Mimaki USA Places 3D Color Printer At Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute Of Packaging Design And Graphics

  “What I love about my class is that students design a perfume or cologne bottle, and after we 3D-print it, they can test its functionality,” commented Appleby. “Does the threading around the neck perform as it should? Does the cap fit around the spray head? Are the walls of the bottle too thick or thin? How far off are the design tolerances?” she continued. Appleby notes that when students have tangible, printed products in their hands, they are able to understand more about the technical and functional aspects of design.

“The Sonoco Institute is a leader in package design and graphics and Mimaki is proud to partner with them to provide hands-on experience with our full-color 3D technology,” said Josh Hope, senior manager, 3D printing and engineering projects at Mimaki USA. “Our 3DUJ-553 printer will allow students to create color-accurate prototypes that complement their current curriculum as well as give them the opportunity

“It’s really exciting to have the 3D printer here, because it allows us to take our visions, design our products in SolidWorks and transform them into real-life, functioning objects,” said Madeleine Risinger, packaging science sophomore in PKSC 2200. “I can’t wait to see how my Bahama Mama perfume bottle’s frosted glass texture and colors come together when printed.”

Mimaki equipment is also used extensively in multiple labs within the GC curriculum. Students use the Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII UV flatbed printer and JV150-160 wide-format printer for packaging prototyping, proofing, specialty printing projects, banners, etc. The CFL-605RT flatbed plotter and CG-130SRIII roll plotter are used for die cutting many packaging and design projects as well as specialty largeformat graphics.

“When companies rapid-prototype their designs before moving forward in their workflow, they can quickly see design flaws, make changes and perform consumer studies on an accelerated timeline,” added Appleby.

Headquartered in Suwanee, GA, Mimaki USA develops cutting-edge digital printing and cutting products that include hardware, software and associated consumables. The Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University is a hub for innovation in package design and printing in Clemson, SC. Click here or visit MimakiUSA.com to learn more about Mimaki’s 3D printing technology. Click here or visit SonocoInstitute.com to learn more about the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University.