Media Resources, a major supplier to the sign industry, recently opened its doors to showcase its new Massivit 3D printing technology to the trade press, clients and other sign suppliers. Graphic Arts Magazine Editor-In-Chief Filomena Tamburri covered the event and filed this report:
Sign producer Media Resources, with an 80,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art operation in Oakville, Ontario west of Toronto, is the first in Canada to install the Massivit 1800 3D Printer which uses gel-dispensing printing technology to create hollow and lightweight 3D objects. The acrylic polymer solidifies instantly under LED UV lights, making it possible to produce non-vertical parts, closed objects and more, without the need for support structures. Quick curing also means the device can produce objects at a rate of 14 inches per hour – coming out of the printer ready to be painted or covered in vinyl or deployed indoors or outdoors (though the light weight means printed objects have to be filled with expandable foam, depending on where they’ll be exhibited). Maximum printing size is about 6 feet high by 5 feet wide by 4 feet deep.
The full-day event explored how users can open up new business opportunities by integrating 3D printing into their current production. Attendees saw live demonstrations of the 3D Printing and finishing process, heard fascinating customer testimonials and met with Massivit application experts
Judith Vandsburger, Director of Sales for Lod-Israel-based Massivit 3D Printing Teachnologies, said 3D printing technology will become a $6.5 billion market by 2019, and much of it is currently becoming commoditized. Massivit, she said, is at the beginning of a new adoption curve that promises high margins for applications such as special exhibitions, displays, promotional elements, props and POP displays.
Steve Gallow, President of Media Resources, said he’s had the Massivit 1800 for roughly four months and reports excellent reception and feedback from his clients. “There’s a huge opportunity for this kind of technology,” he said. “People want to touch and play with it, and we’re just scratching the surface of the market right now.”
