MAASS develops full-color resin 3D printer with six vats
The US company MAASS is developing a resin 3D printer capable of reproducing the entire color spectrum. The SHIMMY system uses a radically different approach from current standards, based on multiple vats and ultrasonic cleaning between material changes.
- SHIMMY uses six vats to achieve high-resolution full-color prints
- Ultrasonic cleaning and air knife system to prevent contamination between resins
- Reduced speed compared to traditional systems: below 2mm/h for the six-vat version
- Alternative to UV inkjet technologies from Stratasys and Mimaki
The multiple vat system
The SHIMMY technology stands out for its use of separate vats that allow changing color or material during printing without contamination.
The current version of SHIMMY uses two resin vats. Each vat contains a different color or material. The print bed moves between the vats to build the object layer by layer.
The main problem is contamination. The liquid resin remains attached to the partial print when the plate moves. MAASS has solved this with a dedicated ultrasonic tank that removes residual resin.
The system completes the cleaning with an air knife for rapid drying. Only after this process can the print move to the next tank without risk of contaminating the material.
The six-tank configuration
The advanced version of the system promises full-color prints through a strategic combination of six different resins.
MAASS is working on a version with six tanks. The configuration includes three primary colors: cyan, magenta, and yellow. To these are added white for the core, black for shading, and transparent or soluble resin for supports and protection.
According to the company, this configuration allows “the complete reproduction of every color in the palette”. The approach differs completely from UV inkjet deposition, a technology currently used by Stratasys and Mimaki for their full-color systems.
| Technology | SHIMMY (multi-tank resin) | UV Inkjet |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | High (typical resin) | High |
| Material strength | High | Limited |
| Speed | <2mm/h (6 vats) | Higher |
Advantages and limitations
MAASS positions the system as an optimal compromise between resolution, color, and mechanical properties, but critical issues emerge regarding speed and costs.
MAASS argues that FFF printing can produce parts with strong materials but does not achieve the detailed resolution possible with their resin system. At the same time, UV inkjet approaches achieve resolution and full color but cannot use strong materials.
Speed represents the first significant obstacle. The two-vat SHIMMY system prints up to 10mm/h. With six vats, the process repeats six times per layer, likely reducing speed to below 2mm/h.
The second critical factor is cost. Traditional resin systems have an established pricing structure: light source, vat, motion system, and plate. A six-vat system multiplies these components.
Ultrasonic cleaning between vat changes is essential to avoid color contamination. This additional step directly impacts overall printing times.
Market prospects
The SHIMMY system proposes a valid technical alternative but must contend with significant trade-offs in terms of productivity.
The technical feasibility of the MAASS approach appears solid. The company has already demonstrated high-resolution two-color printing with the two-tank version. The extension to six tanks represents a logical evolution of the concept.
Competition with established systems such as those from Stratasys and Mimaki will require more than just technical innovation. Speed and costs will determine the industrial adoption of the system.
The full-color 3D printing market remains relatively niche. SHIMMY could find applications in sectors where material quality and resolution prevail over production speed.
article written with the help of artificial intelligence systems
Q&A
How does MAASS's SHIMMY system work?
SHIMMY uses separate vats for different colors or materials, moving the build plate between them layer by layer. To prevent contamination, it integrates an ultrasonic vat and an air knife to clean and dry the part before switching materials.
Which colors are included in the six-vat configuration?
The advanced version features three primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow), plus white for the core, black for shading, and a transparent or soluble resin for supports. This combination enables reproduction of the full color spectrum.
What is the printing speed of the six-vat version?
Speed is reduced compared to traditional systems, staying below 2mm/h for the full six-vat configuration. This trade-off is necessary to ensure high resolution and color purity without contamination.
How does SHIMMY differ from UV inkjet technologies?
Unlike UV inkjet systems from companies like Stratasys and Mimaki, SHIMMY uses a multi-vat resin approach instead of ink deposition. This method offers superior mechanical properties typical of resins, albeit at lower speeds.
How is contamination between resines managed?
The system solves the issue of residual liquid resin by using a dedicated ultrasonic vat for deep material removal. Subsequently, an air knife ensures rapid drying before the part enters the next vat.
