From 3D printed medical models and sophisticated architectural displays and accompanying infrastructure, to out-of-this-world fun in creating robust tabletop gaming miniatures, High Definition Full Color is the type of material engineers and designers have been waiting for. No matter the application or product, color plays a huge part in 3D design, elevating style and the ability to make a dramatic statement, along with delineating different products responsible for specific tasks like sensors. Previsualization of models is easier with High Definition Full Color and exact color matches are available for all 3D printed products.

Multi-Color 3D Printing: The History Behind it All

3D printing finds its origins in the type of innovation that doesn’t come around very often, but when it does it is usually steeped in some sort of need; after all, few of us are motivated to spend hours and late nights working on an invention that isn’t meant to be incredibly beneficial to workflow–or even the world in general. In the beginning, that need behind 3D printing was a simple one: to speed up workflow in product development.

Rapid prototyping is still one of the greatest benefits in 3D printing, allowing Shapeways customers to iterate to their heart’s content. The product development process may involve creating five iterations and then moving on to manufacture functional parts–or well over a hundred iterations may be necessary to production of a complex, high-performance product. 

From advanced technology to advanced materials and resources, it’s safe to say that Shapeways has progressed to the point of manufacturing parts for the applications of today and tomorrow; however,  when it comes to color 3D printing, exponentially so. Designers are no longer limited to just basic white or clear or a handful of monochromatic options. Today, over ten million color options are available with High Definition Full Color. 

Manufacturing of industrial parts and color have always gone together but that doesn’t mean it has been easy–and especially in the more rudimentary days of 3D printing. From simple hues to intensive dyeing of parts in post-processing, the additive manufacturing industry has always been focused on aesthetics, and at the bare minimum, designers without any other options have been willing to devote hours to meticulous hand painting. There’s no reason to make additive manufacturing any more difficult these days, however. There’s no reason to operate from a blank or transparent slate–and there’s no reason to walk away with parts that have the potential to become faded out or yellowed.

High Definition Full Color is proof of the full evolution of color and multi-color in additive manufacturing, transitioning into luxurious photorealism available directly from the print bed. Emerging from Mimaki technology and Material Jetting on the 3DUJ-553, High Definition Full Color demonstrates the continued graduation from excellence in 2D–passing the torch to the next dimension–and to a new generation of designers not afraid to take risks in pushing the limits of innovation.

High Definition Full Color–Details and 3D Printing Design Guidelines 

This material offers vast new possibilities in the number of hues available, but incredible shading and contrast accompany High Definition Full Color too. This means that companies designing for multi-color 3D printing can also look forward to incorporating much finer detail with intense gradients and surface textures that did not exist before. And while adding color may be one of the last options considered in 3D printing, it remains no less important, available in standard and matte finish, with the ability to coat final parts as desired.

For each design, bounding box minimums and maximums are outlined. The bounding box is a 3D imaginary outline of a box that encloses the smallest area occupied by a 3D model. It must be within the minimum and maximum bounding box sizes. If the size of the model is close to the maximum bounding box, then the printing orientation will be restricted.

Bounding box requirements for High Definition Full Color:

• Bounding Box Min
  • 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 mm
• Bounding Box Max
  • 495 x 495 x 300 mm

Explore specific design guidelines further here.

Understanding the Technology Behind High Definition Full Color

A derivative of inkjet technology, Material Jetting (MJ) relies on eight tiny nozzles, also known as piezoelectric printheads, to deposit resin droplets on the print bed. Immediately cured via UV light, the materials continue to be jetted onto the print bed layer by layer until the 3D printed part and any support structures are complete. Multiple nozzles are responsible for delivering quality, intricate parts, and manufacturing unique structures whether they are multi-material, multi-color, or both. 

Important features include:

• Greater efficiency in production
• Precision in parts
• Incredibly fine details
• Excellence in color and resolution

Building on their well-known name in the 2D inkjet industry, in 2017 Mimaki began selling the 3DUJ-553, featuring a build volume of 508 x 508 x 305. Still serving as their flagship hardware, the 3DUJ-553 offers seven different droplet sizes for High Definition Full Color–and with four different modes:

• High Quality
• Standard
• High Speed
• Special Mode

3D prints are possible on the larger scale, with some as tall as 20 inches. Interior and exterior strength of parts are the same, but only the outer portion of the structure features color. High Definition Full Color 3D prints are jetted with pigmented resin, featuring a mix of white and clear within each center.

