New 3D printing tool developed to create glass structures

The Mediated Matter Group based at Massachusetts Institute of Technology has developed a first of its kind optically transparent glass printing process called G3DP.

Developed in collaboration with MIT’s Department of Mechnical Engineering and MIT’s Glass Lab, G3DP is an additive manufacturing platform designed to print optically transparent glass.

The project combines modern technologies with age-old glass production tools.

The G3DP platform is based on a dual heated chamber concept. The upper chamber acts as a kiln cartridge which operates at around 1900°F and can contain enough material to build a single architectural component. The molten material gets funneled through an alumina-zircon-silica nozzle.

A selection of glass pieces will appear in an exhibition at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in 2016.

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Glass pieces created with the tool will be exhibited at the Smithsonian Design Museum

Iso Benessere debuts modular,
customisable Himalayan salt room

Iso Benessere has introduced Salis, a modular Himalayan salt room that can be tailor-made in different sizes to easily add a halotherapy element to a spa.

The modular unit combines the benefits of halotherapy and chromotherapy, and the pure Himalayan salt of its bricks neutralises electromagnetic frequencies and charges the water molecules in the room with positive energy, providing beneficial effects against nervous tension, insomnia, difficulties in concentration and free radicals, the company said.

The rows of light behind the columns of bricks are remote-controlled, making it easy to monitor the chromotherapy programmes.
If the wall of salt is activated in conjunction with an Iso Benessere bed, an optional adaptor makes it possible to match the colours of the bed to those of the light wall.

Salis is easy to install, and eliminates the problem of corrosive residues on metal structures that can happen when salt is processed.

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The rows of lights are remote controlled for ease of use

Robots to 3D print a steel bridge in Amsterdam

Robots are to 3D print designer Joris Laarman’s new pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam.

Dutch startup MX3D, a spinoff company from Joris Laarman Lab, researches and develops cost-effective robotic 3D printing technology and is ready to test its processes by printing an ornate metal bridge spanning an as-yet-unnamed canal in the city.

MX3D will equip the six-axis industrial robots with 3D printing tools and develop software so that the robots have the ability to print steel. The bridge will support the robots’ weight as they work from one side of the canal to the other.

“I strongly believe in the future of digital production and local production, in ‘the new craft’,” said Laarman. “This bridge will show how 3D printing finally enters the world of large-scale, functional objects and sustainable materials while allowing unprecedented freedom of form.

“The symbolism of the bridge is a beautiful metaphor to connect the technology of the future with the old city, in a way that brings out the best of both worlds.”

Laarman’s design will utilise new Autodesk software, and will sync with the technical development and take into account the location. The bridge is scheduled to be completed in 2017, and the progress of the project can be followed in a special visitor centre in Amsterdam.

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The bridge will support the robots’ weight as they work from one side of the canal to the other

Corian-based lighting design revealed for luxury interiors

London-based interior designers Caxton Rhode have created a Corian light fitting for luxury settings.

The large Solid Corian light installation created by Caxton Rhode measures nearly a metre in diameter.

It references Art Deco design and uses Glacier Ice White Corian for its durable qualities as a material.

Caxton Rhode creates bespoke products and furnishings for interiors using modern manufacturing techniques.

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Caxton Rhode’s Corian light fitting

Kaleidoscope of refractions in Zaha Hadid’s latest collection

Zaha Hadid’s ‘Liquid Glacial’ collection has been designed to resemble ice formations.

Encompassing tables, stools, a chair and centrepiece, the geometries of each item appear transformed from solid to fluid by the subtle waves rippling below the surface, according to the architecture studio.

Hand-polished to a pristine finish, the collection is milled in clear and coloured acrylics with the aim of conveying depth and complexity through “an ever-changing kaleidoscope of refractions”.

The items can be displayed together to create a landscape, or as stand-alone pieces.

Two pieces from the collection were donated for an auction in aid of children’s charity the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

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Three of the stools were exhibited at the David Gill Gallery in London

Water spider inspires latest experimental build technology

The underwater nest construction of the water spider has inspired the latest research build at the University of Stuttgart.

The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) created the nest-like pavilion with the help of robotics for the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15.

The web building process of the diving bell water spider, (Agyroneda Aquatica) was examined and its design rules were transferred into a technological fabrication process.

Using a robotic fabrication process, the initially flexible formwork is gradually stiffened with carbon fibres from the inside to form the pavilion.

This prototype was a year and half in the making by researchers and students of architecture, engineering and natural sciences.

The ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15 measures 40sq m with a span of 7.5m and a height of 4.1m. The construction weight is 260kg.

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The ICD/ITKE Pavilion is inspired by nature

Nextrema glass-ceramic from Schott for infrared heating covers

The international technology group Schott has developed Nextrema glass-ceramic for high-temperature applications.

The material is suitable for use in saunas, outdoor heaters, industrial drying systems, and stable heating.

It is already featured as a component in infrared radiant heaters in the areas of health and wellness, outdoor heating, and industrial drying.

The glass-ceramic can be used as a cover for infrared radiant heaters in saunas. While conventional radiant heaters often emit a harsh light, covers made from translucent or tinted Nextrema glass-ceramic transform the glare into a pleasant glow, with little heat loss.

Schott’s glass-ceramic also offers benefits when used in heater applications that heat terraces, winter gardens, and other private and public outdoor spaces.

Thanks to its six different transmission types, this high-tech glass-ceramic opens up new aesthetic and technical design possibilities for manufacturers.

This high-performance product is known for very high transmittance of infrared radiation in the short- and medium-wave infrared ranges.

In addition, it is heat resistant up to 950 degrees Celsius and resists thermal shock up to 800 degrees Celsius.

“The broad Nextrema material portfolio includes six different types of glass-ceramic and a thickness range of 2 to 8 mm,” said Andy Rinaldi, product manager for Schott Nextrema.

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Schott’s glass-ceramic is designed for spas and outdoor heating