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WHERE STYLE & ELEGANCE MEET

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@HOME2023

by David Brown

While the technology might still sound sci-fi to some, 3D printing was invented as a way to prototype parts rapidly and affordably, and home design brands have leveraged the ability to do just that for the last decade-plus. As the technology has advanced, it has evolved from an add-on skill to a full-blown craft—one that requires as much training and expertise as trades like cabinetmaking or metalworking. 3D printing is as popular as ever, reaching spheres beyond what anyone would have ever anticipated. For the last decade the technology has become incredibly sophisticated. 3D printed furniture isn’t just interesting to look at, its practicality and decorative qualities are simply undeniable.

The technology is a transformative digital additive manufacturing process that manufactures three-dimensional objects through layer-by-layer superposition of materials influence. It has the advantages of digital and intelligent development and can be customized for specific products.

At present, the application scope of 3D printing technology in the furniture manufacturing industry is expanding, from experimental single-piece furniture production to mold manufacturing, product development, parts production, and other manufacturing links. The production of 3D printed furniture has begun to transition from experimental single furniture production to small batch furniture production, which will profoundly affect the manufacturing mode change of the furniture manufacturing industry in the future. 3D technology is closely related to the traditional furniture manufacturing process. The combination of new and traditional technology can cooperate to solve the problems of long production cycles and slow product update speed.

The most interesting work is happening by designers who value the machine as a tool that’s capable of forging incredibly complex designs, some that would be otherwise impossible to realize. The apex of this movement is in Europe – particularly Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands – where a rich history of furniture design relied heavily on the handmade. A 3-D printer offers a fresh take on these practices, or, for some, a way to rebel against them.

Alessio Elli has created the ZERO Collection. The collection’s simple shapes are presented in response to the social and emotional complexity of the period we are

living. Simple shapes that give the opportunity to fully understand the production and environmental values and issues that are the soul of ZERO: the value of an object today is no longer represented by the quality of the materials used alone, but above all by the lowest environmental impact that can be achieved to produce it and during its entire life cycle.

The ZERO 3D printed furniture items, including tables and seats that double as containers (ROUND, ELLIPSE and DONUT), are 3D printed using only two materials (PLA (polylactic acid) and 100% recycled PP (polypropylene) reinforced with glass powder). Natural wood and FENIX NTM (a carbon-neutral material) are used for the surfaces.

SLOPE by OESCHLER is another global leader expanding the 3D furniture production industry. OECHSLER’s innovative approach to manufacturing seating 3D printed furniture leverages the company’s previous and ongoing experience with car seats deigned for automaker Porsche’s Boxster, Cayman and 911 models. In doing so it has introduced new opportunities in terms of cushioning, freedom of design, hybrid features in one print, and high sustainability due to easy recycling of the individual parts.

The SLOPE chair model features a metal rack with 3D printed seat pads, 3D printed lattice pillows, multi-layer, easy-change textile covers, and 3D printed connectors. This makes it ergonomic with extremely comfortable cushioning and a pleasant hammock effect. The technological features are impressive. By 3D printing both rigid and soft parts as one structure, OECHSLER created a lightweight chair with both ergonomic and comfortable cushioning. The optional textile cover can simply be added on top. In terms of sustainability, all components can be dismounted and separately disposed of to be recycled.

Amsterdam-based Aectual bills itself as a company that’s “by designers, for designers.” It was founded by the same architects who formed the DUS architecture firm, Hans Vermeulen and Hedwig Heinsman. Aectual creates geometric facade and interior wall panels, lacy privacy screens and sunshades, and patterned terrazzo floors for architecture and design clients. The company also maintains a line of 3D-printed home furnishings for consumers, like planters, a bookshelf and room dividers. 3D printing is inherently sustainable, but Aectual goes even further, using 100 percent recycled waste plastics or bioplastic made from plant oils instead of new synthetic plastics. They’re also working toward a 100 percent circular production system, whereby they take back a product after use, shred the material and reuse it to print new products.

Lastly, one of the latest consumer tech innovations comes from Roche Bobois. 3D-printed furniture is nothing new for this luxury French brand. Roche Bobois is rethinking the design process with their Corail table by Antoine Fritsch and Vivien Durisotti. The shape and texture of the concrete table base can be completely customized using an exclusive app from the design team.

The configurator allows consumers to see in real time what adjustments will look like. Customization is the norm for high-end furniture, but rarely is the process so transparent. A finalized design is given a unique 23-digit code that’s sent to a printer closest to the end consumer to cut down on material transportation.

With the current ongoing advancements in technology will 3D printing advance to new heights in the future? It is with all certainty 3D printing technology will continue to evolve and play an important role in the furniture and décor production process. The 3D printing industry offers limitless opportunities for the home decor and furniture industry. After all, no customer is the same when it comes to a preferred style or design which results in a billion different outcomes and possibilities to create custom 3D printed furniture.