Stratasys, the 3D printer manufacturer has launched the world's first full-color, multi-material 3D Printer that incorporates the triple-jetting technology which combines droplets of three types of material in different quantities to produce materials with a variety of different properties. Unveiled today at the SolidWorks World 2014 in San Diego and called the Stratasys Object500 Connex3, the machine is a first of its kind to be what it is and is set to revolutionize the way we pursue design, engineering and manufacturing processes. As a brand, we know Stratasys as the name behind the popular MakerBot range of 3D printers. With the new Connex3 3D printer, the company wants its users to produce models and parts using photopolymers in vivid colours.

Using this powerful tool, users will be able to create colourful models from investigating concepts to pre-production pilot runs. The cost of this 3D printer is expected to be around US $330,000 (£200,000).

As you can see from the image below, everything from a wearable bicycle helmet to a pair of headphones or shoesm the Stratasys Object500 Connex3 can build for you differently shaped and sized objects that feature the required rigidity, flexibility and colour combinations. The company claims that the possibilities with the printer are "virtually unlimited". Beyond the vibrant color features, this 3d printers opens up new possibilities for functionally complex models with excellent mechanical properties such as superior tensile strength, elongation at break, and multiple hardness shore values.




If you take a look into how this 3D printer works, you will find that the operating is the same as that of any 2D inkjet printer. The Objet500 uses three colours - cyan, magenta and yellow - to print hundreds of different colours. Using six palettes especially for "Tango" rubber-like materials, the printer offers a range from opaque to transparent colours. The ultimate goal behind using such a product has to be the reducing the time required to bringing your ideas to reality. With the optimum use, you can make the overall process of bringing products to market really fast.

Stratasys has been working with engineers at Trek Bicycle in Wisconsin, who have been using the Objet500 in order to test accessories such as bike chain stay guards and handlebar grips prior to production. You can also take a look at the following video from folks over at Stratasys where they talk about this revolutionary new product -