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3D’s True Potential
3D printing (also known as additive layer
manufacture) is becoming commercially relevant
as a number of brands and retailers harness its
potential in-store and as part of their marketing
strategies. The practical impact of 3D printing
is becoming more apparent as consumers and
designers begin to design and manufacture their
own goods.
The 3D printing industry is set to become
a valuable tool for brands looking to deliver an
innovative retail experience. Simultaneously, the
technology is finding a valuable niche in industrial
manufacturing, improving the speed and flexibility
of prototype production.
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Disney leads the pack with its utilisation of 3D
printing to build new types of light features
into its toys. Engineers working on the project
explained that designing the toys using 3D
printers allowed them to create a real-world
prototype in a matter of minutes, rather than
having to wait for new mould tools to
be produced.
•
The aeronautical and automotive industries
see 3D printing as a means of producing light
weight and cost-efficient vehicles. Airbus has
a 10-person team dedicated to its 3D printing
efforts. American digital manufacturing
company RedEye on Demand says its 3D
printed car URBEE2 will be on the road
in 2015.
•
In January 2013, Nokia became the first major
electronics manufacturer to release 3D design
files for its products. The files – referred to
as 3D design kits – contain design templates,
case specifications, recommended materials
and examples of best practice to print a range
of cases for Nokia’s flagship
Lumia smartphone.
Fashion designers are also looking to the
technology for materials and construction
inspiration:
•
Dutch designer Iris van Herpen partnered
with technology hub MIT Media Lab to
produce her S/S 13 collection. Some
garments were produced using an Object
Connex500 multi-material printer, allowing for
materials to be mixed to construct a
single object.
•
3D printing firm Shapeways, designer
Michael Schmidt and architect Francis
Bitonti have collaborated to produce a
3D printed gown for celebrity Dita Von
Teese. The garment is comprised of 3,000
articulated joints, allowing for movement,
and shows the technique’s potential for the
creation of bespoke fashion pieces.
3D-printed
lightbulbs, Disney
© Disney
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3D printed gown
© Dita Von Teese
Consumer Product