Shapeways Teams with Mimaki to Advance Full-Color 3D Printing

Shapeways is teaming with Mimaki on 3D printing solutions. Shapeways’ High Definition Full Color material from Mimaki is a complete offering with 10 million colors and post-processing options all driven by Shapeways end-to-end digital manufacturing platform and purpose-built software. Used for full production products and parts this material is a focal point for Shapeways’ customers looking to move beyond prototypes.

On April 28, 2021, Shapeways entered into an agreement and plan of merger and reorganization with Galileo Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, pursuant to which Shapeways will be acquired by Galileo. Upon the closing of the acquisition, the combined company will be named Shapeways Holdings, Inc. and is expected to remain listed on the NYSE. The business combination values Shapeways at a $410 million pro forma enterprise value.

The transaction is expected to provide more than $195 million of net proceeds to Shapeways, including a $75 million fully committed common stock PIPE, which implies an equity value of $605 million assuming minimal redemptions by Galileo shareholders.

Shapeways gives customer instant quote access to High Definition Full Color material through the purpose-built software. Adding the Mimaki material. this opens up the ability to 3D print in color, thanks to their experience in reproducing and managing color, and expertise from Shapeways in 3D printing, streamlined workflow, and production, which makes for a strong team.

“Shapeways is known for their quality and consistency,” says Josh Hope, senior manager for Digital Imaging and Innovation at Mimaki. “Our expertise in 2D color printing allowed us to approach the 3D printing world differently by starting with color. Offering High Definition Full Color to the customer base of Shapeways made sense because it can be used in so many ways.”

Colored resin is jetted directly onto the print bed of the Mimaki printer, relying on specific color profiles generated by characterization data. Stunning shading, contrast and fine detail are all possible, including more expanded choices in color gradients and texture too. Customers engage in creating more complex designs that open up the ability to design with greater flexibility.

Full-Color 3D Printing

The realm of full-color 3D printing with High Definition Full Color offers fine details in color and modeling, accuracy and resolution, and photorealism for applications like medicine—especially for surgical prep models.

“Adding full-color printing from Mimaki brings vast depth and detail to applications across multiple industries,” says Aidan O’Sullivan, vice president Operations at Shapeways. “At Shapeways, we leverage world-class printing technologies and apply our vast expertise and rigorous quality procedures to help change the landscape of additive manufacturing.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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