The Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is turning the once drab world of additive manufacturing upside down, being that it can actually produce – get this – over 10 million colors. The stripped back speed freak of a printer may now offer full color 3D printing for (what is in comparison at least) the more affordable price point of $188,995. Yeah, you read that right – this isn’t your average desktop printer.
Bambu Lab who? When it comes to fast, high-resolution prints the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is what can be viewed as a game changer part of the process. So, why a skeletal husk of an obsolete printer?
Speed and Build Volume
The Mimaki 3DUJ-553 comes equipped with a build volume that’ll make your eyes water: 20″ x 20″ x 12″. That’s enough space to print a small army of full color 3D miniatures or one seriously impressive prototype.
But size isn’t everything – this bad boy can move. The Mimaki offers three print modes:
- Fast mode: 42 micron layers (aka “I need it yesterday” mode)
- Standard mode: 32 micron layers (for when you want to impress the boss)
- High Quality mode: 22 micron layers (perfect for those “oooh, ahhh” moments)
There’s even a “Color-in-Clear” mode at 19 microns for when you really want to show off.
I put this speed demon through its paces, and here’s what I found:
- Small print (5cm x 50cm x 1cm): 1:30 to 2:24 hours
- Large print (50cm x 50cm x 1cm): 8:17 to 13:12 hours
Sure, it’s not breaking any land speed records, but remember – this thing is pumping out full color prints with ridiculous accuracy.
Color Reproduction
The Mimaki 3DUJ-553 isn’t messing around when it comes to color. We’re talking over 10 million colors, people. That’s like having a rainbow factory in your office.
The full color 3D-printing monster utilizes eight piezo-electric industrial inkjet heads to apply CMYK, white and clear inks with the accuracy of a surgeon. And Believe me, the results are stunning.
The secret sauce?There’s a color wizard inside your printer, dialing up every shade to its proper location. This printer has no issue printing plenty of color, from subtle skin tones to in-your-face neons.
And black? Oh boy, the blacks on this thing are blacker than a black hole’s shadow. It’s almost unsettling how deep and rich they are.
Print Quality and Detail
If you’re a stickler for detail (and let’s face it, if you’re dropping 188 grand on a printer, you probably are), the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 will make you weak in the knees. We’re talking layer heights as low as 22 microns. That’s thinner than a gnat’s eyelash, folks.
The dual UV-LED curing system makes sure each layer is locked in tight, resulting in prints that are tougher than a two-dollar steak. Even the fiddly bits come out looking like they were carved by microscopic elves.
But here’s the kicker – water-soluble supports. No more wrestling with pliers and leaving scratch marks on your precious prints. Just dunk it in water and watch those supports melt away like cotton candy in the rain.
Software and Workflow
It is also paired with software 3DLink, which overall isn’t too bad at all. Yeh ok sure it took me a little while to work out exactly where things were but then I hit my flow and was smashing these models into place like Boss.
It handles all the usual suspects when it comes to file formats – STL, OBJ, VRML, PLY, and 3MF. So you won’t need to perform any digital gymnastics to get your models ready for printing.
And with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, you can sling those massive, color-rich files to the printer faster than you can say “full color 3D printing revolution.”
Ink System
The Mimaki 3DUJ-553 uses a closed-loop ink system that’s tighter than Fort Knox. It takes both 1L and 4.8L ink bottles, so you can stock up or just buy what you need.
One nifty feature is the internal print head ink circulation system. It’s like a tiny highway system for your ink, making sure those nozzles stay clear and your colors stay true. No more clogged print heads ruining your day (and your wallet).
Pros ✅
+ Exceptional color range (over 10 million colors)
+ High-quality prints with fine details
+ Large build volume
+ Water-soluble support material
+ Robust construction for industrial use
+ ICC color management for accurate color reproduction
Cons 📛
– High initial cost
– Large footprint, not suitable for small spaces
– Steep learning curve for software
– Ink replacement can be costly
– Slower print speeds compared to some competitors
– Requires specialized knowledge for maintenance
Real-World Applications
I put this full color 3D printing beast through its paces across a range of applications:
- Product Prototyping: It churned out prototypes so realistic, I almost tried to use one as a real product. Oops.
- Architectural Models: The details on these miniature buildings were so crisp, I half expected to see tiny people moving in.
