The Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan, one of the world’s most important furniture and design fairs, showcased the latest trends and innovations in interior design. One of the most interesting projects in Milan turned out to be the design of the Spine lighting fixture by Ellen Hallström and Wojciech Wróż, who realized their project in cooperation with Fibometry. Spine’s design was inspired by Toyota’s forklift production waste and the automated warehouse of Toyota’s factory in Mjölby, which prompted the authors to use generative design in the project. Generative computer-aided design (CAD) is a modern method of using algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) to generate multiple design options based on specific parameters. This method gives designers unlimited opportunities to explore various potential solutions and optimize the design for set goals, such as weight reduction, material efficiency, cost minimization, or performance improvement. The result of the generative design is a model of the Spine lighting fixture, which has been properly optimized for 3D printing using MJF technology.
The correct printing of the complex geometry of the Spine lighting fixture was ensured by an appropriate tessellation technique, where the mesh of the 3D object was converted into triangles of the appropriate geometry to achieve an accurate representation of the model in 3D printing. In the additive manufacturing industry, data is mainly saved in STL format (the most popular format in 3D printing), where the standard 3D model file size is in the range of 1-30 MB depending on the software used to create the model, the number of triangles, the amount of detail, the level of detail, etc. The tessellation of the lighting fixture model was appropriately done under MJF powder technology, where the HP printer processes the saved image layer by layer with an accuracy of 0.2 mm. MJF printing technology fixes the print in a linear fashion, which benefits printing time and provides an advantage over SLS printing, which is the main competitor in the field of powder 3D printing technology. In addition, print cooling and post-processing are faster thanks to a dedicated post-processing station that accelerates the cooling rate of prints. The fast cooling time and high material recovery rate benefit the recyclability and short turnaround time of prints, which were key parameters in choosing MJF technology for the Spine project.
In MJF printing, the model is built from powder (PA12 material), which has high temperature resistance, so the part does not deform, and the heat is properly distributed by optimizing the model for weight and heat distribution. Multi Jet Fusion is the only technology that has made it possible to print such a complex element, and the low weight of the printed fixture and short lead time have proven to be additional advantages.
The Spine lamp combines lightweight 3D printing with a traditionally manufactured glass shade, which is an example of good design and combines modern technology with the traditional craft of glass production. MJF professional powder printing is unique in its precision, speed of production, and ability to integrate with other technologies. Companies such as Fibometry, which specializes in professional 3D printing, will play a key role in the production of lighting fixtures. 3D printing technology will revolutionize the way we create and use light, from unique and decorative luminaire designs to advanced industrial design solutions.
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