Because great ideas come in all shapes and sizes (and colors), Youtuber Emily The Engineer decided to take it upon herself to see if she could 3D print a functional toilet. Could she? SPOILER: Yes– yes, she could. And I hope that this colorful commode serves as a reminder to us all that if you try hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. Or you can at least 3D print yourself a toilet.
Due to the size of the toilet, the unit had to be split into numerous blocks for individual printing, and Emily took that opportunity to print the blocks in various fun colors. The result is what appears to be a LEGO toilet, or a Mondrian painting. My bathroom demands it!
Emily attached all the parts to one another using 3D plastic glue and a soldering iron to fuse where necessary. Even the tank float, flapper, and flushing mechanism are 3D printed, although a handful of metal nuts and bolts were required to connect everything.
Unfortunately, after testing, it appeared her design wasn’t strong enough to be attached to a traditional indoor plumbing system. So what did she do? What anybody would — attached wheels, armrests, smartphone charger, cup holders, and added a bidet. Boom — mobile toilet! Goodbye porta-potty, hello sporta-potty!
3D printing has come a long way, but unless you’re using industrial printers in large factories, you’re probably limited to creating small designs or just parts of a whole. That, unfortunately, means that creators and makers aren’t able to fully express their ideas and designs, at least not those that involve pieces that can’t fit inside a commercial 3D printer. That said, you don’t have to give up your creative freedom to use an expensive production line if you can put 3D printing robots to smart use, like this sustainable plastic coffee table that is able to form organic geometric forms just by making the robot arm loop round and round.
When people think of 3D printers, they most likely think of those boxy contraptions sitting on tables, with nozzles that quickly run back and forth while oozing out hot plastic material in order to build up a three-dimensional object almost like from thin air. While this is the most common and most convenient kind of 3D printing, it has severe limitations in the size or shape of the object being made, basically anything that can fit the area and height of the printer.
LOOPS is a collection of coffee tables conceived to push the envelope of 3D printing and create objects that are larger than normal without requiring additional hardware. An industrial 3D printing robot pretty much goes round and round to create the base shape, building layer after layer of composite material until the desired form is achieved. This is the process used for creating the base of these tables, allowing the designer to apply different geometric shapes with organic forms that look like they’re literally growing before your very eyes.
The coffee tables are more than just experiments in 3D printing, they are also testaments to beautiful sustainable design. Tabletops are made from 100% recycled plastic that is crushed, melted, and then moulded from used plastic. The 3D printed bases, on the other hand, are made from composite material containing cellulose from responsible forestry. When the tables reach the end of their use, both the base and the top can be recycled or reused to extend their life in a different way.
The LOOPS coffee table collection offers a unique and novel design that pushes the boundaries of 3D printing to produce beautiful shapes and textures that almost resemble traditional ceramic creations. The variety of recycled plastics used gives each tabletop a unique appearance, both in color as well as in texture. The minimalist yet elegant designs make the coffee tables the perfect artistic centerpieces for any space, offering a thought-provoking design that opens your mind to the possibilities of sustainable 3D printing.
If you’re redesigning your bathroom but you’re bored with the regularly-designed tiles that you see in the market, this 3D printed tile design may be for you. That is, if you don’t mind having some organism looking creatures permanently displayed while you’re taking a bath. It is sustainable and biodegradable so that’s a major bonus if you’re concerned with things like that.
Designer: bioMATTERS
The MYCO-ALGA is an interior tiling system that is made from natural and organic waste that have been upcycled together with actual living organisms. There are different sustainable processes involved in coming up with this including designing them digitally, 3D printing, growing the organisms, enriching them with bio-pigments, fabrication, etc. It begins with the waste materials being ground into a paste-like substrate as a foundation.
Once it has been turned into paste, it is then 3D printed into customized shapes and for two weeks, they are placed and cultivated in a controlled environment so that the mycelium turns into the thing that binds the material together. They are then placed in convection ovens and as they “bake”, they turn into lightweight materials but at the same time, they become strong and rigid. The bio-pigments from the harvested algae which are now gel are then applied to the tiles.
