The Japanese company Mimaki is launching the 3DUJ-553 UV LED printing solution, offering over 10 million colors and photorealistic print quality.

When you look at the current state of 3D printing, you’ll notice that the focus of many companies is integrating multi-material and multicolor capabilities into their machines. From desktop manufacturers like Ultimaker and Prusa Research, to major industrial players like Stratasys and HP, everyone seems to be working towards more functional and colorful prints.

The Japanese company Mimaki seems prepared to join the race with the new Mimaki 3DUJ-553 UV LED printing solution. This unique 3D printer offers over 10 million colors, enabling the production of photorealistic objects. With this machine, users will be able to print colorful signs, prototypes, parts, and products in full color. This will effectively eliminate the need for laborious and costly post processing methods.

 Mimaki Brings Photorealistic 3D Printing to the Table

The Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is able to print in photorealistic color, and also comes with water-soluble support material. This allows users to wash away the material without causing damage to the color of these vibrant objects. The company will target the professional market, aiming at industries involved with graphics, education, healthcare, manufacturing, architecture, and more. According to Ronald van den Broek, General Manager Sales at Mimaki Europe, there are a few advantages that the Japanese printer has over the competition.

“Other 3D printing solutions have two primary issues when it comes to creating 3D printed objects. First, they cannot produce objects in photorealistic colour. This often requests that objects be hand painted, a time-consuming and expensive prospect. Secondly, most 3D printed objects require removal of stabilising fixtures before they can be used.”

After printing the object, the 3DUJ-553 applies a final UV ink coating of approximately 22 microns using CMYK, white, and clear inks. The UV LED curing process also places minimal heat on the object. You can also view color simulations on the PC before printing, making sure that the selected colors match expectations.

This printer uses an acrylic resin material that offers similar hardness and functionality to ABS resin. This means that objects can undergo post-processing without impacting the structural integrity. The resin material offers weather resistance, surface smoothness, and exceptional strength. The 3DUJ-553 also has an onboard camera that enables users to monitor the entire 3D printing workflow.

Mimaki has been a force in the inkjet market for quite some time now. But now, the company will bring their expertise into the world of 3D printing. Depending on the price point and capabilities of the printer, the 3DUJ-553 could amass hype across the industry. We will certainly keep an eye on the Mimaki printer, but until then, you can look at this machine and marvel about what the future has in store for 3D printing technology.

Source: Mimaki Europe