foil bearing using tools made by the rapid prototyping technology

Foil bearings are aerodynamic gas bearings that are increasingly used in high-speed oil-free turbomachines, such as microturbines or turboexpanders. One of the barriers to the faster development of this type of bearings are production difficulties. This article discusses the consecutive stages in the development of a new method of manufacturing a bump foil – a key part of foil bearings. The three-dimensional (3D) printing technology called MultiJet Printing was used to make precise production tools. A new application of the chosen additive manufacturing technique made it possible to manufacture accurate forming tools, as described in the first part of the article. The forming tool allowed the bumps of the foil to be shaped without using a hydraulic or mechanical press. The next part of the article focuses on the experimental tests of the developed method. The tests were performed on three bump foils with different geometries. These tests were necessary to examine the repeatability of the shape of the bumps that were formed using the cold pressing. The results of the measurements are presented and discussed in the last part of the paper. Additionally, a numerical analysis was carried out and confirmed that all the steps of the plastic working process were performed correctly. The proposed method is very effective in forming foil bumps of practically any shape, with excellent accuracy and repeatability. The developed method allows for obtaining the desired shape of the bump foil in order to improve the static and dynamic properties of the foil bearing and the rotating system. In the near future, the proposed method can be considered for larger-scale production.

Additively manufactured negative stiffness structures for shock absorber applications

Negative stiffness structures (NSS), as a branch of multi-stable mechanical metamaterials, exhibit multiple stable configurations. Their characteristics, such as bistability, snap-through and negative stiffness, make them particularly suitable for shock absorber applications. The majority of NSS is designed in a cuboidal shape and only recently few studies focused on cylindrical NSS. Lately, Fraunhofer for Additive Manufacturing Technologies IAPT, has started some studies to optimize these structures and to profit by their features in different applications, such as InspectionCopter project. During this study, three types of special-shaped NSS were designed, produced and tested. To determine the influence of dimensional parameters and materials on the functionality of these flexible structures, for each one of three concepts, five different versions in two different materials and techniques were realized. The specimens were fabricated in PEBA (PolyEther Block Amide) and TPU (Thermoplastic PolyUrethane) using, respectively, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and MultiJet Printing (MJP) technologies; the design freedom of Additive Manufacturing (AM) allows the production of complex structures and the possibility of functional integration, such as shock absorber functionality. To investigate the mechanical and NS properties of these structures and their deformation mechanisms, quasi-static compression tests were performed according to ASTM D695 − 15 regulation. The results, analyzed through force–displacement curves, highlighted the energy recovery of the specimens during deformation and the influence of dimensional parameters on the response to the applied loads. During the tests, it was also evident how the usage of different dimensions and materials can lead, for the same structure, to a symmetric or asymmetric buckling mode in the collapse of the layers and to prevent the structure from returning to its original shape once the load has been removed.

Polymeric structure with embedded fiber Bragg grating sensor manufactured using multi-jet printing method

Multi-jet printing (MJP) is one of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. It offers high accuracy of elements and the possibility of manufacturing products with complex shapes. The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of embedding fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors into an MJP polymeric structure. The sensors were selected based on their advantages: small size, low weight, lack of calibration requirements, high chemical resistance. The effect of the manufacturing process on the FBG sensors was analyzed during the process.The quality of the manufactured samples was evaluated using terahertz spectroscopy method. The sample quality was also validated during experiments performed in an environmental chamber. It allowed determining the relationships between strain and temperature (10–50 °C) as well as between strain and relative humidity. The obtained results were compared with the numerical ones. It was concluded that the MJP is appropriate for constructing elements with embedded FBG sensors.

THE USE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY TO MANUFACTURE SLIDE BEARING SLEEVES – A PRELIMINARY STUDY

The paper presents the application of an unconventional method of manufacturing bearing sleeves as well as the carrying out of preliminary research in which the manufactured components were used on a real object. Additive manufacturing methods are increasingly being used, which leads to the rapid development of technologies and their applications. The MultiJet Printing technology was used in the research, which allows precise 3D printing of sleeves made of polymeric materials. The first part of the article deals with the selected manufacturing method and the preparation of a model. The study aimed at evaluating the usefulness of bearings manufactured using the 3D printing technology to support slow-speed rotors. The preliminary research described focuses on the study of operating parameters such as the moment of friction and the bearing node temperature as a function of rotational speed during operation. Experimental tests were carried out at low rotational speeds. This paper presents and determines the scope of the application of bearings manufactured using 3D printing technology.

Accuracies of 3D printers with hard and soft materials

PurposeThis study aims to systemically evaluate morphological printing errors between computer-aided design (CAD) and reference models fabricated using two different three-dimensional printing (3DP) technologies with hard and soft materials.Design/methodology/approachThe reference models were designed to ensure simpler and more accurate measurements than those obtained from actual kidney simulators. Three reference models, i.e. cube, dumbbell and simplified kidney, were manufactured using photopolymer jetting (PolyJet) with soft and hard materials and multi-jet printing (MJP) with hard materials. Each reference model was repeatably measured five times using digital calipers for each length. These values were compared with those obtained using CAD.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the cube models with the hard material of MJP and hard and soft materials of PolyJet were smaller (p = 0.022, 0.015 and 0.057, respectively). The dumbbell model with the hard material of MJP was smaller (p = 0.029) and that with the soft material of PolyJet was larger (p = 0.020). However, the dumbbell with the hard material of PolyJet generated low errors (p = 0.065). Finally, the simplified kidney models with the hard material of MJP and soft materials of PolyJet were smaller (p = 0.093 and 0.021) and that with the hard material of PolyJet was opposite to the former models (p = 0.043).Originality/valueThis study, to the best of authors’ knowledge, is the first to determine the accuracy between CAD and reference models fabricated using two different 3DP technologies with multi-materials. Thus, it serves references for surgical applications as simulators and guides that require accuracy.

Problems of determination of MultiJet 3D printing distortions using a 3D scanner

Purpose: Analysis and the review of 3D scanning methods, methods of combining 3D scans and tables available on the market (rotary, tilt and turn) as non-destructive testing systems of polymer materials. As the problem of deformation testing of elements produced by 3D printing is relatively novel, so far a small number of publications on this subject have been observed in terms of current solutions in the area of methodology and devices. Design/methodology/approach: 3D print samples have been prepared using MultiJet Printing (MJP), also called PolyJet Printing. The first sample was left in a UV oven and the second one in a dark cabinet, without access to sunlight (standard conditions 23/50 as described in ISO 554:1976). Non-contact structured blue light 3D metrology grade scanner was used to capture the entire part geometry for inspection. A comparison of subsequent scans after postcuring with reference scans after printing can indicate dimensional changes. The resulting scans are detailed enough to monitor shape and size changes over time. Findings: Universal 3D printing model beneficial in distortion analysis has been proposed. The method of evaluating 3D print distortions was verified using a metrology class 3D scanner. The results of this study show that deformations are declining through time to near the same values, the only difference is the rate of change of dimensions. Practical implications: Due to popularity and lower cost of polymer 3D printing, in comparison to metal 3D printing, an initial attempt to analyse the distortion of the locally melted substrate was done using MultiJet 3D printing with photopolymer material. The universal 3D print test part was proposed for verification of 3D printing deformations. Finally, the framework for the determination of 3D printing distortions is presented, taking into account the influence of UV postcuring. Originality/value: Analysis of a method to measure 3D printing distortions using a metrology grade 3D scanner is presented in the paper. Recently, this matter is becoming more and more important because many prototypes are increasingly produced by 3D printing and 3D printing distortions may cause many difficulties during the manufacturing and assembly process.