As of late, an increasing number of large corporations have entered the 3D printing space, ultimately casting their big shadows over the previous cast of 3D printing players. With the entrance of HP’s potentially game-changing Multi Jet Fusion technology looming on the horizon, other 2D printer manufacturers like Ricoh, Mimaki, Konica Minolta and Epson have begun making moves into 3D printing. Another 2D printer company, Canon, has actually been involved in the space since 2013, when Canon Europe signed a distribution agreement with 3D Systems to sell their 3D printers across Europe. Since then, Canon has slowly increased its engagement in the space, teasing the release of a Canon-branded stereolithography 3D printer and joining the 3D Printing Association. Most recently, the Japanese tech company has expanded its 3D printing offerings in Europe on the software front through a partnership with Materialise.
Materialise is already well known for its 3D printing services and its software solutions, which allow for the prepping of 3D files for 3D printing. Previously selling 3D Systems’ 3D printers, Canon Europe will now distribute Materialise Magics software as well. Guiding users through the process, Magics allows users to import a wide variety of 3D files, with color information; repair and prepare files for 3D printing; edit objects to make them hollow, utilize lattice structures and include textures, logos or serial numbers; ready the print bed for printing; and optimize parts for 3D printing.
“The creative and commercial opportunities for 3D printing are vast, and the market continues to evolve and expand,” said Chris Blake, sales and marketing director for 3D printing at Canon Europe. “As such, we are always looking for ways to enhance our existing proposition and add more value to our customers. We are therefore excited to partner with Materialise as part of our commitment to provide customers with the best 3D products and solutions, as well as unrivalled services and expertise.”
The news comes just after the announcement that Canon Lifecare Solutions would be distributing Materialise’s medical 3D printing software, Mimics Innovation and Care Suites, across Japan. The software suites include Materialise’s newest platform, Mimics inPrint, described as an easy-to-use software for converting medical data, such as CT and MRI scans, into 3D models for 3D printing presurgical medical models and transplants.