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Global imaging brand, Kodak has signed an agreement with technology solutions provider, Smart International, as it expands into 3D printing with a new professional desktop printer and range of materials.

Set for release in December, the first product will be the KODAK 3D Printing Filament line, designed to deliver industry-leading low moisture content, high melt flow index and precise diameter and roundness for high-quality prints.

× Expand Kodak Portrait 3D printer

The second product and KODAK’s first 3D printer, the KODAK Portrait, will be presented for the first time at CES in January. It’s a smart, fully enclosed machine with a dual extruder and a build volume of 200 x 200 x 250 mm. Features include a sensor which tells the user when filament is running low, a colour light signal to indicate the printer’s state, air filtration system, auto-calibration and a touchscreen. Whilst the system has been designed to work seamlessly as part of the KODAK 3D Printing Ecosystem to deliver optimum results, the machine is open to third-party materials.

“We are excited to take the KODAK brand into 3D printing and pioneer a best in class series of desktop printers and materials designed specifically for creative professionals,” said Roberto Gawianski, CEO, Smart International.

× Expand KODAK 3D Printing materials

Aimed at the professional market, the company says its new 3D printing solution will fit well into environments such as architectural studios, creative workspaces or classrooms.

“Professional 3D printing is a fast-evolving growth category KODAK has had its eye on for a while. We are happy to add a strong and innovative licensee like Smart International to our portfolio of brand licensees,” said Joel Satin, VP Director of Brand Licensing, KODAK.

× Expand Kodak Filament

The key value proposition for KODAK's filament and the Portrait printer is the removal of inconsistencies that often cause failure of prints. KODAK has identified moisture as a significant problem to address and has strived to make its material not just to the strictest diameter tolerances but it is manufactured with the lowest moisture rate on the market.

To preserve the filament quality and to help ensure repeatable results, KODAK 3D Printing Filaments fit inside the supplied airtight protection cartridges, which have humidity desiccants. The filament is removed from the special airtight foil packaging and placed in these cartridges, which connect to the extruders, forming a system where the filament is never exposed to the ambient humidity or dust.

Advanced materials and hardware are nothing without a sophisticated software and KODAK says it has taken steps to make 3D printing a smooth and professional process. The printer movement is carried out by a dedicated controller board, while the user interface and connectivity are carried out separately by a different controller with a 5” colour touchscreen. The printer software provides advanced multi-user features. Users can log in and gain immediate access to their email, file-sharing services or social media as well as monitor the print.

A feature more common with industrial machinery the machine also features a traffic light system using five colour LEDs that signify the printer status from a distance.

The machine is available to pre-order now with a 35% discount on the standard retail price of $2,799 and will begin shipping in March 2018.