- Medical Models: Let’s just say if doctors trained on these models, I’d feel a lot better about my next check-up.
- Gaming and Entertainment: The figurines this thing produced would make any tabletop gamer drool.
- Education: It turned complex concepts into full color 3D objects so clear, even I could understand quantum physics. (Okay, maybe not quite, but you get the idea.)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Build Area | 20″ x 20″ x 12″ (508 x 508 x 305 mm) |
| Max Build Weight | 154.3 lbs (70 kg) |
| Color Range | Over 10 million colors |
| Layer Thickness | Fast: 42 micron, Standard: 32 micron, High Quality: 22 micron, Color-in-Clear: 19 micron |
| Curing | Water-cooled LED-UV lamps x 2 |
| File Formats | STL, OBJ, VRML, PLY, 3MF |
| Interface | Ethernet 1000 BASE-TX (Gigabit) |
| Power Consumption | 1,630W or less (Total) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 88.6″ x 59″ x 61″ (2250 x 1500 x 1550 mm) |
| Weight | 1323 lbs (600 kg) |
Conclusion
Look, the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 isn’t for everyone. This is likely overkill if you’re just printing cookie cutters for your Etsy shop. However if you absolutely need the very best in full color 3D printing – with results that will make your eyeballs stop working accurately and colors that brighter then a unicorn barfing skittles, this is it.
Yes, It is expensive It requires more steep learning than a mountain everest. However, for those who need the best and have deep pockets to boot up – Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is a color geeks dream waking them right in hell.
It’s no speed demon, but the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is the fastest way to get full color like this in durable resin. Well, excuse me while I go and print-out a life-sized full color action figure of myself in response.
FAQs
What is Mimaki printing?
Well mimaki printing is the Swiss Army knife of the same. These guys have been spicing up the inkjet scene for more than 20 years, and now they are assisting in providing that same spirit of innovation to home 3D printing. Their printers are like a buffet of additive manufacturing solutions – there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into signs, graphics, textiles, or industrial products, Mimaki’s got your back. And with the 3DUJ-553, they’re basically saying, “Hey, why settle for boring old 2D when you can print in glorious 3D?”
Do color 3D printers exist?
Yes, this includes color in 3D printers, of which the Mimaki 3DUJ-553 is king. And we’re not referring to those printers with a dozen colors and color banding issues. This bad boy can pump out over 10 million colors. It’s like having a rainbow factory on your desk, minus the leprechauns.
Does UV ink expire?
UV ink is like that avocado you’ve been saving – it’s got a ticking clock. Most UV inks, including those used in the Mimaki 3DUJ-553, have a shelf life. According to the ink gurus, UV inks in quart, kilogram, or gallon containers will last about two years. But if you’re going big with a five-gallon container, you’ve got a six-month window. And for you industrial titans with 55-gallon drums? Better use that stuff in 3 months, or it’s bye-bye quality prints.
How do I clean my Mimaki printer?
Cleaning your Mimaki printer is like taking your car to the spa – it just requires a little bit of cleanliness and love to keep running smoothly. Here’s the lowdown: Get a cleaning stick, dip it in some of the cleaner and give everything around your print head at bottom sides (carriage) an good wipe over. For those pesky media sensors on the platen and carriage bottom, a cotton swab is your best friend. Just give ’em a good once-over to kick out any dust or gunk. Remember, a clean printer is a happy printer!
What is Mimaki ink?
Similar to the special sauce that gives your favorite burger its unique flavor, Mimaki ink is what creates the magic. And not just any ink; these people are not making one batch of it and called it a day. That meant everything from eco-solvent, water-based and UV inks for signs & graphics to textiles or 3D printing. It is as if they meant to have one ink for each occasion. Need to print on fabric? They’ve got you. Want to create a full-color 3D masterpiece? Yep, there’s a Mimaki ink for that too. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of the ink world.
Nikko Jenkins is a technology journalist based in the US, covering tool reviews and comparisons across North America, Europe and Asia, particularly 3D Printers. His concise, insightful articles on the latest innovations help readers worldwide make informed tech decisions. Jenkins’ expertise and engaging style have made him a respected voice in the global technology landscape.
Feel free to reach out to me at nikkojenkins@360techinsights.com.
