Commercially available since Spring 2018 for £189,995, the 3DUJ-553 can print in more than 10 million colours, and offers high levels of detail and a water-soluble support material.

The device works by jetting and instantly UV-curing tiny droplets of liquid photo-polymer. Fine layers accumulate on the build tray to create precise 3D models or parts and where overhangs or complex shapes require support, the printer jets a removable support material.

The 3DUJ-553 features a maximum build size of 500x500x300mm, which is larger than comparable 3D printers, and offers white ink as well as a clear ink that can be mixed with colours to add transparency to the printed product.

Its water-soluble support material eliminates the need for manual work to cut tags or other support structures and allows intricate designs to be realised.

While Hybrid, which is Mimaki’s exclusive UK distributor, has installed a 3DUJ-553 at its Crewe showroom, the TCT Show will mark the first UK public showing of the kit.

“The TCT Show is the leading event for this sort of technology and makes the ideal launch platform for Mimaki’s new 3D printer,” said Hybrid chief operations manager Brett Newman.

“The exhibition has become synonymous with design-to-manufacturing innovation and we anticipate the creative and prototyping benefits of the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 to be well received by visitors.”

With the ability to match around 84% of Fogra 39L colours and 90% of the Swop gamut, the 3DUJ-553 uses an output ICC profile to print highly accurate colours.

When designers combine this with running the ICC profile within Photoshop, output colours can be simulated on screen. Mimaki said this makes colour adjustment simple, saving users time and money by avoiding test prints.

“3D printing is an ever-increasing discipline with numerous market sub-sectors, each with slightly differing requirements. However, one of the most popular areas is the provision of print bureau services and the Mimaki 3D printer is well placed to serve print service providers looking to expand from 2D into 3D,” said Newman.

“We’ve received considerable interest from a wide range of sectors, with companies looking at investigating its benefits across education, architectural, prototyping, product design, modelling, manufacturing and other industries.”

Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 25 to 27 September, the TCT Show covers the additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design and engineering technology industries.