The Smithsonian Institution has set up a complete-color 3D printing machine from Mimaki. This has happened at its SIE ( Smithsonian Exhibits) workshops in Landover, MD. Smithsonian will use the technology to examine new show customs for its different galleries and facilities.

It is created of 19 expansive galleries and museums, a zoo and nine study hubs. The Smithsonian Institution is the biggest museum, research, and education system in the universe. The SIE serves an essential role in the proclaimed institution. It fosters partnerships in the different Smithsonian institutions and the federal government and offices. Therefore, the SIE’s function is to assist to plan and keep exhibitions live.
The SIE will have the ability to make detailed prints for study purposes and also for the public programs. This is all thanks to the whole-color 3DUJ-553 3D printer from Mimaki. Among the main uses of additive manufacturing, machines will be to develop tactile prints that visitors may engage in shows.
“We are pleased to be a part of the Smithsonian Institution’s efforts to engage and inspire audiences through the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” says Senior Manager of 3D Printing & Engineering Projects at Mimaki USA, Josh Hope. “This printer will enable the Smithsonian to use new technologies to produce exhibits in new ways, particularly for creating models and tactile elements that help bring exhibits to life for all visitors,” he added.
Among the initial projects that the Smithsonian is utilizing the Mimaki 3D printer for is a section of the Epidemics in a Connected World shows at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. The SIE has additively manufactured a set of prints depending on increased viruses like the influenza virus. The synthetic virus models are created to support interactivity
The SIE has 3D printed a series of models based on enlarged viruses—such as the influenza virus. The plastic virus models are meant to encourage hands-on commitment and interactivity with the museum attenders.
Smithsonian Exhibits will make additional tactile additively manufactured prints for different shows. Another major usage that will be examined with the 3D printing machine is the development of tactile presentation components for guests with visual problems.
This isn’t the initial time that this institution has served with additive manufacturing; the museum collection has been drawn to the tech for some time. As an example, past spring, it unveiled printable digital prints of Triceratops and T-Rex. This was in a move to celebrate the initiation of its Deep Time exhibit.