3D Printing

Solid Concepts Introduces New Ultra-Lightweight 3D Printing Process

The proprietary ID-Light process reportedly creates 3D models with a rigid outer shell and an inner scaffolding pattern that makes the structure appear and feel solid but will only weigh 1/12th of a traditionally 3D printed model.

id-light figure 3d printing

The ID-Light process was developed by 3D printing company Solid Concepts for both FDM and Stereolithography 3D printers. The hard outer shell has a thickness of about .03 to .04 of an inch and completely surrounds the inner lattice structure. Finished models can be treated with a two-part urethane painting process that produces a smoother surface and higher impact strength and rigidity.

id-light monster 3d printing

Solid Concepts ID-Light SLA (stereolithography) is used for everything from life-sized custom trade-show figures, movie props, promotional figures, detailed architectural models and art installations. Because of the ID-Light process, these models are produced faster than traditionally made SLA models and Solid Concepts says that the surface is very smooth and will take paint extremely well.

Recently, creature artist Tom Most used the process to create two stunning 3D sculptures that were on display at Burbank’s 3D Printing Expo 2014. Here is a video where he talks about designing monsters and having his digital sculptures 3D printed:

The ID-Light FDM process may not produce as fine a surface detail or take paint as well as ID-Light SLA, however it is ideal for uses that don’t require a high level of finish quality. Prints are still significantly lighter than their traditionally FDM 3D printed counterparts, will print faster and they require much less plastic filament to produce. ID-Light FDM models are also much stronger than ID-Light SLA models and less expensive, making them ideal for large scale prototyped parts.

id-light chart 3d printing
Comparing the weights of four different prop manufacturing methods .

Solid Concepts says that they are currently the only company using this process, and that their method for achieving models that weigh less than 9% of their traditionally 3D printed counterparts is proprietary.