While the ability to bring tabletop gaming characters to life like never before is a huge accomplishment in terms of multi-color 3D printing, even more so is the ability to expand on medical models, using them on every level in terms of diagnostics and treatment, and education and training. Used as prototypes and models for numerous other applications and important presentations, businesses can expect better communication with potential clients, promoting improved communication, fast feedback, and streamlined product development overall.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post 3D Printing in High Definition Full Color: Ten Million Reasons appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

• Powerful Material Jetting technology at Shapeways offers extreme accuracy in parts 3D printed with materials like Fine Detail Plastic.
• Options in finishing allow for varying levels of detail in parts.
• Metals like aluminum are highly resistant to corrosion, making these materials appealing for parts exposed to outdoor environments.
• Precious metals can be used to create high-end products like jewelry.

In early 2021, Shapeways marked a great milestone, 3D printing over 21 million parts for over 1 million customers worldwide. This achievement was made possible by our base of incredibly inspiring customers enjoying access to the wide range of resources available at Shapeways, beginning with a long and growing inventory of notable materials.

Fine Detail Plastic

Fine Detail Plastic is one of the most accurate 3D printing materials available. Recommended for highly detailed parts, this material is 3D printed via Material Jetting, a uniquely powerful technology that uses small, multi-nozzle printheads to project resin droplets which are then cured. Parts 3D printed with Fine Detail Plastic are perfect for scale models, miniature figures, jewelry prototypes, master patterns for molds, and other small objects. No matter the finish, Fine Detail Plastic is easy to paint over for adding a splash of color.

MJF Plastic PA12

Shapeways uses HP technology to 3D print strong and functional objects with MJF Plastic PA12, a material highly suited for products like phone cases, camera mounts, and drone parts; however, it is also smooth enough to make jewelry, toys, and home decor. Thick, stiffer objects are less likely to warp with MJF Plastic PA12, available in gray and black. Note: for parts with finer details, black is recommended.

Aluminum

Aluminum is an ideal choice for mechanical and other load-bearing parts. Additionally, because of its high resistance to corrosion, aluminum is perfect for bike accessories and other products routinely exposed to the environment. Designers should take note that sharp edges could get rounded down. And although aluminum does support interlocking parts, this material is not considered accurate enough for complex, interacting parts like screws and nuts.

Full-Color Sandstone

Sandstone is the way to go for economical, multi-colored objects. Well-suited for items like figurines and lifelike 3D printed models, sandstone is produced via binder jetting, a 3D printing technology that uses agents to bind granular particles together layer after layer, using one or more nozzles to build green parts that emerge in a delicate state until cured.

With the matte finish, there is potential for even bolder colors. It is important to note that while finished sandstone products will look amazing sitting on a desk or positioned up on a shelf, they are not recommended for regular handling due to the brittle quality of the material.

Gold and Platinum

Precious metals are available for truly special products. Create gold objects with Shapeways in either 14K (Gold, Rose Gold, or White Gold) or an extra vibrant 18K option. For truly special objects, materials like Platinum are available too.

Casting with metal involves 3D printing a wax model which is used to create a plaster mold. The plaster mold is used to pour and cast the material, and it works for Platinum too. This unique process is perfect for creating extra special pieces like rings, earrings, and other small jewelry items.

For a unique look with other metals, explore materials like Steel with a bronzed-steel finish, used as a rustic finish for industrial chic pieces—or Silver with an antique finish, creating a dramatic look for popular styles like steampunk.

Other Materials

Successful product development, printability, and manufacturing are heavily dependent on making the right choices in terms of materials, which is why Shapeways has continued to expand options for customers with different materials and finishes—from nylon plastics to premium metals. In choosing the proper materials for a specific 3D model, it is critical to consider whether a product will be an exclusive piece or a versatile design that can be manufactured in a variety of textures and colors in higher volumes.

 Explore the full Shapeways material portfolio here.  

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways solutions, and get instant quotes here.  

The post Outstanding 3D Printing Materials Enhance Product Design and Development appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

• The manufacturing partnership between Shapeways and Mimaki, resulting in production of high-quality color 3D prints.
• How High Definition Full Color is 3D printed via Material Jetting at Shapeways.
• Why 3D printing in color can benefit your company.
• Using full color to 3D print photorealistic medical models, complex architectural displays, and highly detailed tabletop gaming miniatures.

Make 3D prints pop with color! Additive manufacturing can be challenging, but with the proper amount of research regarding which materials and technology are suitable for your project requirements, the results can also be extremely exciting—especially with ten million colors available at Shapeways.

