We’ve covered numerous and sundry different ways to finish 3D prints, from simple sanding and vapor polishing, to water marbling, as well as this fascinating science of hydrographics, which is a process involving the dunking of the 3D model into a liquid containing a decorative film which then automatically wraps around the object.
For more traditional uses, this hydrographics process has been employed heavily by the automotive industry for large-scale projects which use extremely expensive machinery, as well as highly toxic chemicals and materials. One of the reasons hydrographics has always been so expensive in traditional industry is that it’s meant as a high-quality option that one can expect to last indefinitely.
The Finuvo Aqua–also referred to as the first water transfer printing station–presents a safe, easy technique that allows for the stunning coating of your 3D printed objects. You can look forward to putting permanent and elaborate designs on nearly anything, with a process as simple as layering the film on top of the hydrographics printer and then immersing your object (this is not limited only to something you produced out of your 3D printer).
“When we say permanent, we mean perfectly solid,” states the team regarding longevity of their product. “The coating will not fade, flake, or crack. We’ve put it on shoes, computer mice, water bottles and tons of other objects and the design is still as brilliant as ever after heavy use.”
While currently Finuvo offers a long list of designs, they are planning to make it possible for users to be able to create and dip with their own hydrographics, watching their own innovation come to life with color and vibrancy.
Is this an innovative process you would be interested in supporting on Kickstarter when Finuvo makes their campaign available? We are wondering if you’ve used hydrographics before and how you see this new process changing (literally) the face of 3D printed products. Discuss in the Finuvo Aqua Hydrographics Printer forum thread over at 3DPB.com.