What finishes are available?
3D Systems Visijet M2R Clear material at Ultra High Definition resolution settings to provide finest details at 32 micron layer height.
3D Systems Visijet M2R TN material at High Definition resolution settings to provide fine details at 32 micron layer height
How is this material made?
The process used is called material jetting (MJ). Molten plastic is deposited onto an aluminum build platform in layers using several nozzles, essentially like a large print that sweeps across the build layer. As the heated material jets onto the build plate, it solidifies instantly. After each layer is deposited, it is cured, or polymerized, by a wide area UV lamp. The next layer then applied, and through this repeated process layers of thermoplastic build up into a model.
When the 3D printing is finished, the models go from the build tray into an oven that melts away the wax support material. Next, the models get a bath in an industrial dishwasher to remove any remaining wax residues before they go inside a drying cabinet. After they dry, the Shapeways team inspects and ships the models.
How can I paint the material myself?
See this tutorial about how to paint this material.
What is the color and surface texture?
The color of Fine Detail Plastic ranges from clear translucent to yellow-tinted translucent, relying on a waxy support material that is dissolved after printing is complete. Because the support material slightly changes the texture of the product, and isn't applied to the entire product, you will see slight variability in texture over the surface of the model. Areas where the waxy support material supported the model during printing may also appear more white than the rest of your model.
Learn more about Fine Detail Plastic.