Check out five reasons to 3D print with High Definition Full Color:

1. Add to your brand by 3D printing in color – with High Definition Full Color you will be in awe of all you can do, layer by layer—and in vibrant color. The range of colors runs the full spectrum, achieved with color profiles composed of specific data for characterization. High Definition Full Color allows for good pre-visualization of models, exact color matches as necessary, along with incredible shading and contrast that previously were not possible without meticulous hand-painting afterward.

Playing an important role in most types of design, color adds style, allows you to make a statement, and can also be used for functional parts to designate different types of devices, like sensors. No matter what type of innovation you are 3D printing though, color can be critical to your business brand, drawing attention and evoking familiarity and trust in a product.

2. Improve accuracy and resolution with Mimaki technology – For over 25 years, Mimaki has specialized in full color inkjet printing. They hold numerous patents, maintain a large presence in signage and graphics, industrial printing, and textile printing too. In 2017, the Japanese company entered the 3D printing industry—and they weren’t exactly low-key about it. After all, no one else has come even close to offering such exciting, and vast, options in color.

Shapeways color prints are manufactured on the high-production Mimaki 3DUJ-553, featuring a build size of 508 x 508 x 305mm. While there are other color printers offering a variety of benefits too, the industrial-grade 3DUJ-553 is founded on Material Jetting (MJ) technology, employing eight unique piezoelectric print heads. Converting mechanical energy into electricity, the printheads deposit liquid photopolymer droplets to be cured with UV light. The eight printheads are capable of four different print modes, with seven different droplet sizes. Greater control drop size and drop placement means greater accuracy and resolution.

3. Create realistic medical models – 3D medical models printed in High Definition Full Color create realistic representations of organs such as the human heart or the brain with true-to-life color. Surgeons can improve on patient-specific treatment too with the help of more complex models in color, whether diagnosing and treating illnesses, visualizing rare or new procedures, training, or researching.

4. Use multiple colors in architectural displays – Architecture is another popular application for use with High Definition Full Color, allowing clients to see every tiny detail of a new home or office, or even large endeavors like luxury hotels on the verge of construction. Customized, tangible models in robust colors also encourage better communication and feedback—all leading to an acceleration in final project production.

5. 3D print tabletop gaming figurines – Because fine detail can be so accurately presented, many customers choose High Definition Full Color for 3D printed gaming figurines. This material is famous for incredibly realistic skin tones and intricate details like facial hair on characters or feathers on animal figurines. Tabletop gamers can design both collectible figurines and statuettes for remarkable customization, color contrast and gradations, and texture.

Full-color models produced with High Definition Full Color are available in both standard and matte finish. Some staircasing may be noticeable in hard light conditions. Final parts can be coated, and hardware like screws can easily be attached for hanging and other requirements.  

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 20 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways solutions, and get instant quotes here.  

The post Five Reasons to 3D Print with High Definition Full Color appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

3D Color Plays an Important Role in Design

The option to 3D print with High Definition Full Color can be considered at any point in the design and ordering process at Shapeways. 3D print colors play a vital role in design, whether for style or for utilitarian use in functional devices like 3D printed sensors and housings. No matter what types of parts you are making though, figuring out how to color 3D prints is critical to your brand.

High Definition Full Color is in demand by customers seeking more intense detail, and the option to choose between ten million colors. The range of 3D print colors includes a full spectrum of eye-popping hues, achieved by using color profiles with specific data for characterization. High Definition Full Color allows for good pre-visualization of models, exact color matches, along with incredible shading and contrast that previously were not possible without meticulous hand-painting.

Amazing shading and contrast options are available for applying color and design details. Most designers choose High Definition Full Color when seeking fine detail with expanded gradients and textures. Designers can use 3D models with thinner walls for more complex designs, even at a minimum of 1 mm, which amounts to the thickness of a plastic credit card.

For High Definition Full Color, 3D models must meet the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:

Bounding Box Min

2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 mm

Bounding Box Max

495 x 495 x 300 mm

Full-color models produced with High Definition Full Color are available in standard and matte finish. Some staircasing may be noticeable in hard light conditions. Final parts can be coated, and hardware like screws can easily be attached.  

Find out more about High Definition Full Color 3D design guidelines here.

Mimaki 3D Printing

For over 25 years, Mimaki has specialized in full color inkjet printing. They hold numerous patents, maintain a large presence in signage and graphics, industrial printing, and textile printing. In 2017, the Japanese company entered the 3D printing industry with great momentum–and so far, no one else has come even close to offering such exciting, and vast, options in color.

