Introduction as an extension of 2D printer

The "3DUJ-553" enables more than 10-million color representation that is fine in details, in addition to real, delicate expression that needs no re-coloring.
It also has a clear ink that allows users to apply glossy expression to an area they want to and express translucency such as dragonfly wings.

Conventional plaster-based objects deteriorate after being modeled, so it was difficult to keep them intact for long time. The resin material used in the "3DUJ-553" hardly deteriorates and is characterized by its long durable years.

Effects of water-soluble support material

Modeling the world heritage "Gunkanjima"

At first, he started to produce a small model and gradually made it larger to realize the one-780th model with a length of about 62 cm that was donated to Nagasaki University this time. The output time was about 40 hours.

It was on January 12, 2018 that the 3D Gunkanjima model was donated to Nagasaki University.
He was appreciated for "enabling to touch and feel" the overall birds-eye view of the Gunkanjima that could be only seen in the 3DCG on a PC screen in the past.
The "3DUJ-553" is capable of providing expression with a detail of about 0.2mm, which makes it possible to reproduce small structures such as conveyor belts and sinkholes on the ground, not to mention buildings and roads.

When what is on the PC screen becomes a reality

The company already works on modeling objects by creators.
Because Fukunaga had "an intention to publicize to the CG industry," he once again aggressively went out to the market by himself.

"When I actually created a model, I was really appreciated by the creator. For creators, a story where things on the screen jump out into the real world is what they are really dreaming of. It has shocked 3D modeling artists," he says happily.

However, the finish of a created object that was ordered initially did not satisfy him, he says.
This is because the data provided to him had been created to be used with a plaster-based 3D printer, so it contained hairs and clothes wrinkles that were deformed for the printer.
"This 3D printer can express delicate gradation and reproduce details such as each strand of hair. It has enabled more realistic and beautiful 3D print than ever before," says Fukunaga, explaining its performance.

Hotaru Corporation attended the world’s largest garage kit (hand-made models, figures and their prototypes) show "Wonder Festival" to showcase the artwork of "Ultramodelers," a 3D modeling artists group producing digital models in various fields, which attracted great attention from visitors.

Current and future 3D prints

Hotaru Corporation introduced the second "3DUJ-553" in April 2018.
By introducing the second unit, small-size models that should be delivered quickly and large-size models can be sorted, which has increased work efficiency.

Also, the time when modeling finishes, which was completely out of control for one printer, can be managed now, leading to an improved working environment. Even if one printer stops for maintenance, the other one can back it up and thus the company now "causes no more trouble for customers" and has made progress in customer services.

"We now promote creation of 3DCGs of VTubers. We will also promote use in graduation products of art universities and art schools and academic activities such as the creation of Gunkanjima. We aim for 'creation of a new market' launched by us, not a business that only moves what is available now," Fukunaga says of his future vision.

"No matter how hard we think about a useful idea in the company, it won't be generated. I think it would be better to find a new usage together with users," he adds.