Shapeways to offer High Definition Full Color 3D printing with Mimaki

Shapeways is teaming with Mimaki to take full-color 3D printing to the next level. The newly offered High Definition Full Color material from Mimaki features one of the most complete offerings with ten million colors, nearly unlimited choices, and versatile post-processing options all driven seamlessly by Shapeways end-to-end digital manufacturing platform and purpose-built software. Utilized for full production products and parts this material is a focal point for Shapeways’ customers looking to move beyond prototypes.

Shapeways is giving its customers instant quote access to High Definition Full Color material through the purpose-built software. Adding the Mimaki material is a logical step in moving the industry forward. “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.”

Colored resin is jetted directly onto the print bed of the Mimaki printer, relying on specific color profiles generated by characterization data. Stunning shading, contrast, and fine detail are all possible, including more expanded choices in terms of color gradients and texture too. Customers engage in creating more complex designs that take advantage of the ability to design with greater flexibility.

The use of full-color 3D printing with High Definition Full Color, on Mimaki’s successful 3DUJ-553 UV LED material jetting 3D printer, ensures exceptional details in color and modeling, high accuracy and resolution, with advanced photorealism for critical applications like medicine—especially for surgical prep models.

Real estate developers can also explore the entire infrastructure of a city block manufactured with 3D printing to demonstrate how buildings would be constructed and arranged, along with accompanying landscaping and infrastructure. Lastly, tabletop gamers discovered the nearly unlimited options available through companies like Hero Forge several years ago and continue to create customizable collectibles that could not be made without 3D printing.

“Adding full-color printing from Mimaki brings vast depth and detail to applications across multiple industries,” said Aidan O’Sullivan, Vice President Operations at Shapeways. “At Shapeways, we leverage world-class printing technologies and apply our vast expertise and rigorous quality procedures to help change the landscape of additive manufacturing.”