Josh Hope, Senior Manager for Digital Imaging and Innovation at Mimaki, has worked with Shapeways closely and is clear about what makes full-color 3D printing with Mimaki so different:

“We’re coming at it from a very different perspective, and that perspective is that we have many many years of experience in how to reproduce color accurately, how to manage that color, and how to provide a workflow that allows for the most accurate reproduction of color possible.”

Shapeways High Definition Full Color prints are manufactured on the high-production Mimaki 3DUJ-553, featuring a build size of 508 x 508 x 305 mm. While other color printers offer a variety of benefits, the industrial-grade 3DUJ-553 is founded on Material Jetting (MJ) technology, employing eight unique piezoelectric print heads. Converting mechanical energy into electricity, the printheads deposit liquid photopolymer droplets to be cured with UV light. The eight printheads are capable of four different print modes, with seven different droplet sizes. Greater control drop size and drop placement means greater accuracy and resolution.

Speed and precision, along with the ability to produce robust colors and textures make MJ 3D printing uniquely powerful. While MJ 3D printing is popular with many Shapeways customers for rapid prototyping, this technology is paired with High Definition Full Color for functional models, products, and useful applications.

“Shapeways is known for their quality and consistency,” said Josh Hope, Senior Manager for Digital Imaging and Innovation at Mimaki. “Our expertise in 2D color printing allowed us to approach the 3D printing world differently by starting with color. Offering High Definition Full Color to the customer base of Shapeways made sense because it can be used in so many ways.”

3D Printing Applications for High Definition Full Color

With the capability to present minute details accurately, customers choose High Definition Full Color for the following applications:

• 3D printed tabletop gaming figurines – High Definition Full Color is famous for 3D printed miniatures featuring incredibly realistic details. Unlimited customization is available for creating gaming characters with skin tones, facial hair, and details like feathers on animal figurines. Gamers have a tendency to be serious about the characters in their games, and throw themselves into the opportunity to bring them to life. With High Definition Full Color and 3D printing they can collect remarkable, personalized figurines and statuettes of their own design, manipulating texture, color contrast, and gradations.
• 3D medical models – 3D printed medical models can be extremely helpful to the medical profession, but more so to the individuals receiving patient-specific treatment as 2D data like MRIs or CTs are converted to 3D data. These realistic representations are used for surgeons to diagnose and treat conditions, and then navigate the ensuing medical procedure by using the 3D printed medical model to train. In fact, a surgeon may work with a corresponding 3D printed medical model for weeks before performing a surgery. It may also be used as a guide in the operating room or to train medical students. Further, 3D printed medical models are used as visual aids for patients and their families.
• 3D printed architectural models – Architecture is another popular application for use with High Definition Full Color, allowing clients to see every tiny detail of a new home or office, or envision large endeavors like luxury hotels on the verge of construction. 3D printed architectural models can be made on the large scale, representing entire city blocks and including every conceivable detail in miniature like landscaping and infrastructure. Customized, tangible models in robust colors may help land that new client after an impressive presentation–but they also encourage better communication and customer feedback—all leading to an acceleration in final project production.

Part of the allure and intrinsic magic of 3D printing is that creativity can take infinite, perpetually customizable forms. Those endless possibilities can also make it challenging to choose the best avenue for additive manufacturing. 

Built on years of experience and integration of features based on designer feedback, Shapeways provides a streamlined process for customers, making AM processes easier and more successful–every step of the way. This includes printability analysis to ensure that materials and technology are compatible with sophisticated geometries. If you are wondering how to color 3D prints, it is critical to understand what is available, and how that matches with your project requirements.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post 3D Printing Materials Spotlight: High Definition Full Color appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Additive Manufacturing

In additive manufacturing, material is added layer by layer to form a three-dimensional solid object using computers and 3D printers. Common materials used include powder and liquid, and can produce parts in plastics, metals and more. Additive manufacturing is well suited to producing customizable products, specialized parts, and highly complex or intricate parts.

Here are some popular types of additive technologies:

Material Extrusion

In this process, a thermoplastic material is heated to its melting point and extruded from a nozzle to create the layers of the desired three-dimensional object on the build plate. Fused Deposition Modeling is an example of material extrusion and is the most commonly used process in 3D printing.

Material Jetting

Material jetting is an inkjet printing method in which a liquid photoreactive material is deposited onto the build plate and is then hardened with UV light. 

