For consumers who, having seen MakerBots on TV or at some event, are hesitant about desktop 3D printing, there are usually a few roadblocks standing in the way between them and this exciting technology. FDM 3D printers, the MakerBot variety, are too slow to meet the standards of a society accustomed to instant gratification (Thanks, Internet!). And, even when such a printer is capable of extruding two or three colors, affordable 3D printers can’t satisfy our thirst for the full spectrum of colors. At 3DPI, we receive e-mails from a number of companies that claim wholly new 3D printing technologies that will change everything. Though they don’t always pan out, we always cross our fingers and hope that one of these companies actually lives up to its claims. So, it’s with cautious optimism that we introduce you to OVE.
OVE is Polish company that has filed patent applications for two new methods of 3D printing in full color. Due to the patent and general matters of business and development, OVE isn’t quite ready to go into all of the details about the technology, but they explain that it amounts to combining the 2D, CMYK inkjet printing we all know and love with 3D printing. The first is an FDM/FFF 3D printing process (mentioned above) in which color-absorbent filament is dyed with specialty inks. We’ve covered a similar device on 3DPI, in which filament is dyed as it enters the printer, but the resulting are dyed as a gradual gradient of colors, and not the spot-dying. Hopefully, OVE’s inkjet color method can spot-dye individual points on a layer, instead of entire layers at a time. If so, I imagine a layer of color-absorbent filament laid down and the inkjet printhead passing over and printing the way a 2D printer might.
The other technology is described SL DLP 3D printing, in which light is projected onto UV-curable resin. The advantage of stereolithography or digital light projection printers is that they can print more quickly and with much greater resolution than FDM printers. In this case, OVE’s CEO, Tomek Płuciennik, tells me that the printer will use “UV-curable CMYK inks and resin/ink chemistry.” I have a harder time picturing how this would work, but can imagine a similar process to the one above where the inkjet printhead passes over the appropriate spots before or after the light hardens the resin.
The most popular color printing method on the market is the ZCorp process, now owned by 3D Systems and rebranded as the ProJet x60 series. With the most affordable starting at prices nearing $30k, the full-color ProJet printers use colored and clear binders to fuse particles of gypsum powder together. OVE’s Płuciennik says of OVE’s technology, “There are similarity with ZCorp process, but the difference is that our ink is not a ‘binder’. When not printing in colour it will be just standard FFF or SL DLP pinter.” He also says that, “3D printing is our passion and we want to spread this emotion to others, not only professionals. In order to do that, the price tag should be acceptable for prosumer market. We belive we found the most affordable solution for full-colour 3D printing.” If their printers have a lower price tag than 3D Systems soon-to-be released $5k x60 series machine, the CubeJet, then OVE may make a big splash.
By combining the strength of FDM parts and the speed and resolution of DLP printers with the ability to print in full color, OVE has the potential to overcome the hurdles faced by 3D printing as it enters the mainstream. I don’t want to get my hopes up, so I’ll try to remain cautious. Płuciennik tells me that in about a month and a half’s time, they’ll have some more announcements. Soon, maybe we’ll get a chance to feast our eyes on some full-color prints and, if we’re lucky, on the printing processes themselves.
