3D Printed Decals

[Jesse6669]

I recently came across a very interesting product being made by a Russian company called Quinta Studios-- 3D printed decals. 

These are full-color "voluminous" details on water-slide decal paper.  Quinta specializes in aircraft model and some vehicle parts, primarily cockpit interiors.  Those of you who also model aircraft know the evolution of cockpit interior detailing; from straight injection moulded parts that are painted, to decals, resin, and etched parts.  Their decals are applied on the surfaces of the kit they are designed for with PVA. 

Quinta's 3D printed decals are truly amazing-- full color, high resolution and even have "glass" on the dials.  Does anyone have any idea what printer and resins are being used?  I know there are some high-end full-color 3D printers but wasn't aware that they could do this level of color and surface quality.
Just imagine the applications in model railroading. 

FYI the units in pic are cm (major) and mm (minor).
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[peteski]

Interesting stuff!  I wonder if it is not a 3D printer but just an ink jet printer using thick UV-cured ink.  Kind of like Archer rivet decals are printed, but with the ability to also do multiple colors.

[Jesse6669]

Interesting stuff!  I wonder if it is not a 3D printer but just an ink jet printer using thick UV-cured ink.  Kind of like Archer rivet decals are printed, but with the ability to also do multiple colors.

Good question--maybe?  Maintaining a profile with crisp edges or high relief would be nearly impossible with that type of technique.  Notice the speedometer bezel--although it isn't perfectly square.

I was thinking maybe they have access to one like the Stratasys J series (>$100k each) and have modified the material used?   

[peteski]

Good question--maybe?  Maintaining a profile with crisp edges or high relief would be nearly impossible with that type of technique.  Notice the speedometer bezel--although it isn't perfectly square.

I was thinking maybe they have access to one like the Stratasys J series (>$100k each) and have modified the material used?

Yeah, we just don't  know. But whatever they are uinsg, it is great for the hobby.  The ever-faster developing technology is changing the our modeling hobbies more than I could have ever imagined.  This is a far cry from the early kits consisting of paper plans, bunch of wood stock, metal  rod, and some metal castings

[JoeD]

thats cool.

Joe