Name: PDS + Non Light Pass
SKU: R3D_FAM_PETCF15
Availability: BackOrder

Description

Overview: The Opaque Workhorse for Advertising

While LightPass is for translucent, backlit applications, Non-LightPass materials (often brand names like DPR/Frigo/DIM on Massivit printers) are opaque, rigid, high-impact photopolymers. They are designed to be the final surface of the print, not just a shell for backlighting.

The core value proposition remains the same: extremely fast production of very large, high-detail objects that are difficult or costly to make with traditional methods.

1. Technology & Material Specifications

Technology: Material Jetting (MJ) with the PolyDot System.
- The process is identical: jetting droplets of material and curing them instantly with UV light. The speed and large format capabilities are unchanged.
The Materials (Non-LightPass):
- These are typically opaque, acrylic-based photopolymer resins.
- They come in a variety of base colors (e.g., white, gray, black) but are almost always painted or finished after printing.
- Key Properties:
  - High Rigidity and Strength: They create durable, structural objects that can withstand handling at events.
  - High Resolution: Excellent surface detail and smoothness straight off the printer, superior to FDM.
  - Opaque: No light transmission, providing a solid, substantial feel perfect for direct painting.
  - Fast Curing: Instantly cured by UV lamps, allowing for very rapid print times.

2. The Advertising Workflow with Non-LightPass Materials

The workflow shifts from lighting integration to surface finishing.

Step 1: Design & 3D Model Creation

Create a 3D model of the asset (a character, a geometric logo, a product mockup).
Models can be solid or hollowed out with internal structures (infill) to save material and reduce weight while maintaining strength.

Step 2: Printing the Object

The model is printed using the opaque Non-LightPass material. The result is a large, rigid, and detailed object in a base color (usually white or gray).

Step 3: Post-Processing & Finishing (The Critical Phase)

Support Removal: Supports are printed in a gel-like, water-soluble material. The print is often placed in a water wash station to dissolve them easily, leaving a clean surface.
Sanding & Priming: The surface is sanded to remove any minor imperfections or “ribbing” from the printing process. It is then primed to create a perfect painting surface.
Painting & Detailing: This is where the magic happens. The object is hand-painted, airbrushed, or spray-painted with high-quality automotive or graphic arts paints. This allows for any color, brand-matching, gradient effects, wood/stone textures, and ultra-high-quality finishes.
Clear Coating: A protective clear coat (matte, satin, or gloss) is often applied to protect the paint job from UV fading and physical wear and tear.
Final Assembly: Large prints are assembled from parts. Mounting hardware is added.

3. Key Advantages for Advertising (Non-LightPass Focus)

Advantage	Description
Superior Surface Finish	The surface is smoother than FDM out of the printer, requiring less preparatory work before painting. It can achieve a flawless, injection-molded or sculpted appearance.
Exceptional Durability	The finished objects are rigid, impact-resistant, and capable of surviving the rigors of cross-country shipping, trade show assembly, and public interaction.
Unmatched Creative Freedom	Any color, effect, or texture achievable with paint can be applied. This allows for perfect brand color matching and incredibly realistic finishes (metallic, chrome, carbon fiber, etc.).
Structural Integrity	Objects can be designed to be self-supporting and structural. You can create furniture, arches, and load-bearing display elements.
No Lighting Constraints	The focus is purely on the form and surface quality, making it ideal for objects that don’t require internal illumination.

4. Common Applications in Advertising

This approach is used when the object itself is the star, not the light inside it.

Hyper-Realistic Product Replicas: Creating giant, incredibly detailed and painted replicas of products (e.g., a sports car tire, a video game controller, a bottle of champagne) that look real from a distance.
Character & Mascot Production: Building large-scale brand mascots, movie characters, or animated figures for events, parades, or retail displays.
Architectural Elements & Set Design: Creating large props, faux columns, decorative walls, and custom furniture for stage sets, showrooms, and exhibition stands.
3D Logos & Typography: Producing massive, solid-looking logos and letters that are painted in exact brand colors. They have a substantial, premium weight and presence.
Museum-Quality Replicas: Creating accurate replicas of artifacts, sculptures, or natural history objects for displays and interactive exhibits.

5. Comparison: LightPass vs. Non-LightPass for Ads

Feature	LightPass	Non-LightPass
Primary Use	Glowing, illuminated displays	Solid, painted sculptures & props
Material Property	Translucent / Clear	Opaque
Key Finishing Step	Backpainting (inside)	Surface Painting (outside)
Lighting	Integrated Internal LEDs	External Lighting (spotlights, etc.)
Visual Effect	Luminous, vibrant glow from within	Premium, matte/glossy painted finish
Ideal For	Lightboxes, logos that need to glow, futuristic displays	Product replicas, characters, structural elements

Conclusion

PDS with Non-LightPass materials is the industrial 3D printing solution for creating massive, high-quality, finished objects that need to withstand the commercial environment.

It replaces traditional techniques like hand-sculpting foam (which lacks detail and durability) or CNC machining (which has geometric limitations). Its value lies in its speed for large objects and the ability to achieve a flawless, paint-ready surface, allowing brands to deploy breathtaking, durable marketing assets faster than ever before. The final product is a premium, tangible object that commands attention through its physical presence and finish quality, not its glow.