A team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory is introducing a new type of 3D printable ink that can be used to re-color 3D objects after 3D printing This method, called ColorFab, combines a 3D printing interface with a special type 3D printing inks to change color when light is on The system dynamically changes and customizes the appearance of objects many times Mueller says it's basically the same as an E Ink display.
In the ColorFab interface, users can create a three-dimensional model of the object they want to print on and a layer of Mueller's color changing ink.After the print object is confirmed, the user can select the area to be recolored by returning to the ColorFab interface and then activate with UV light These areas, to change their color, and even some of the parts or patterns on the object recolor.
Mueller's ink formulations are unique in that they combine the dosages of a basic dye, photoinitiator and photochromic ink, or an ink that can change color when activated by a specific wavelength of light Photochromic ink is not new, but before The formula can only activate a color, as long as the object is exposed to ultraviolet light, the color change will continue.
As a result, an object can turn from clear to blue in the sun indoors. The ColorFab method involves drawing dense multicolored patterns on an object and then selectively activating or deactivating certain colors, such as activating only blue, All other colors are disabled at the same time - this allows you to change a single object to a number of different colors, and Moeller's ink can retain its color when the light is off.
Because it is not possible to draw highly specific multicolor patterns by hand, the ColorFab system was specifically designed for the accuracy of 3D printers in which no photochromic ink was previously used.Recording now takes about 20 minutes, But Muller said using a more powerful light source or a slightly different ink formulation (including more photochromic inks) may make it faster.As the repacking process accelerates, Mueller wants to see more use of this Method of making objects so that consumers can customize what they already have.
Imagine you can match your iPhone case with what you wear today.
Mueller said.She emphasizes that with ColorFab you do not have to consume new material and you can reuse what you already have.