The tiles are definitely unique looking and can be a conversation piece when you have people visit your bathroom. They were designed to specifically look like organisms are crawling all over your space. The mosaic-like design with the non-repeating patterns are visually striking and 100% sustainable.
Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And cement company Progreso teamed up with COBOD to build Guatemala’s first 3D-printed building.
Guatemala’s first 3D-printed building was recently completed to withstand local seismic activity, allowing it to be earthquake-resistant. The structure was built by merging modern 3D-printing construction techniques with traditional local craftsmanship, for example, the thatched roof. The house was built using COBOD’s BOD2 printer, and the 3D printer extruded a cement-like mixture in multiple layers to from the structure’s shell, according to a pre-planned blueprint.
Quite interestingly the entire printing and building process took only a little over 24 hours. 26 hours were spread over seven days to build the structure which involved completing the concrete shell, and then adding wiring, plumbing, and windows with the help of laborers. The roof of the home is the traditional roof seen all over the region, and it is made from palm thatching. Wooden slats were also added to the building, to promote natural ventilation and create a spacious and airy environment. The building is designed to withstand a severe and strong earthquake!
“The project has successfully taken steps to validate the structural viability of 3D construction printing in a seismic-prone region,” said the press release. “Due to the use of 3D printing, the house features highly organic-shaped walls that would otherwise be extremely expensive, even unfeasible to complete with concrete blocks, the region’s predominant building material. The 3D-printed concrete walls are complemented by a ‘Rancho’ type palm leaves roof. This roof type has been used for generations in Latin America, as it is inexpensive, provides thermal comfort, and is well-suited for seismic regions due to the flexible and lightweight material.”
The structure occupies 527 square feet and is a compact home that can withstand extreme seismic activity while operating as a fully functional and equipped house.
Landor & Fitch launched a collection of adaptive toothbrush add-ons called the Accessoires handles. These handles have been created for people with dexterity issues. The handles feature chunky grips that curve outwards, giving the impression that they’re wrapped around a tennis ball. The grips feature a unique texture of grips, spines, or ridges which are the focal point of the entire Accessories collection.
The handles are 3D-printed for different customers, and customized based on the answers of an online questionnaire. The add-ons can also be attached to the handles of regular toothbrushes to form a sturdier and larger grip, making it a more accessible and usable design. This unique design is a major boost for people who have limited dexterity, as it allows them to handle a toothbrush more easily and efficiently. Currently, 360 million people suffer from dexterity challenges, and this design will provide them with a better alternative than the household hacks they usually resort to. The add-ons have an almost sculptural and artistic appeal to them, making them look like regular homeware pieces.
“Whilst researching accessible design, we came across users hacking toothbrushes in functional but extremely uncomfortable ways,” said Landor & Fitch’s industrial design lead Jack Holloway. “This was by attaching toothbrushes to hands via elastic bands, using dog toys, lollipop sticks, and wet cloths. After seeing this, we realized there was a real problem that we as a creative team thought we could solve.”
To create the Accessories collection, Landor & Fitch invited a group of people with dexterity issues due to arthritis or carpal tunnel. They participated in co-designing the product in hands-on workshops called “makers labs”. They were involved in the entire process, and they even gave their feedback on the final product. This helped Landor & Fitch create the perfect design that could truly have utility and ease out the experience for people with dexterity problems.
Out of the 142 possible designs for the add-ons, users can pick the permutation that works best for them, this finalized design is then 3D-printed, allowing the entire process to be economical, and quite personalized as well.
Some of the best discoveries in human history were made by accident. Penicillin is probably the most popular example, but the X-ray, microwave ovens, and even cornflakes were all created through serendipity. Of course, accidentally discovering or creating something is one thing, but turning it into a successful and useful design requires more intentional planning and execution. Such is the fortunate series of events that started from testing 3D-printed structures and ended up creating an innovative and distinctive sphere that can do more than your average stress ball, bringing not only relief from mental and physical stress but also some fun and enjoyment, for you, your kids, and maybe even your pets.
