Introduction
The world of additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly evolving, and Japan’s global tech leader Ricoh has just made a significant leap forward. By introducing an innovative material jetting (MJ) 3D printing system, Ricoh is setting new standards for biocompatibility, full-color resin printing, and mechanical performance. This breakthrough is already making waves in the dental industry, and its impact is expected to reach prosthetics, eyewear, and other precision fields.
What is Material Jetting and Why Does It Matter?
Unlike traditional polymer 3D printing technologies like stereolithography (SLA)—which often suffer from weak part strength and single-color limitations—Ricoh’s new system uses material jetting, a more advanced technique. MJ works by depositing tiny droplets of ink onto a surface layer by layer, similar to how an inkjet printer works, but in 3D.
Ricoh’s system leverages this technique to print mechanically strong and biocompatible parts with vibrant color fidelity. This marks a major improvement over SLA, where parts are typically brittle and limited in aesthetic applications.
The Secret: Ricoh’s New Jettable Ink Formulation
Ricoh has engineered a completely new ink system containing functional fillers that boost strength while maintaining jetting compatibility. The base structure of each component is printed using clear and white high-strength inks, and the surface colors are added using high-concentration yellow, magenta, and cyan inks—much like a full-color photo printer.
But this isn’t just about color or toughness—it’s also about medical safety. Ricoh’s resin blend has passed the JIS T 10993-1 biocompatibility standard, ensuring it’s safe for use in dental prosthetics and other medical devices.
Real-World Adoption: Already Used in Clinical Labs
The new MJ platform is already in clinical use in Japan. One of the first adopters is Core Dental Lab Yokohama, which has started using Ricoh’s material jetting printer for high-precision dental parts. This early deployment is seen as a major validation of the system’s potential.
Although this groundbreaking technology is currently only available in Japan, Ricoh has confirmed plans to expand into European and North American markets in the near future.
🔧 Potential Applications Beyond Dentistry
While the dental sector is the initial focus, Ricoh sees a much broader scope. Potential use cases include:
- Eyeglass frames with precise fit and vibrant color
- Custom prosthetic parts made with biocompatible resins
- Consumer electronics components requiring durability and finish
- Anatomical models for surgical planning
The technology also opens new doors for on-demand production and localized manufacturing—key elements in the future of personalized healthcare and digital supply chains.
Backed by Academic Research
Ricoh’s innovation is not just a product of engineering—it’s also the result of rigorous scientific research. The company published its findings in The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, providing detailed insights into material formulation, color science, and biocompatibility validation.
Looking Ahead
Ricoh’s new MJ platform signals a significant shift in how additive manufacturing can serve industries that demand biocompatibility, accuracy, and aesthetics—all at once. As the technology becomes globally available, it may revolutionize not only dental care but also medical manufacturing, wearable devices, and even customized consumer goods.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Technology | Material Jetting (MJ) |
| Innovation | Full-color, high-strength, biocompatible ink |
| Target Use | Dental prosthetics, eyewear, custom medical parts |
| Market Status | Available in Japan, global expansion planned |
| Early Adopters | Core Dental Lab Yokohama |
| Research | Published in Advanced Manufacturing Technology journal |
