Metal spinner printed pre-assembled via XJet’s solution, Image: XJet
XJet, headquartered in Rehovot, Israel, offers a distinct approach to industrial 3D printing by moving away from traditional powder-based systems. Instead, its NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ) technology uses liquid suspensions of metal or ceramic nanoparticles, which are deposited layer by layer through ultra-fine inkjet nozzles. With layer thicknesses under 10 microns and print resolutions up to 1200 dpi, the process allows for highly detailed structures with smooth surfaces and near-theoretical material densities.
One of the key technical features of NPJ is the simultaneous deposition of build material and a separate, water-soluble support material. This enables the automated removal of supports through a simple washing step, which is particularly useful for complex internal geometries or delicate features that would be difficult to clean manually.
XJet’s latest system, the Carmel 5000X, supports both metals and ceramics in a single platform and is designed for production environments requiring precision and throughput. With a build volume of up to 500 × 280 × 200 mm and a one-pass ink recirculation system, the 5000X minimizes material waste while maximizing operational efficiency.
By simplifying the additive workflow into Print–Wash–Sinter, XJet’s approach reduces handling risks and supports automated part production in sectors such as electronics, medical devices, and tooling. For manufacturers focused on precision parts with internal complexity, NPJ presents a technically compelling option.
Interview with CEO Guy Zimmerman
In an interview with 3Druck.com, XJet CEO Guy Zimmerman shares insights into how the company is addressing current demands in high-precision additive manufacturing. He discusses the strategic role of XJet’s NanoParticle Jetting technology, recent system advancements, and the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling AM for industrial production.
How has demand for high-precision additive manufacturing technologies like XJet’s NanoParticle Jetting evolved in the past few years, and what kinds of applications are driving this interest?
XJet CEO Guy Zimmerman
The demand for high-precision additive manufacturing has experienced solid growth, particularly in industries such as medical, aerospace and defense, electronics, and high-value consumer components. It reflects a fundamental evolution in how we understand the additive manufacturing landscape.
The AM market has essentially bifurcated into two distinct segments. On one side, there is the production of large structural parts where post-machining after printing makes economic sense—this is where Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technologies excel. These applications can justify the expensive post-processing steps, support removal, and secondary operations that powder-based systems typically require.
On the other side—and this is where XJet’s NanoParticle Jetting™ (NPJ) technology dominates—we have functional, high-precision parts requiring fine details, superior surface quality, and geometric complexity, particularly those with intricate internal cavities where manual post-processing becomes prohibitively expensive or simply impossible. Applications like electronic components, surgical instruments, complex tooling, premium jewelry, and fashion accessories fall squarely into this category, where traditional manufacturing methods fall short and other AM technologies like binder jetting or DLP cannot deliver the required precision and functionality.
This transition represents a crucial test for all AM technologies. Our NPJ technology enables the production of complex geometries with sub-micron accuracy while maintaining the material properties required for these demanding applications. What sets XJet apart is our ability to deliver industrial-grade precision at production volumes with minimal post-processing requirements.
Which recent developments in additive manufacturing—whether in hardware, materials, or process control—have most directly influenced the evolution of XJet’s NanoParticle Jetting technology and system capabilities?
The evolution of both hardware and materials continues to drive constant innovation in XJet’s solutions. Our most recent model, the Carmel 5000X, features advanced inkjet printheads that enable a new ink delivery standard through one-pass printing with 100% ink recirculation. This achieves maximum material efficiency with negligible ink waste.
This advancement has empowered XJet to offer industrial solutions with higher output, larger build volumes, greater throughput, and enhanced compatibility across all XJet materials in a single system model. Unlike powder-based systems that require complex powder handling, sieving, and recycling processes, our ink-based approach streamlines the entire workflow.
Beyond system performance improvements, these hardware advances elevate automation capabilities. Based on XJet’s AM process of Print-Wash-Sinter, combined with automated printer operational interfaces, automated soluble support removal stations, and software suites geared toward Industry 4.0, production is not only faster and higher in volume but also significantly lower in cost—from file to finished part.
