Read the Magazine Find a Supplier Articles News Events printconnect Podcast Work with Us Chinese Publication
Search

US Patent for Shell Formation in 3D Printing

Meteor Inkjet Ltd, leading supplier of electronics, software, tools and services for industrial inkjet, has been granted a US patent for “Methods and Systems for Shell Formation in 3D Printing” (United States Patent No. 11,625,902) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Posted On
10th May 2023
Categories
3D Additive, Company, 2023 Q2
Meteor Inkjet Ken Hillier

Exploiting the powerful greyscale capability of inkjet, Meteor’s patented ShellPro™ technology offers step-function savings in the energy and materials required to create complex 3D structures through binder jetting.  Meteor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext:  HYSG), a leading developer of technology solutions at the heart of industrial printing.

Binder jet 3D printing often requires the use of multiple structural constituents with different material densities, one structure of which can be a shell forming the external surface of an object.  For strength, this outer shell is typically made up of higher density material than that used in the interior of the object.  Meteor’s patented ShellPro technology takes the pain out of creating this shell through a novel technique that capitalises on the multiple drop size capability of greyscale industrial inkjet printheads.  Additionally, ShellPro can automatically reduce shell thickness for small features on a printed object resulting in improved dimensional accuracy.  ShellPro is included as a standard feature in Meteor’s Met3D software.  Met3D provides a straightforward method to convert 3D CAD files such as STL or OBJ to rasterised vector files that inkjet printers can understand. 

Ken Hillier, Meteor’s Director of North America and the patent’s primary inventor, explains, “This innovation offers the potential for additive manufacturing print systems to use as much as 50% less binder fluid, reduce the energy needed for curing and create 3D objects faster, all without sacrificing quality. Clive Ayling, Meteor’s Managing Director, adds, “Meteor continues to undertake basic research to find and develop ways to improve the functionality, cost, quality and reliability of the industrial inkjet printing process.  We are delighted that this invention has been recognised with a US patent and are confident that our ongoing investment in technological innovation will directly benefit not only our OEM customers but also the industry.”

Related News

See all news from across the industry
Locked
HEIDELBERG and Gallus to Unveil New Solutions for the Growing Label Market at LabelExpo image

Labelexpo 2025: HEIDELBERG and Gallus to Unveil New Solutions for the Growing Label Market

Categories
Company, Label printing, 2025 Q3
Date
3rd Jul 2025

At Labelexpo Europe 2025 (Booth 3E23-3E29), Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) and Gallus will unveil a new chapter in its vision for smart,…

Find out more
Locked
Durst - Johann Strozzega Appointed Director Global Sales Graphics image

Leadership Change in Durst Group's Business Unit Graphics: Johann Strozzega Appointed Director Global Sales Graphics

Categories
Appointments, Company, 2025 Q3
Date
3rd Jul 2025

Durst Group, a global leader in digital printing and production systems, has appointed Johann Strozzega as Director Global Sales Graphics. Strozzega succeeds…

Find out more
Locked
Li Nguyen as new Digital Ink chemist image

Nazdar welcomes Li Nguyen as new Digital Ink Chemist

Categories
Appointments, Company, 2025 Q3
Date
3rd Jul 2025

Li Nguyen has joined the Nazdar R&D team to work on developing new innovative inkjet products, with the aim of generating new business and supporting…

Find out more
See all news from across the industry
About Us Contact Us Publish with us Terms and Conditions Privacy
Chamond Media Ltd - Trading as Specialist Printing Worldwide
Registered in the UK, Company No.: 12186669 
Phone: +44 7889 637 434
© 2025 Specialist Printing Worldwide | All Rights Reserved
Site by Grandad.digital

If you're enjoying our content

Please sign up to printconnect for exclusive offers on events, a monthly roundup of the latest news, and the latest issue sent directly to you and more.