Colorimetric properties and stability of 3D prints

Abstract

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and discuss colour properties, stability and lightfastness after accelerated exposure in xenon-arc light apparatus, of 3D ink jet prints produced by using 3D colour printing process. Design/methodology/approach -3D colour prints were produced using ZCorporation 3D printing method. The samples were divided into groups according to the finishing process applied (untreated, finished with different infiltrants). Colorimetric properties were measured using spectrophotometer. Samples were placed into xenon-arc based weathering apparatus (Xenotest), using the preset glass filtered sunlight, standard indoor conditions. Colour stability was evaluated as change in colour after repeating the spectrophotometer measurements and comparing spectral and specific colorimetric values of initial and exposed samples. Findings -Based on methodology used, the analysis has shown the changes in colour appearance of differently finished 3D prints, which were mostly attributed to chroma and lightness variations. The colour stability of samples studied noticeably varied and is dependent on colour, percentage of ink coverage and finishing method. Issues of colour and stability of 3D ink jet prints could become important as 3D printing emerges into new application areas, in which the object properties will need to be maintained for a certain amount of time.Research limitations/implications -The research is comparative and is limited to the specific materials and procedures used. Originality/value -The paper describes aspects of colour 3D printing for which the published research and literature data are still, for the most part, lacking. Colour measurements methodology and evaluation of stability described could be of value for further research and for users of the technology.

Preserving rapid prototypes: a review

“…Yellowing was attributed to the formation of quinoid chromophores [72]. The colour properties and permanence of customised 3D printed colour samples produced on a ZCorp Z510 printer with Zp131 plaster-based powder and Zb60 Cyan, Magenta and Yellow binders were studied by Stanic et al [24]. Three sets of samples were prepared: untreated, treated with a cyanoacrylate infiltrant (Belinka Kemostik, Slovenia) and treated with a two-part epoxy infiltrant (Selemix 7-410 and Selemix 9-011, Iridia, Italy/ PPG Industries, UK).…”

“…This has made 3DP popular amongst architects, artists and within the cultural heritage sector, for printing coloured models and replicas [24]. The ZPrinter ® 450 uses a single tri-colour print head, which is quick to change, and costs less than systems with multiple print heads [30].…”

“…The loose powder around the part stays in place to act as support. Once a cross-section is completed the build piston is lowered and the powder feed piston is raised to allow for another layer of powder to be rolled over ready for the next layer to be bonded [24,25]. The object is then infiltrated for strength with an epoxy, cyanoacrylate or phenolic resin [30].…”

“…Research specifically dealing with conservation issues related to rapid prototypes is sparse [2,23,24]. In this paper we therefore review the state-of-the-art of RP manufacturing using polymers, and discuss conservation concerns as identified by artists and designers, to inform the emerging research questions.…”

Colour Image Reproduction for 3D Printing Facial Prostheses

“…For 3D printing, the quality of 3D printed objects is not only affected by the printing itself including binder/substrate interaction and printer resolution, but also the printing material and any post-processing or finishing stages [15]. Therefore, without a specific protocol, 3D objects can often be produced with poor reliability, accuracy and quality.…”