Designers: Li Qian, Mason Wuyue Liu, Josie Shi, Suzy Zhang & Mengping Ye
3D printing has come a long way in enabling the creation of complex structures using more sophisticated materials, but there’s still a lot of room for new techniques. It was during this process of developing a lattice-based structure for a different product that a completely different creation rolled into being, almost literally. The result is the Lettuce Ball, an aptly-named lattice ball whose very structure promises the perfect amount of resistance to be used as a stress ball, a therapy ball, or even a toy.
The secret to this ball isn’t just the lattice structure but also the way it is made. For one, it uses advanced Digital Light Synthesis 3D printing technology that utilizes high-intensity light to cure specific areas of the liquid resin, yielding very precise structures as small as 1/20th of a millimeter. The ball is also printed layer by layer, just like a lettuce ball, in order to offer varying degrees of firmness that would be impossible with regular foam or air-filled stress balls.
The result is a unique-looking stress ball that offers a unique experience from all angles. In addition to just having the right amount of squishiness, the Lettuce Ball is so resilient and durable that it won’t break even from your furry pet’s powerful jaws or claws. It’s also very stretchy but will easily return to its normal, spherical form. Best of all, it’s guaranteed safe from harmful substances and can easily be washed and dried to remain hygienic, taking one more worry off your mind. Plus, the ball’s distinctive lattice structure is a sight for sore eyes, making it a great gift item or a decorative piece on your desk.
So break free from pointless and ineffective stress balls and embrace the results of advanced 3D printing and outside-the-box creative thinking with this unique lattice sphere. Whether you’re trying to remain calm in the middle of heavy traffic, calming your nerves while giving a presentation, putting pressure on sore spots on your body, or giving your furry friend a safe and durable toy, the Lettuce Ball will deliver relief and fun to soothe your whole being, and in an attractive little package, too!
Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms have adopted 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture has truly gained a lot of popularity and momentum. It has paved a path for itself in modern architecture. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it. And Nescafé has also jumped onto the 3D printing bandwagon with its first 3D-printed pop-up store!
Brazilian architecture studio Estudio Guto Requena designed an innovative 3D-printed pop-up store for Nescafé. Called the Dolce Gusto Neo store, and located in São Paulo, the store was built using algorithmic 3D printing. The sustainable store was built using a combination of biodegradable materials and recycled plastic, which are an excellent alternative to traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete, both of which lead to carbon emissions and resource depletion. The concept and structure of the store were inspired by the five petals of the coffee flower. The store is groundbreaking, since it is a commendable effort towards regenerative architecture, and offers a conscious and innovative method to create prefabricated retail stores.
“The design for the Dolce Gusto Neo Flagship unites innovation, sustainability, and architecture,” said Estudio Guto Requena. “The building architecture invites us to reflect on potential futures that we could design, especially given the climate emergency we are facing.”
The Dolce Gusto Neo is built using a mix of glued laminated timber (GLT), from reforested pine trees, which serves as an eco-friendly source. It has a dome-shaped design supported by fixed axes, which accommodate five glassed archways that provide lovely views of the surrounding green space. A timber decking covers the store as well. The innovative and unique pop-up store is the first of its kind in Latin America and is truly paving the way for 3D-printed structures built using biodegradable materials.
Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms are adopting 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture is slowly but surely gaining a lot of popularity and momentum. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it.
Japanese construction startup Serendix created a popular tiny proof-of-concept last year, and it was up to code for Japanese earthquakes and European insulation standards. And recently they unveiled ‘Fujitsubo’ – a small home priced at 5.5 million yen or around $37,600!
Dubbed Fujitsubo or “the barnacle”, the compact home occupies only 538 square feet, which is pretty small in comparison to the average new American home, which is five times larger. This 3D-printed home features one bedroom, one bathroom, and an open living room connected to a kitchen…and it only costs as much as a car! The home is ideal for a couple or one person. You can contribute the size of the home to the economical price tag, which isn’t found in the US since local rules require minimum sizes for houses and lots, and the cost of land makes it almost impossible for developers to create smaller homes.
