08-31-2017: XYZprinting presented da Vinci Color

It was the first desktop, full-color FFF 3D printer

On August 31, 2017, XYZprinting – at that time one of the largest manufacturers of desktop 3D printers in the world, announced the $3,000 da Vinci Color – the first commercially available 3D printer that used inkjet technology to add color directly into the filament as it was printed. 3D printer used a dedicated filament in natural white color and a set of inks similar to those used in office 2D printers. Although it seemed like the long-awaited revolution in consumer 3D printing had finally arrived – with users able to print models in full color – reality once again turned out to be disappointing.

The first historical additive technology enabling full-color 3D printing was developed by Z Corporation (since 2011 part of 3D Systems), where colored ink was sprayed onto gypsum powder. Later, a color version of HP's Multi Jet Fusion appeared briefly, along with Stratasys/Objet’s PolyJet technology and the recently described Mimaki.

Unfortunately, each of these technologies was expensive – both in terms of purchasing the machines and operating costs. Additionally, they required special post-processing (especially in powder-based techniques), making them effectively inaccessible to regular users.

At the same time, the Holy Grail of desktop 3D printing had always been the ability to print full-color models from filament using FFF technology. Between 2012-2016, discussions about the future of consumer 3D printing often mentioned the lack of color as one of the key barriers to mass adoption. If it were possible to print figurines in the full CMYK color palette, all other limitations – such as production time, part quality, and removing supports from more complex elements – would disappear…

So when the da Vinci Color appeared in 2017, it seemed like that’s it! That’s the thing! But unfortunately, no one went crazy over it as expected.

Firstly, it was still a 3D printer from XYZprinting – slow, cumbersome to use, poor in quality, and too large for its actual build area. Secondly, the colors were faded, and the edges of the graphics were blurred. Thirdly, while da Vinci 3D printers were slow, full-color 3D printing was even slower; after each layer of plastic was applied, the inkjet head had to add a layer of color, which unbearably extended the process.

As a result, what was supposed to propel XYZprinting to the absolute top became just another product in a very wide range of 3D printers. da Vinci Color simply blurred...

PS: The da Vinci Color was neither the first nor the only FFF 3D printer capable of full-color printing. Advanced work on it was carried out by Polish company Pirx (which eventually led to its closure), American company Rize, and another Polish company, OVE. None of these companies – including XYZprinting - exist anymore. However full-color 3D printing in FFF technology has found new life thanks to MMU and AMS from Prusa Research, Bambu Lab, and their imitators.

Source: www.techcrunch.com