Educational facilities are among the fastest-growing adopters of 3D printing, with an impressive 5.4% to 11.6% jump in market share between 2011 and 20211, overtaking other traditional applications, such as cosmetic models and jigs and fixtures. Across a wide range of academic fields, such as medicine, art, design and architecture, students and researchers increasingly use this technology to create models and prototypes to assist with their academic endeavours. In particular, material jetting 3D printing technology is making a name for itself within the sector, known for producing highly detailed prototypes, models and figures.
Material Jetting: More Colours, More Detail
While material jetting makes up a small share of 3D printer sales when compared to other printing methods like material extrusion (FDM) and powder bed fusion (MJF or other laser-based processes) which are easier to use, it isn’t a technology to be overlooked. With its ability to produce bright colours, incredible accuracy and fine detail in the final 3D prints, material jetting has become a go-to solution for prototyping, art, architectural and educational models.
Full-colour 3D printers from Mimaki, the 3DUJ-2207 and the 3DUJ-553, both utilise the material jetting method. A piezoelectric printhead travel over the build platform, depositing hundreds of tiny droplets of photopolymer to the desired locations. The material is then cured by a UV LED light, which allows less material warping and more control for complex designs over traditional UV bulbs. The process repeats until the whole part is complete, which is then submerged in the cleaning unit to remove any support material, resulting in 3D prints with vibrant, photorealistic colour.
As the only 3D printers on the market with the ability to accurately print in 10 million colours, including transparent up to 1200 dpi, the 3DUJ Series can create highly detailed, full-colour 3D prints. All these abilities alongside its office-friendly size and low noise level have made these machines the perfect high performing models to the rapidly growing 3D printing market.
The Educated Choice
We have already seen examples of Mimaki’s 3D printers’ accuracy and range of colours being used to full effect in universities. The collaboration between Monash University and Erler Zimmer led to the development of anatomically accurate 3D-printed medical models to address the limitations of cadavers in education. Initially facing challenges with the fragility and colour reproduction of medical models, the 3D printing industry saw a significant breakthrough with the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 colour 3D Printer. This printer revolutionised the process by accurately creating realistic, detailed models with transparent parts to see internal structures. Reliance on cadavers in universities significantly restricts hands-on, interactive teaching opportunities, particularly when it comes to rare pathologies. The ability for universities to produce the desired 3D models as needed, opens up significant learning opportunities for students and medical professionals alike.
In Europe, the printer’s capabilities have also attracted the attention of a team of doctors and researchers from the University of Florence. Facilitating cost-effective solutions and enhancing surgical training and simulation, the technology was also used for a range of anatomical models, reaching a previously unattainable degree of colour fidelity and realistic appearance. Meanwhile, Biologic Models has carved out a niche in creating precise and vibrant colour 3D models of proteins for research facilities and collectors, using the 3DUJ-553 in conjunction with clinical research and x-ray crystallography protein data.
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In New Zealand, colour 3D printing has been taken beyond the medical, with the University of Auckland‘s Creative Design and Additive Manufacturing Lab (CDAML) using the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 for vibrant, accurate colour printing in projects ranging from cultural preservation to surgical aids. Initially exploring powder-based printers, the lab shifted to the 3DUJ-553 due to its superior colour palette and durability. This printer has helped to transform how students engage with history, engineering, art and medicine.
The Perfect Tool for the Model Student
Imagine students worldwide crafting realistic anatomical models, bringing historical artefacts back to their former glory, or architecting the cities of tomorrow—all with cutting-edge full-colour 3D printing technology. In the educational field, 3D printing can equip the professionals of today and tomorrow with the tools they need to enhance their skills better.
1. Wohlers Report, ‘3D Printing Applications 2011 Wohlers Report’ and ‘3D Printing.