The roof is made of panels that are cut by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, in which pre-programmed software controls the movement of factory tools and machinery. Serendix said it took 44.5 hours to print and assemble the home. Since 3D-printed construction isn’t a feasible option for populated and dense urban areas, as there isn’t much extra land available there, and even if there is, it is not an economical option, Serendix has decided to focus on building in small towns with an ample amount of empty space available.
“In the automotive industry 40 years ago, the price reduction of products began due to innovation of the manufacturing process using robots. We believe that the 3D-printed house is the beginning of the complete robotization of the housing industry,” Serendix said in a statement. The company is currently using five printers to build their homes (50 per year) but by next year they plan to add twelve more printers and build almost 850 homes every year!
3D Printing is gaining more momentum and popularity than ever. Designers and architects all over the world are now adopting 3D Printing for the creation of almost all types of products and structures. It’s a technique that is being widely utilized in product design, owing to its simple and innovative nature. But designers aren’t employing 3D printing only to create basic models, they’re utilizing this technique in mind-blowing ways as well! From a 3D-printed terracotta cooler to 3D-printed footwear that pushes the limits of tech and design – the scope of this dependable technique is unlimited! Dive into this collection of humble yet groundbreaking 3D-printed designs.
1. Pure Plants
If you’re someone who tends to kill all the plants you adopt, then a Barcelona-based company has the perfect solution for you – Pure Plants. Pure Plants are 3D-printed plant-looking sculptures, that are much more than just decorative items for your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
They actually use Pure.Tech technology to turn these “plants” into air purifiers that are able to absorb and neutralize carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other volatile organic compounds.
What we like
Function as air purifiers to make the indoor air you breathe healthier
The material used to create the living sculptures is also sustainable
What we dislike
The average size of each 3D-printed plant is quite big, so its not easy to blend into every home decor
2. 3D-printed Wrench
Have a look at these unique tools from Desktop Metal, and you will instantly notice that is there something different about them. They arent like the typical die-cast wrenches with solid metal bodies that you see, these tools feature a textured inner surface with multiple holes and cavities.
Why is it noteworthy?
The inner surface of these wrenches uses a gyroid-style in-fill, commonly seen in 3D printing to fill up inner spaces with support material while conserving plastic. The gyroid inner mass gives these metal wrenches their strength while simultaneously cutting down on material and weight. The result is the same, functional tool but with nearly 30% less mass and weight.
What we like
The various parts have a higher and more uniform density (up to 99%) than other metal 3D printing methods while being faster too
What we dislike
The prototype wrench is less of an actual product and more of a showcase of Desktop Metal’s capabilities
3. Wilson’s Airless Basketball
Wilson unveiled its latest airless basketball that utilizes a see-through 3D printed mesh similar to those airless car tire concepts we’ve seen before. This creates a ball that bounces just like a basketball, but doesn’t look like any basketball we’ve seen before!
Why is it noteworthy?
Created as an experimental prototype by Wilson Sporting Goods Co.’s R&D (Basketball) division, the Airless Basketball prototype is a stunning piece of design and engineering that looks, weighs, and bounces just like a basketball, but fundamentally rethinks the ball’s physical structure and underlying physics.
What we like
Utilizes a 3D hexagonal mesh structure that is highly elastic, allowing it to bounce just like a pressurized ball
Doesn’t need pumping for refilling
What we dislike
The ball’s lifespan, resistance to damage, how well players can grip it, whether objects can get stuck inside the mesh, and the overall dynamics of the ball are still undetermined
4. Terracotta Cooler
This low-tech terracotta cooler is a promising and sustainable cooling solution, that was created as a result of the collaborative efforts between visionary designers and engineers.
Why is it noteworthy?
