3D printing has been around in our laboratory since the arrival of the open source Rep-Rap 3D printer last year, but the acquisition of the new ZPrinter 650 has taken 3D printing in our laboratory to the next level. With the ZPrinter 650 from ZCorporation we are capable to design high level, premium colored prototypes at full size in high resolution.

Even though the new commercial printer is far superior to the previous one, the truth is that there is no way to compare the two printers because of the different technology they are using.

The Rep-Rap has FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology and the ZPrinter 650 is an Inkjet-like 3D printer. The FDM Technology uses plastic while the Inkjet-like printer uses layers of powder (resin) and binds it together.

By having both of the printers we are capable of covering a wide range of demands.