Mimaki 3DGD-1800: Revolutionizing Large-Format 3D Printing with Unprecedented Speed and Detail

Mimaki, a renowned Japanese manufacturer celebrated for its innovations in 2D printing, has consistently pushed the boundaries of digital fabrication. In September 2017, the company marked a significant milestone in the additive manufacturing sector with the introduction of the 3DUJ-553. This groundbreaking 3D printer captivated professionals, particularly within the design industry, by offering the unparalleled capability to produce parts in an astounding 10 million colors. It set a new benchmark for realism and creative freedom in 3D printing. Building on this legacy of innovation, Mimaki has, three years later, once again reshaped the landscape of additive manufacturing with a new solution designed for grander scales and faster production.

The latest marvel from Mimaki is the Mimaki 3DGD-1800, a revolutionary large-format 3D printer that boasts an impressive build volume, allowing it to print parts up to 1.8 meters high in an astonishingly short period of just seven hours. This cutting-edge machine represents a strategic collaboration with the Israeli manufacturer Massivit, a recognized expert in large format additive manufacturing. The partnership combines Mimaki’s precision engineering and digital imaging expertise with Massivit’s specialized knowledge in high-speed, large-scale polymer dispensing, creating a powerful synergy poised to transform industries requiring substantial, rapid prototyping and production capabilities.

Addressing the Demand for Grand Scale and Vivid Visuals

The convergence of full-color 2D printing capabilities with expansive large-format 3D printing opens up unprecedented opportunities across numerous sectors. Industries such as audiovisual production, advertising, retail display, and even museum exhibits, which frequently require visually striking and immersive elements, stand to benefit immensely. Imagine creating realistic movie props, eye-catching advertising panels, immersive life-size displays, or intricate set pieces with unparalleled detail and vibrant colors. Advanced 3D printing technologies, particularly those offered by Mimaki, are now making this level of realistic rendering and rapid production not just possible, but highly efficient.

The Mimaki 3DGD-1800 is engineered to excel in this dynamic environment. Beyond its creative applications, the machine also addresses critical industrial needs, such as the manufacture of XXL molds for various casting or composite applications, and the production of other large industrial parts. For businesses across manufacturing, automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors, this capability translates directly into significantly reduced lead times for prototypes, tooling, and even end-use components, fostering greater agility and innovation in their production cycles.

Unpacking the Advanced Features of the Mimaki 3DGD-1800 Machine

At the core of the Mimaki 3DGD-1800’s exceptional performance lies Massivit’s proprietary Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology. This innovative process utilizes a photosensitive gel that is rapidly cured with UV light, allowing for the immediate solidification of material as it is extruded. Unlike many other additive manufacturing methods, GDP technology enables the creation of complex geometries without the need for extensive support structures, or with minimal, easily removable supports, thus streamlining post-processing and reducing material waste. This unique approach allows for the production of hollow, lightweight, yet durable structures, which are ideal for large-scale applications where material efficiency and ease of handling are paramount.

Unrivaled Speed and Scale in Large-Format 3D Production

The speed of the 3DGD-1800 is truly one of its most remarkable attributes. It can achieve an impressive vertical printing speed of up to 350 mm per hour, which translates into the ability to design and produce parts as tall as 1.8 meters in a mere seven hours. This rapid production rate is a game-changer for industries operating under tight deadlines, providing an unprecedented ability to turn around large projects quickly. Furthermore, the system is engineered for maximum efficiency, equipped with two independent extruders. This dual-extrusion capability empowers users to either print two identical parts simultaneously, effectively doubling throughput, or to print two different parts concurrently, maximizing the machine’s utilization and flexibility. For even larger constructs, the possibility of assembling multiple 3D-printed components seamlessly expands the scope to virtually limitless dimensions, making truly monumental creations a reality.

Precision, Detail, and Post-Processing Synergy for Vibrant Results

While the primary output of the 3DGD-1800 via GDP technology is a durable, monochrome part, Mimaki has ingeniously integrated its extensive expertise in 2D inkjet printing to offer an unparalleled end-to-end solution for stunning, full-color objects. As Bert Benckhuysen, Product Manager at Mimaki Europe, explains: “We have ensured that even beyond the 3D printing stage, our Mimaki inkjet printers can then be used to add color and decoration, making the created objects even more impressive and very versatile.” This synergy allows for the application of vibrant, high-resolution graphics, realistic textures, and intricate patterns directly onto the large 3D prints. This transforms functional objects into visually spectacular pieces that grab attention and convey intricate details with precision, significantly enhancing their aesthetic and commercial value.

