Hydrographic printing is a widely used technique, also known as water transfer printing, whose primary purpose is to add color to objects. But this technology has a limiting factor. Since the film stretches during the sinking process, the water transfer method does not have the required precision. This means that you can print the color or pattern you want on the item, but you can't be sure that it will be printed exactly where you want it.

Water transfer does not guarantee accuracy

A few days ago, professors from Zhejiang University and foreign experts worked together to design a clever solution to solve the problem of precision, which is called: calculation of hydrographic printing. By simulating the stretching of the film when the object sinks, the desired pattern is printed in advance at the corresponding position of the film. When the object is immersed in the pool, the pattern can be perfectly applied.

Computational hydrographic printing technology is a very simple way to add personalized colors and patterns to 3D printed objects. Compared with the traditional 3D printing object coloring, the effect is more realistic and vivid. The teacher at Zhejiang University showed us the process of calculating hydrographic printing by making a mask model. First, the 3D model file of the mask is input into a 3D printer for printing. The surface of the model after printing is rough, and it may not achieve a perfect fit for the later hydrographic printing. Therefore, the teachers of Zhejiang University chose to use the Polysher polishing machine developed by Polymaker to improve the surface gap of the 3D printing model. This step ensures that the surface finish of the model is printed in advance, so that the later hydrographic print pattern fits perfectly with the surface of the 3D printed model.

After the 3D printing mask is post-polished in Polysher, the next step can be done: virtual simulation. The 3D visualization technology was used to collect and calculate the stretching data when the mask was sunk, and then converted into a two-dimensional pattern, and the generated two-dimensional mask pattern was printed on the PVA transparent film by an inkjet printer. The pattern on the PVA film is then placed on the surface of the water and some chemicals are added to make it soft and viscous. Finally, the Polysher polished model is slowly placed in the water, and the film gradually surrounds the object. It takes about 30 seconds for the color to be printed on the surface of the object.

Calculate hydrographic printing 3D printing color revolution explorer

Virtual simulation simulates stretching data when the mask sinks

Calculate hydrographic printing 3D printing color revolution explorer

Inkjet print pattern

Calculate hydrographic printing 3D printing color revolution explorer

Soak the mask slowly into the pool and the film automatically covers the surface.

After taking out the model, the surface is smooth and the pattern on the model is vivid. The perfect visual and tactile experience of the mask not only depends on the development of hydrographic printing technology, but also on the treatment of the surface gap of the model by Polysher and PolySmooth, making the surface smooth and smooth.

Calculate hydrographic printing 3D printing color revolution explorer

Color effect

(Editor)

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