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FAQs

 

What makes Colorforge Binder Jet Printing such a game changer?

Binder jet printing is a 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology which has been around since 1993.  The process manufactures 3D structures by using inkjet printheads that move across a powder bed and selectively deposits a binder which acts as a glue. Wherever the binder is deposited, the powder sticks together and then a new layer of powder is deposited and the whole process is repeated until a 3D structure is formed.

Conventionally the binder is made of a polymer or solvent-based glue. The ColorFoger Binder doesn’t just bind, it also delivers the pigment which enables us to control the color and shade of the cosmetic, as well as condition the texture of the desired product - for example, lipstick versus eyeshadow.

How does binder jetting fit with cosmetic printing?

The scope of cosmetic materials is a great match for the binder jetting print process. Working with MetaAdditive, ColorForge uses a binder system that isn’t sacrificial and doesn’t need to be burnt out after printing, as it is made of cosmetic ingredients and not polymer. Meta’s robust industrial print systems are able to accommodate the demanding requirements of heavily particulated cosmetic materials. The result is a printing process that can deliver bespoke cosmetics with a much wider range of colors and textures with tremendous accuracy and digital control over advanced color configurations and formulas. All packaged into a versatile, user friendly application.

What type of products does ColorForge print?

  • Eye shadow 

  • Pressed and Finishing Powder

  • Bronzer

  • Mosaic Powder

  • Marbelized Powder 

  • Shimmer Body Powder

How is ColorForge sustainable?

Each ColorForge product is simultaneously printed in its own biodegradable “shell” making it the perfect alternative to non-recyclable packaging. And there’s no need for inventory, supply chains, transportation networks, stock rooms, warehouses and all the rest to reduce a brand’s carbon footprint. These print systems will also help make manufacturing more localized, eliminating much of the carbon emissions associated with transporting goods.

What type of minimums does Colorforge require?

None. Whether your brand wants to manufacture 10, 100 or 1000 units, you only pay for what you need. This eliminates costly and wasteful processes such as tooling, inventory, supply chain and warehousing. And too often, surplus products can expire and need to be thrown out. In addition, ColorForge removes barriers for rapid prototyping, product development and piloting that can be prohibitive for brands of all sizes through traditional manufacturing.

Do you work with the ingredients in your formula? Can they handle the client’s formula procedure?

Formula procedures will need to be restructured to accommodate this process. We will be able to work with clients to achieve formulas that are exclusive to them. This will require more work up front, however, once it is set we can achieve a high degree of repeatability from batch to batch, and once a formula is finalized, the printer can produce a virtually limitless number of individualized products based on that singular formula.

Pilot Run and Scaling:

Colorforge’s process will excel at pilot runs with the ability to produce a pilot product in a matter of hours. Furthermore, if the client wants a series of pilots for the same product having slightly different shades or undertones, they can be batched together in the same time frame. Scaling is a simple matter of filling the print chamber or chambers to full capacity and executing the print.