OVE and Memjet Unveil an Affordable, High-Speed Full-Color FDM 3D Printer for Professionals

The landscape of additive manufacturing is continually evolving, with innovations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. A groundbreaking collaboration between OVE, a dynamic Polish 3D printing startup, and Memjet, a renowned Californian leader in inkjet technology, is set to redefine professional 3D printing. Together, they have engineered a fast, full-color FDM 3D printer that promises to deliver unparalleled affordability and versatility for a wide array of professional applications.

This innovative solution leverages the distinct strengths of both companies. OVE brings its deep expertise in 3D printing technology and system design, while Memjet contributes its advanced high-speed single-pass inkjet capabilities. The result is a sophisticated yet accessible 3D printer designed for professional use, offering high-quality, full-color output without the prohibitive costs typically associated with such advanced features. This strategic partnership aims to democratize access to sophisticated additive manufacturing tools, opening new avenues for creativity and efficiency across various industries.

Synergizing Expertise: The Core of the OVE-Memjet Partnership

At the heart of this innovation lies a powerful synergy. OVE took the lead in designing and developing the physical A4-sized printer, meticulously integrating its FDM 3D printing mechanisms with Memjet’s state-of-the-art inkjet technology. Memjet’s single-pass inkjet system is particularly crucial for achieving the high-speed and vibrant full-color capabilities that distinguish this printer. Unlike traditional multi-pass inkjet systems, single-pass technology allows the printhead to lay down an entire image or color stripe in one pass, dramatically increasing speed and efficiency.

The OVE 3D printer is engineered as a modular system, thoughtfully designed to be delivered as a kit. This approach empowers Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with the flexibility to seamlessly integrate Memjet’s cutting-edge technology into their existing or new platforms. Tomek Pluciennik, CEO of OVE, elaborated on this strategic decision: “We have a deep knowledge of the Memjet high-speed single-pass inkjet technology, and the OEM kit will allow other additive manufacturers to integrate quickly and simply into their platform of choice and expand the market for affordable color 3D printing.” This modularity is a testament to the companies’ vision of fostering wider adoption and innovation within the additive manufacturing ecosystem.

Unleashing Creativity: Features and Capabilities of the New Printer

This pioneering 3D printer is poised to enable the creation of high-quality, full-color 3D parts using a diverse range of thermoplastics. The ability to print in full color is not merely an aesthetic enhancement; it significantly boosts the functionality and utility of 3D-printed objects. From realistic prototypes for product development to educational models with clear distinctions, and intricate artistic creations, the potential applications are vast.

OVE is committed to expanding the material palette, actively engaging with other businesses to develop a broader spectrum of compatible materials. This continuous development will unlock even more diverse applications, ensuring the printer remains at the forefront of innovation. In terms of software, users can anticipate an enriched 3D output experience. The intuitive software allows for effortless addition of notations, colors, and textures, bringing digital designs to life with unprecedented fidelity. Crucially, the coloring process occurs simultaneously with the printhead’s material deposition, streamlining the workflow and ensuring precise color integration throughout the object. This integrated approach not only saves time but also guarantees consistent and vibrant color representation in every layer.

The printer boasts a generous working area of 210 x 300mm, coupled with an impressive Z-axis print height of up to 300mm. This substantial build volume accommodates a wide range of part sizes, making it suitable for everything from intricate small components to larger, more complex assemblies. This combination of size and full-color capability positions the OVE-Memjet printer as a versatile tool for professionals across various sectors.

Addressing Market Needs: Affordability and Broad Applications

A significant hurdle for many organizations looking to adopt full-color 3D printing has been the high cost of entry. The OVE-Memjet collaboration directly addresses this challenge by delivering a professional-grade solution at an exceptionally competitive price point. Tomek Pluciennik highlighted this crucial aspect, stating, “We are in the final stages of commercialisation and excited about how professional and education customers will have access to affordable full color 3D printer. At less than 10k Euros our system will cover a wide range of applications in industry, education, architecture, medicine, marketing, art & entertainment, and rapid prototyping and low volume manufacturing.”

This affordability, combined with its advanced capabilities, positions the OVE-Memjet printer as a game-changer for numerous sectors:

• Industry: Rapid prototyping of consumer goods, functional parts, and industrial components with accurate visual representation. This accelerates design iteration and reduces time-to-market.
• Education: Creating engaging and detailed teaching aids, anatomical models, and scientific visualizations, enhancing learning experiences for students across all levels.
• Architecture: Producing highly realistic architectural models for client presentations and urban planning, showcasing intricate details and material finishes in true color.
• Medicine: Manufacturing detailed anatomical models for surgical planning, patient education, and medical device prototyping, where color can differentiate various tissues or structures.
• Marketing: Developing visually compelling prototypes for product launches, promotional items, and custom signage, allowing brands to showcase their concepts with vibrant precision.
• Art & Entertainment: Crafting intricate props for film and theater, character models for animation, and unique sculptures with complex color gradients, expanding artistic possibilities.
• Rapid Prototyping and Low Volume Manufacturing: Offering a cost-effective solution for producing short runs of customized products or iterations of prototypes, fostering innovation and bespoke production.

Anticipating the Future: Commercialization and Availability

The excitement surrounding this innovative full-color FDM 3D printer is palpable, and the additive manufacturing community eagerly awaits its commercial launch. OVE is scheduled to begin taking pre-orders for the system during FORMNEXT, one of the world’s leading trade shows for additive manufacturing, held between November 19th and 22nd. This will be a prime opportunity for industry professionals, educators, and potential OEMs to experience the printer firsthand and secure their orders.

With production ramping up, initial shipments are slated to commence by mid-2020. This timeline indicates that the OVE-Memjet full-color FDM 3D printer will soon be a tangible reality for businesses and institutions worldwide, ready to transform their design, prototyping, and manufacturing workflows. The strategic release at FORMNEXT underscores the companies’ confidence in the product’s readiness and its potential impact on the global market.

For those interested in delving deeper into OVE’s pioneering work and the specifics of this new technology, more information can be found HERE.

The OVE and Memjet collaboration represents a significant leap forward in affordable, professional-grade full-color FDM 3D printing. By combining cutting-edge technology with an accessible price point, they are poised to empower a new generation of innovators, designers, and manufacturers to bring their vibrant ideas to life. This development promises to broaden the applications of 3D printing and make sophisticated tools available to a much wider audience.

What are your thoughts on this exciting full-color FDM 3D printer and its potential impact? Share your insights and comments below, or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest advancements in additive manufacturing – sign up for our free weekly Newsletter to get all the news delivered straight to your inbox!