Binder Jetting

Binder jetting alternates the deposit of two materials, a powder and a binder, layer by layer to create the solid structure. The object is then removed from unbound powder when it has finished printing.

Sheet Lamination

Sheet lamination stacks and laminates sheets of material like plastic, paper or metal layer by layer. This process is fast and low-cost, making it well suited for low fidelity prototypes.

Vat photopolymerization

This process uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that is selectively cured by UV light. Stereolithography (SLA) uses this technique and was the first patented 3D printing technology.

Powder Bed Fusion

Powder bed fusion uses a laser or electron beam to fuse powder material together and is typically used for plastic or metal parts. This process includes Electron Beam Melting, Selective Heat Sintering and Multi Jet Fusion technologies.

Directed Energy Deposition

Directed Energy Deposition uses a nozzle mounted on a multi-axis arm to melt and deposit material. This process typically uses metals in powders or wire.

Subtractive Manufacturing

In subtractive manufacturing, material is gradually removed from a solid block to form a three-dimensional object with the help of computers and robotics. Material can be cut, drilled, bored, milled, chipped, or melted away depending on the desired results and the technology being used. Subtractive manufacturing is typically used to produce sturdy, high volume parts and products.

Here are some popular types of subtractive technologies:

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining

CNC (computer numerical control) machining is a process in which tasks are pre-programmed into computer software and then delivered to factory tools and machines to cut away from the material block in a precise, three dimensional way to deliver the desired object. The tasks delivered to the machines can be given manually, but lately CNC has mostly taken on that job.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

EDM is a manufacturing method in which thermal energy is used to remove material. An electrode emits an electrical discharge that erodes conductive material and is typically used with metals like titanium or steel.

Laser Cutting

This method uses the output of a high powered laser to vaporize, melt, burn or slice materials until they reach their desired shape. CNC codes determine the movement of the laser beam to create continuous cuts and define the object being produced.

Water Jet Cutting

Water Jet Cutting uses a high-powered jet of water to cut material and can either function with water alone (pure water jet) to cut softer materials that cannot withstand higher temperatures, like rubber or wood, or it can also be combined with an abrasive substance (abrasive jet) to cut harder materials like metals or stone.

Key Differences Between Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing

Subtractive and additive manufacturing both present their share of benefits depending on the project at hand. Subtractive manufacturing has been prominent over the years when it comes to manufacturing high quality prototypes or mass-produced parts, especially in metal. Additive manufacturing has been evolving quickly, however, and is becoming more commonly used than ever, especially when it comes to on-demand manufacturing and mass customization, which it is much more suited for. It is also the optimal choice for plastic parts and prototypes.

Some key differences between the two include:

Weight and Density Control

In subtractive manufacturing, the final object will have the same density as the original solid block of raw material it started from, which works well for creating sturdy parts. With additive manufacturing, however, manufacturers have the ability to create hollowed parts and control the weight of the desired object.

Design Complexity

Additive manufacturing is known for its ability to generate intricate parts that have pushed the limits of design possibility. Subtractive manufacturing is able to produce complex shapes as well but does not offer nearly the same level of design freedom as additive manufacturing.

Waste

Subtractive manufacturing relies on the removal of bulk material to achieve a desired object, however, this can yield a substantial amount of waste as unusable chips, dust, scraps still remain after the object is complete. Additive manufacturing cuts down on that type of waste considerably, as it typically only uses as much material as is needed.

Customization Potential

Subtractive manufacturing is better suited for making a high volume amount of the same part or product, while additive manufacturing is best suited to making one of a kind or small-run parts that can be customized to suit customers or specific situations.

Costs and Space

Previously, subtractive manufacturing was overall a less expensive process, but additive manufacturing prices have been dropping as it is further developed and made more accessible. Both methods require some specialized equipment and training to use. CNC machining typically required a workshop or dedicated space to use the necessary equipment, where 3D printers range in sizes and prices from compact desktop printers to large, industrial ones. By utilizing a 3D printing service like Shapeways, the equipment start-up costs and training are no longer barriers to entry in using additive manufacturing.

Understanding the fundamental differences between additive and subtractive manufacturing processes will allow you to select the manufacturing service that is better suited for your unique product.

As the industry leader in additive manufacturing, our 3D printing experts are here to help you with your manufacturing needs.

The post Additive or Subtractive Manufacturing: Which is Better? appeared first on Shapeways Blog.