3D Color Printing : How does it work ?

Posted By sculpteo on Nov 9, 2010 | 3 comments

The object itself must first be modeled with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Maya, Sketchup, Blender and so on.

Zcorp’s ZPrinter 650 is the machine we use for color models and works like this:

– The 3D file is “sliced” into separate images corresponding to each layer
– The printer deposits a 0.1 mm-thick layer of powder over which the printing head moves and deposits a binder that solidifies the powder (and ink, if it is a color model). The cycle is repeated until the full 3D model is complete

– At the end of the drying time, the device removes the powder surplus
– We then open the hood of the machine and move the object to the final de-powdering chamber. We spray the item with compressed air to remove the last traces of powder.
– Finally, we dip the object in a glue bath. This step is called “infiltration”. The infiltrating compound fills in the microscopic alveoli in the model to make it watertight and solid, and also enhances color saturation.

Any unused powder is automatically recycled and reused to produce the next items

3D printers are on the whole much faster than other manufacturing technologies and do not require the use of toxic chemicals, as is the case for stereolithography.

Below is a report by high-tech website La Chaine Techno shot at our facility in Vanves.