Transformative Applications Across Diverse Industries

The broad capabilities of the Mimaki 3DGD-1800 position it as a powerful tool for innovation across a multitude of industries. Its ability to quickly produce large, intricate objects opens doors that were previously challenging or cost-prohibitive with traditional manufacturing methods.

Advertising and Retail Displays

In the highly competitive advertising and retail sectors, visual impact is paramount for capturing consumer attention. The 3DGD-1800 allows for the creation of stunning, life-size mannequins, custom promotional figures, unique architectural signage, and elaborate point-of-sale displays that truly stand out. The seamless integration with Mimaki’s 2D inkjet printers means these large objects can be finished with vibrant, photorealistic graphics and branding elements, making them incredibly effective at conveying brand messages and driving engagement.

Audiovisual and Entertainment

For film sets, theater productions, theme parks, museums, and events, the demand for realistic props, intricate set pieces, and engaging installations is constant. The speed and scale of the 3DGD-1800 enable rapid prototyping and production of large-scale assets, significantly reducing lead times for prop masters, set designers, and experience creators. This allows for more creative freedom, quicker design iterations, and the ability to bring imaginative concepts to life with unprecedented efficiency and detail.

Manufacturing and Tooling

Beyond the creative industries, the Mimaki 3DGD-1800 is a formidable asset for industrial applications. It excels in producing large-scale molds for vacuum forming, concrete casting, composite layups, and even custom thermoforming tools. The ability to rapidly print custom molds significantly cuts down on the time and cost associated with traditional mold fabrication, enabling faster product development cycles. Additionally, it can be used for manufacturing jigs, fixtures, and large prototypes for various industrial sectors, providing rapid, cost-effective solutions for design validation and process optimization.

Art, Design, and Architecture

Artists and designers can leverage the machine’s capabilities to realize ambitious sculptural works, complex public art installations, and intricate exhibition pieces that would be challenging to produce otherwise. Architects can create highly detailed large-scale models, complex mock-ups, or even elements of building facades, providing tangible representations of their designs much faster and more cost-effectively than traditional model-making techniques. The precision of GDP technology ensures that even at large scales, intricate details and complex geometries are maintained, opening new avenues for creative expression.

Superiority Over Existing Large-Format Technologies

The Mimaki 3DGD-1800, powered by GDP technology, became available from April 1, 2020, promising substantial time and cost savings for professionals needing to produce large parts with impressive detail and post-process color. A key differentiator for the 3DGD-1800 is its expected accuracy and speed, which significantly surpasses many contemporary large-format machines. These older machines commonly rely on the FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) process, which, while versatile for certain applications, typically does not offer the same level of detail, surface finish, or rapid throughput as GDP technology, especially when scaled up to produce massive objects. For large parts, FFF can also be considerably slower, requiring extensive print times and often substantial post-processing to achieve acceptable quality and aesthetic standards.

The manufacturer proudly highlights that its new GDP-based machine is demonstrably three times faster than comparable large-format FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling, a common term for FFF) 3D printers. This remarkable speed advantage, combined with superior detail retention and the seamless integration with Mimaki’s renowned inkjet printing for full-color finishing, positions the 3DGD-1800 as a highly competitive and advanced solution in the large-format additive manufacturing space. It effectively addresses the gap in the market for rapid, high-quality production of oversized components and displays, setting a new industry standard. Further comprehensive information regarding this innovative printer, its specifications, and capabilities can be found on the official Mimaki website.

Conclusion: A New Era for Large-Scale Digital Manufacturing

The Mimaki 3DGD-1800 represents a significant leap forward in large-format 3D printing. By masterfully combining Massivit’s high-speed GDP technology with Mimaki’s proven expertise in precise digital printing, this machine offers an unparalleled solution for industries that demand both impressive speed and exceptional visual fidelity at scale. From groundbreaking advertising campaigns and captivating entertainment props to efficient industrial tooling and intricate architectural models, the 3DGD-1800 empowers creators and manufacturers to realize ambitious projects faster, more efficiently, and with greater design freedom than ever before. Its introduction marks a new era where the boundaries of size and complexity in 3D printed objects are continuously being pushed, fostering innovation across a diverse range of applications and underscoring Mimaki’s unwavering commitment to advancing the capabilities of digital manufacturing worldwide.

What are your thoughts on this innovative large-format 3D printer from Mimaki? How do you envision its impact on your industry or creative projects? Share your insights and comments below, or join the conversation on our Facebook and Twitter pages! For all the latest news, trends, and developments in the exciting world of 3D printing, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, delivered directly to your inbox.