You can walk through your future property from the comfort of your arm chair. But will this invention catch on? Video by Pat Stevens.
Like those machines on Star Trek that materialise “Tea, Earl Grey, hot” for Jean-Luc Picard – 3-D printing has a distinctly sci-fi feel.
While the technology has been in use for well over a decade, actually producing solid, three-dimensional objects without tools or moulds isn’t part of our everyday lives. Hence, the fantasy element.
The creative potential of 3-D printing was embraced early-on by the most avant-garde furniture designers.
Originally just a drawing in the air, this lamp and chair were made real through 3-D printing technology. Photo: frontdesign.se
In 2007, Front Design of Sweden combined motion-capture with 3-D printing to create the Sketch line of furniture. Pen strokes made in the air were recorded and converted to digital files that materialised, through 3-D printing, into working chairs, tables and lamps.
Auckland-based Think & Shift were one of the first New Zealand designers to use the technology.
Their Unknown series of experimental furniture for YS Collective combined 3-D printed titanium joinery with organic elements like hand-carved jade and native New Zealand timber.
Think & Shift used 3-D printed titanium joinery and hand-finished tawa timber in this limited edition table. Photo: behance.com
And now, the technology is coming to the masses.
Shapeways provides manufacturing services to creative types, who can upload their 3-D designs, choose from dozens of materials and finishes – including timber, sandstone, porcelain, 14-carat gold and bronze – then wait for their objects to be reviewed, printed and shipped.
Not only does the company print items on demand, it also functions as a marketplace. It’s the Etsy of 3-D printing.
Designed by Studi Jelle, the Pinhole #3 lamp combines horizontal rings with vertical ribs. 3-D printing creates a single piece with evenly spaced openings of 2mm x 2mm. Available from shapeways.com for $A105 Photo: shapeways.com
One section of the Shapeways marketplace is devoted to 3-D-printed home accessories and decor: from offbeat cookie cutters and chopstick holders to air plant vases and geometric lamps.
Among the more high-calibre objects are pinhole lampshades by Dutch designer Studio Jelle. These minimalist, grid-like pieces, made of strong white nylon plastic with a matt finish, are right in line with the industrial trend in modern lighting.
Starting at $A105, a pinhole shade can be used as either a pendant lamp – fixtures are extra – or positioned on the floor for an even more modern look.
What to give the person who’s got everything … how about 3-D printed Christmas ornaments? Photo: shapeways.com
Or, if you’re stuck for a Christmas present for the sci-fi enthusiast on your list, try a 3-D printed snowflake for around $A22. Unlike snowflakes in the natural world, every single one of these will be exactly like the others.
This story originally appeared on stuff.co.nz