10 buys that show the advantages of 3D printing for the home
From shorter production times to sustainable material options, the benefits of using 3D printing are manifold
Thought 3D printing was never going to go mainstream? Think again. While it was once reserved for smaller items, the digital production technique has gone big this year and is being used to make everything from dining tables to plant pots, with designers often finding it to be faster and more sustainable than traditional manufacturing processes. The move follows hot on the heels of fashion brands such as Dior and Rains, which both debuted 3D-printed garments this year.
‘Bloz 350g Blend’ vase, Sheyn
While this vase has been 3D-printed, that’s perhaps not the most interesting thing about it. It’s made from the corn-based plastic PLA (polylactic acid) – a 100 per cent recyclable and eco-friendly material that is popular within 3D-printing for its carbon neutral qualities. Approx £120, sheyn.at
‘Pantelleria’ armchair, Medaarch
Demonstrating just how far 3D-printing has come is this ‘Pantelleria’ chair by Italian digital manufacturer Medaarch. It is lightweight yet sturdy and the bright pink hue will light up any living space. £890, designitaly.com
‘Gestalt’ coffee table, Jurij Rahimkulov
Yet another example of the sustainable potential afforded by 3D printing is this coffee table by Jurij Rahimkulov. The base is made from premium biocomposites, which make it fully circular while the top is made from a smoked glass that is eight millimetres thick. Approx £2,211 reformlab.se
‘Lounge’ sofa, Frank Ligthart
A special textile, which was first shown earlier this year at Milan Design Week, covers Dedon’s lounge sofa from top to bottom. Called ‘Mystique‘, the fibre has a technologically advanced 3D effect that allows it to change in hue. Sofa as pictured, from approx £13,800, dedon.de
‘Digital Baroque’ candleholder, UAU
Whimsical pastel hues and a ridged surface make this PLA candleholder a quirky addition to the table. Designed and 3D-printed in Warsaw by UAU project, the nifty little decoration can be used on both ends. Approx £39, uaushop.eu
‘Wildlife Collection’ decorative objects, Bene, Pearson Lloyd and Batch.Works
Part of a wider ‘bFRIENDS’ accessories collection, these little objects have multiple functions as decorations or paperweights in the office or at home. Each piece is 3D-printed from 100 per cent recycled bioplastics diverted from consumer waste and can be returned directly to Batch once no longer in use. If that’s not design for the future, we don’t know what is. £46.95 for the set bfriends.shop
‘Frizz s.1’ plant pot, Manuel Jiménez García
Organic in shape and reminiscent of a tropical flower one might find in a country somewhere along the equator, ‘Frizz s.1’ highlights the beauty of 3D-printing. nagami.design
‘Zero’ pouf, Elli Design Furniture
Designed as an antidote to the highly embellished and often unsustainable pouffes available on the market today, ‘Zero’ is a celebration of simple forms. With its utilitarian function at its heart, it combines natural wood, the carbon-neutral material Fenix NTM, and PLA. From £1,257, ellidesignfurniture.it
‘Buoy Light’, Lucas Zito
Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (which embraces the beauty of imperfections), France-based designer Lucas Zito’s distinctive light is characterised by its unique shape and mesmerising texture. £2,170, singulart.com
‘Baguio’ table lamp, Studio BL
If you’re after a subtle yet intricate accent for your space, then Studio BL’s table lamp could be the solution. Available in a range of colours, it provides a diffused light thanks to the 3D-printed mesh shade. Approx £263, studiobl.nl
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