The Many Dimensions of 3D Printing Technology

The 3D panel featured, from the left, Sharon Rothschild of Massivit 3D and Josh Hope, Mimaki USA.

A panel of 3D experts took the floor during a Wednesday morning session, “3D Printing: A Multi-Dimensional View” featuring Vince Cahill, VCE Solutions; Josh Hope, Senior Manager of Industrial Printing, Mimaki (Booths 1231 and 1345) and Sharon Rothschild, Product Manager, Massivit 3D (Booth 2279).

Cahill moderated the panel, opening the session by discussing the role of 3D Additive Manufacturing (AM) with metals. A 2017 Wohlers report, Cahill explained, noted that metal powder sales grew by more than 2.5 times over the course of 2015 to 2017. Applications include jewelry, medical applications, dental, automotive, electronics and even aerospace innovation. For example, Cahill stated, airplanes can use 3D printed parts to build the engine, fuel injectors and more.

Hope provided a history of full-color 3D printing technology, complete with the equipment available and benefits and disadvantages to each. He highlighted the recently released Mimaki 3DUJ-553 technology, which produces photorealistic products. The device has more than 10 million color possibilities and 22 micron layer thickness.

Rothschild presented to the audience the role of the super large-format 3D printers. The Massivit 1800 features two print engines that enable the user to print two different objects in parallel. Applications vary from point-ofpurchase displays, window displays and high-end decorations to custom furniture and 3D vehicle wraps.