the texture file

[roger johnson]

Newbie: Its probably a really dumb question but

are there devices that can apply the texture file during or post output of the basic model ...

something like an ink jet ?

If so, could you suggest a suitable tutorial?

[cam3d]

roger johnson - Are you looking to apply a texture to a 3D print?

There are several printers which can print a full colour model - The one I am most familiar with is the ProJet 660 (https://www.3dsystems.com/3d-printers/projet-cjp-660pro) - It's been several years since I operated one of these but they are classed as colour jet printers and give OK results.

You can find this printer as part of Shapeways selection - Simply export as .OBJ with UV texture and MTL file, zip all up and upload to their configurator

https://www.shapeways.com/model/material-configurator/upload

Here's a sample ZIP I made for you: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17HO...ew?usp=sharing

NOTE: This is an expensive production process! You might be able to find a cheaper vendor locally, however colour 3D prints are notoriously pricey.

[cam3d]

Something to note - On the shapeways configurator, you need to select 'SANDSTONE' at the bottom of the material options, which opens up the choice between 'Plain' or 'Full Colour' - Or you could just go for the Multi-Colour Polyjet if you're after super high quality and price is no object: https://www.shapeways.com/materials/multi-color-polyjet

[roger johnson]

Many thanks for the examples and pointers

Looks like it raises another bunch of questions...

but I guess the main question is whether

there exists a product that can simply apply colour to a model/object no matter how it was produced

whether by 3d model, plaster mold or cnc carving

something like an automated paint spray?

[cam3d]

Other than computational hydrographics (https://formlabs.com/asia/blog/full-...hydrographics/) I'm not aware of anything similar. I think part of the issue is ink flow and gravity, pressures etc... much harder to implement than conceptualize