The integration of advanced automation throughout our systems represents perhaps our most significant advancement. From automated ink loading to clean and safe job finishing, XJet systems operate with minimal human intervention while maintaining the highest quality standards. This automation capability enables our customers to achieve true industrial-scale production with additive manufacturing.
What are the biggest technical challenges XJet currently faces in scaling its NPJ systems for industrial adoption?
Interestingly, XJet’s biggest challenge for industrial adoption isn’t technical—it’s educational. The challenge lies in helping the market understand our technology’s principles and the fundamental difference between ink-based and powder/slurry-based AM approaches.
Let me break this down:
Common Market Misconception: Most companies in the AM space are competing on cost reduction—making existing designs cheaper to produce. XJet’s value proposition isn’t about making existing geometries more affordable. Instead, we empower the production of geometries that were previously impossible—components with complex internal cavities and channels, parts with integrated moving elements, or assemblies that would otherwise require manual assembly of multiple pieces. Our engineering team often works closely with customers’ product design teams rather than operations teams to maximize geometric freedom and unlock new product possibilities that help them stand out in competitive markets. This fundamental difference in approach often requires educating prospects about value creation through innovation rather than cost reduction.
Product Innovation Through Complex Internal Geometries: This is where XJet truly excels and differentiates itself from all other AM technologies. While powder-based systems struggle with internal cavities requiring manual support removal—often impossible for intricate channels or moving parts—our water-soluble support material dissolves completely in a simple wash process.
We can manufacture parts with complex internal cooling channels, fluid pathways, integrated moving assemblies, and parts that would otherwise require manual assembly of multiple pieces. This capability opens entirely new design possibilities: medical devices with internal drug delivery channels, electronic components with integrated cooling systems, tooling with conformal cooling that follows complex part geometries, and jewelry with intricate internal mechanisms.
Material Handling vs. Operational Complexity: Unlike powder-based technologies that require expensive ventilation systems, protective equipment, and complex powder recycling protocols, XJet’s sealed ink cartridges eliminate operator exposure to hazardous materials entirely. However, prospects often evaluate us using powder-based assumptions, missing the inherent safety and efficiency advantages of our approach.
Post-Processing Misconceptions: When compared to LPBF or binder jetting systems, prospects often assume we require the same extensive post-processing—de-powdering, manual support removal, machining, and surface finishing. The reality is that our ink-based materials offer far greater automation potential and significantly reduced post-processing. This is thanks to our automated support removal station, soluble support material, and shortened sintering time due to our sub-micron particle size and high-quality print results.
Labor Skills: Common AM systems require experienced machine operators and skilled post-processing technicians to deliver promised quality, directly impacting production stability and increasing operational complexity. XJet’s fully automated process requires minimal manual intervention, and our intuitive interface eliminates the need for extensive prior knowledge, making training significantly easier.
As additive manufacturing continues to mature, where do you see XJet positioning itself in the next 5 to 10 years, and what role will NPJ technology play in shaping the industry’s future?
XJet has a clear positioning strategy—providing unique industrial AM solutions for high-value, precision applications where geometric complexity and internal features are paramount. We aim to excel in the critical middle ground where uncompromising quality meets complex geometric requirements at industrial scale.
Over the next decade, we envision inkjet AM technologies like NPJ becoming more mainstream for manufacturing complex, high-precision components across electronics, medical devices, advanced tooling, and luxury goods sectors.
The future of additive manufacturing doesn’t lie in replacing all traditional manufacturing methods, but in capturing applications where precision, complexity, and customization are paramount—complementing the existing approaches our customers have heavily invested in. XJet’s NPJ technology is uniquely positioned to dominate this space as the pioneer of powderless, high-precision additive manufacturing.
Our roadmap includes continued materials innovation, enhanced automation capabilities, and system scalability that will cement our position as the industrial additive manufacturing leader capable of integrating with various production environments. We’re not just advancing technology—we’re defining the future of precision manufacturing.
Further information can be found on the XJet website.
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