Artiful

What is 3D printing?

This is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital model one layer at a time. Our 3D printers put down 0.004-inch (0.102 mm) layer of gypsum powder at a time. Then inkjet heads, similar to those in a paper printer deposits colored binder to form the shape and color of each additive layer.

What are the technical aspects to your 3D printed process?

The maximum size of any object that’s not assembled is 12” x 8” x 6”. Up to 390,000 colors at a resolution of 600 x 540 dpi give the art pieces their vividness. However, only the outer 1/16-inch layer is colored. The finished texture is porous and feels like semi-smooth sandstone. This texture can vary the amount of ink absorbed so color saturation can vary. Direct sunlight can fad the color richness.

How long does it take to manufacture a figurine?

It takes 1 hour per vertical 1.1 inch (28mm) to manufacture a figurine. However, multiple objects can be built simultaneously depending on how they’re laid out in the 10 x 15 x 8 (254 x 381 x 203mm) print chamber. Thus, items are built with their shortest axis facing up for a quicker build. See our 3D printing demo for an example.

How safe is the material of the art pieces?

The base material is non-toxic to the best of our knowledge. However, the infusion agent is a compound that could be harmful if swallowed.

How durable are the art pieces?

The objects are solid and hard, yet they’re fragile. They can chip or break if handled inappropriately, are bumped by another hard object, or fall over. These items are for display purposes and should be treated with care.

How do I clean my art piece?

Use a feather like duster to clean your work of art. Never use any sprays, liquids, or chemicals of any kind on your figurine, as this will likely cause damage.

When is my art piece manufactured?

Your personalized work of art is immediately placed in the queue to be 3D printed once ordered. Delivery time depends upon the number of items ahead in the queue. We’ll make every effort to manufacture your item within 72 hours of ordering. All of our objects are manufactured at our facility in Bellevue Washington, USA.

Is my art piece warranted against damage?

We’ll freely replace items, damaged during shipping. Just take a photo of the damaged goods and it’s shipping package. Then email the photo and provide your order information here. We’ll replace the same personalized work of art with one nearly identical.

As an artist, how do I get my work posted on Artiful?

We’re not accepting outside work just yet. However, we plan to profile distinguished works that can be 3D printed in the near future. We’re still working on our review board standards and workflow process for independent artists. We’ll soon accept submissions once these issues have been fully addressed. One thing is certain, non-commissioned artists will retain full intellectual property rights to their works. Please contact us with samples of your work if you feel your art fits our collection and we’ll notify you once we’re ready to collaborate with independent artists.

Will any items be available for download so they can 3D print them at home?

Artiful’s items were designed specifically for the high-resolution four-color powder printers so few items will be made available for home 3D printing. However, we’re working on a line of art that’s intended for home 3D printing. We’ll offer these downloadable items once we have a mechanism in place to deal with digital rights and a policy for personal manufacturing.