Webseries: Layer-by-layer - our path from pixel to product

Chapter 2:The technology: 3D printer and material

In this chapter of our web series, we would like to introduce you to the fascinating world of 3D printing technology and explain why we chose PLA as our material of choice.

The technology of 3D printers

We utilise the latest FDM printing technology to turn our creative visions into reality. Our fleet comprises six FDM printers, which are known for their versatility and user-friendliness. But what does that actually mean?

FDM printers work according to the layer construction method, in which the material, usually a thermoplastic, is applied in layers. These printers are particularly suitable for the production of larger objects and are our first choice for sustainable production methods due to their efficiency and precision.

One fascinating aspect of FDM technology is its versatility and scalability. The FDM process is now also used in house construction. Large FDM printers can print entire buildings layer by layer from special concrete mixtures. This innovative application shows just how powerful and flexible FDM technology is, as it can produce not only smaller, highly detailed objects, but also massive structures efficiently and cost-effectively. This technology is revolutionising the construction process, enabling more sustainable building methods and significantly reducing material waste.

Additive manufacturing is also increasingly being used in industry to make production more flexible and efficient. Companies such as Siemens use a variety of modern 3D printing technologies such as FDM (fused deposition modelling), SLS (selective laser sintering) and SLA (stereolithography) to produce individual parts or prototypes quickly and cost-effectively. These technologies make it possible to produce complex components with high precision and without expensive tools or moulds. By using additive manufacturing, development cycles can be shortened and customisations can be implemented more quickly, which is particularly beneficial in prototype development. These advances emphasise the importance and potential of 3D printing technology in modern industry.

However, our printers are also able to print complex models, not houses but on a small scale and with colour changes in the middle of the print. This allows us to realise particularly unusual and creative shapes that give every product a unique touch.

Our printers can process a wide range of materials, including more technically demanding filaments with carbon content. However, we have deliberately opted for PLA (polylactide) for our products.
for our products.

Sustainability is a central element of our experiment and all phases of our production philosophy. An important step on our journey was to find the right filling pattern. We first had to feel our way around and try out different options to find the right balance between material use and stability. Our printers allow us to use different filling patterns that both optimise material consumption and ensure the necessary stability and functionality of the products.

The material: PLA

PLA is a thermoplastic material made from renewable raw materials such as corn starch. It has a number of properties that make it an excellent choice for sustainable 3D printing projects.

  • Biodegradable: PLA is 100% industrially biodegradable and therefore more environmentally friendly than many other plastics.
  • Sustainable: 
    As PLA is made from plant material, it is a renewable resource.
  • Safe and non-toxic: PLA is free from harmful chemicals and is therefore safe for use in households and offices.

By combining innovative 3D printing technology and sustainable materials such as PLA, we are able to produce functionally appealing and ecologically responsible products. This approach shows that cutting-edge technology and environmental awareness can go hand in hand.

What happens next?

For us as a creative agency , this journey is not only exciting, but also incredibly enriching. By working intensively with modern 3D printing technologies and sustainable materials, we are able to put our own values and goals into practice. At the same time, we are gaining an ever deeper understanding of the challenges our customers face on a daily basis. This dual perspective – as a developer of our own products and as a partner to our customers – enables us to respond to their needs in an even more targeted and effective way. We are constantly learning and growing with each new experience, which enables us to develop creative and customised solutions that really make a difference.

But our journey doesn’t end here! In the next chapter, we dive deep into the exciting world of brand development. How do you create a brand
brand that combines creativity, innovation and sustainability
in a nutshell? And how do you find the perfect shop system to turn this vision into reality? Stay tuned to find out how we overcome these challenges and continue our journey from pixel to product.

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