Mimaki showcases new material and end-to-end color 3D printing workflow at Formnext 2022

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Vast-format inkjet printer and cutter producer Mimaki has exhibited its newest 3D printing improvements at Formnext.

From its current portfolio, the agency deployed its newest Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 system to 3D print elements reside on the present for attendees to watch in real-time. In newer developments, Mimaki additionally debuted Pure Clear MH-110PCL, a clear materials designed to be blended with customers’ coloration of option to kind a translucent feedstock appropriate for addressing architectural and medical 3D printing functions.

“We’re consistently trying to push the boundaries of what’s potential with regards to growing our applied sciences, and our options for 3D printing aren’t any exception,” defined Mark Sollman, a Senior Product Supervisor at Mimaki Europe. “We have now channeled our experience in high-quality, true coloration copy into these merchandise in order that our clients can break new floor with regards to 3D mannequin manufacturing.”

The Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 3D printer. Photo via Mimaki.
The Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 3D printer. Photograph by way of Mimaki.

Mimaki UV inkjet 3D printing 

Mimaki’s 3D printing enterprise revolves round a proprietary inkjet know-how, which mixes a conventional inkjet print head with a cheap UV-LED mild supply. In apply, this course of operates by way of the jetting of acrylic inks onto a construct space, the place they’re immediately cured layer-by-layer to kind 3D objects. Since first growing its strategy, the agency has progressively managed to monetize the know-how by integrating it into inkjet 3D printers, together with the 3DUJ-2207 and 3DUJ-553. 

Whereas it was first introduced in 2015, Mimaki’s 3DUJ-553 system was in the end launched three years later because the “world’s first 3D printer with over 10 million colours.” Due to its full-color manufacturing capabilities and sizable 500 x 500 x 300 mm construct quantity, the machine has maritime, prototype, tooling, structure, and artwork 3D printing functions. 

In a single such use case throughout 2020, the Smithsonian 3D printed displays with a 3DUJ-553 for its museums and analysis facilities, which had been designed to assist deliver the shows to life, in addition to various fashions for public applications there. 

With a smaller 203 x 203 x 76 mm construct space and far decrease beginning worth, the 3DUJ-2207 was later launched as one thing of a bit of brother to the 3DUJ-553. As such, whereas the system relies across the identical inkjet know-how, it’s extra of a scalable entry-level choice for these searching for an accessible approach of beginning out in full-color 3D printing.  

Heart models 3D printed from Mimaki's Pure Clear MH-110PCL material. Photo via Mimaki.
Coronary heart fashions 3D printed from Mimaki’s Pure Clear MH-110PCL materials. Photograph by way of Mimaki.

Full-color innovation at Formnext 

Mimaki’s 3DUJ-2207 demo at Formnext was designed to point out the outcomes that may be achieved when its {hardware} and software program portfolio is deployed in tandem. The agency’s reside showcase was ready by way of Mimaki’s 3D Print Prep Professional software program, a cloud-based program able to autocorrecting file errors and optimizing 3D design information, to make sure that ultimate 3D printed objects end up as modeled. 

Fashions printed had been then post-processed utilizing the Mimaki 3DCS-322, an clever assist supplies removing unit developed with AM Options. In accordance with Mimaki, this end-to-end resolution “enhances and automates” the 3D printing workflow, whereas bettering price efficacy, and making the printing of full-color fashions accessible. 

Pure Clear ink MH-110PCL additionally made its debut in Frankfurt. Mimaki’s newest polymer is designed to ship improved transparency and negate yellow tint, in a approach that enables artists, designers, architects, and clinicians to 3D print fashions with translucent options. The truth is, when blended with the 3DUJ-553’s over 10 million colours, Mimaki says the fabric allows printing with “true-to-life” accuracy. 

Models 3D printed by Japanese artist Taketo Kobayashi. Photo via Mimaki.
Fashions 3D printed by Japanese artist Taketo Kobayashi. Photograph by way of Mimaki.

Alongside its {hardware} providing, Mimaki additionally showcased a group of vivid artworks created by way of its know-how by famend Japanese artist Taketo Kobayashi. Impressed by the traditional Jōmon civilization, a time in historical past when the individuals had been believed to reside peacefully and spiritually, Kobayashi’s items are designed to make use of 3D printing to deliver their considering and messages to the subsequent technology.

On condition that the colours and clear parts of Kobayashi’s items are so essential to his art work, Mimaki says the full-color prospects unlocked by its know-how had been pivotal in “attaining the utmost meant impression of each mannequin.” 

“Kobayashi’s vital and provoking artwork [shows] how strong, cutting-edge know-how can be utilized to make one thing very delicate and delightful,” added Sollman. “The fashions ship a robust message for the longer term, but in addition present completely how our options have been designed to place coloration on the forefront, unleashing creativity and opening doorways for brand new thinkers in varied industries to supply one thing completely different, and probably even game-changing.”

Take a look at our full Formnext information round-up for the newest from 3D printing’s main commerce present.

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Featured picture exhibits the Mimaki 3DUJ-2207 3D printer. Photograph by way of Mimaki.