The low-tech cooler’s functionality is based on a well-engineered ventilation system which is known as the Water Evaporative Evaporator Effect (WEEE), which allows the airflow to come into contact with the wet surface of the terracotta container, wherein the water undergoes a natural evaporation process, creating a refreshing flow of cold air.
What we like
Showcases the power of nature-inspired solutions in addressing modern challenges
Eco-friendly design
What we dislike
The design is still being designed, so we cannot speak to the effective cooling capabilities of the design.
5. The EXPLR 02
Matthew Blunt designed the EXPLR 02 – a pair of shoes that look like the wireframe you see in 3D modeling software, although it has an even higher resolution and a number of empty spaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
The design takes inspiration from the nature of those digital artifacts. Repeating patterns, organic forms, and an almost chaotic composition all come together to create footwear that is both beautiful and intriguing.
What we like
Useful + practical footwear design
What we dislike
The structural integrity of such a design can also be in question since the thin intersecting lines could make it less durable under rugged conditions
6. The Paris Bookend
Designed to add an adorable French charm to your bookshelf, the Paris Bookend is a miniature 3-story building that is created in the classic Hausmanns style. The adorable home features a Mansard roof, that lets your books naturally lean over against the side of the mini building.
Why is it noteworthy?
It comes with detailed out chimneys, windows, and an adorable red door too, adding a gorgeous Parisian charm to your home that feels a lot more authentic than those run-of-the-mill Eiffel Tower memorabilia.
What we like
Adorable + functional solution to store your books
What we dislike
If you don’t print the base platform with high infills, the building could collapse on itself
7. 3D Printed Lamborghini Aventador
Did you know that you can now download a car?! Sterling Backus, an enthusiastic father and physicist downloaded and 3D printed an entire Lamborghini Aventador.
Why is it noteworthy?
Sterling started by first downloading a 1:10 scale model of the Aventador, scaling it up, separating the parts, and even adding a few signature modifications of his own, like making the car’s body wider.
What we like
Significantly lighter than the original car
The entire car is built from scratch
What we dislike
The overall build still needs some work, and the car still needs a Red, White, and Black paint job once everything’s ready
8. Cozy Cleo Lamp
Based in Germany, the design studio EveryOtherDay designed this 3D-printed table lamp. It was created using recycled plastic bottles and cardboard. This sustainable product is a fine specimen of circular design and wholly embodies minimalistic design principles.
Why is it noteworthy?
The table lamp is Rasenberger’s innovative attempt to tackle the excessive wastage of cardboard, and instead incorporate it in a circular design process, providing the material with a new and redefined identity. In this entire process, almost 200g of cardboard, and 10 plastic bottles are recycled.
What we like
Once the lifecycle of the lamp has ended, it can be recycled, allowing the materials to once again be utilized in a completely new and different manner
What we dislike
Not sure if the lamp will have a long lifespan
9. The Throne
Designed by Spanish design studio Nagami and To: this 3D-printed toilet is called The Throne and is made up of three parts – a teardrop-shaped body, a double-curved sliding door, and a bucket for solid waste.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various parts of the toilet were printed within three days – pretty quickly! This includes the base and multiple other smaller accessories that were either injection molded or ordered. It also includes an off-the-shelf separation toilet seat to separate urine from solids for composting.
What we like
Goes further in its realization of a circular economy by composting the waste produced by users and using this compost locally
What we dislike
The cost of production needs to be dropped
10. Wabo
Called Wabo, this collection of hand boards is created from plastic waste that is produced using 3D-printed prototyping. Wabo is an excellent initiative to make something out of plastic waste, that is actually functional and can be used!
Why is it noteworthy?
Uido Design is a studio known for its catalog of 3D printable product designs and its team is doing something about the waste they produce during the design process. Shredding the plastic waste produced from 3D printing into bits and pieces, Uido Design uses the waste to create hand boards for users to ride the ocean waves.
With the relentless increase in global temperatures, air conditioning has become an essential requirement for human survival, rather than a mere luxury. However, conventional air conditioning systems exacerbate the issue by contributing significantly to the carbon footprint. This calls for innovative designers to seek eco-friendly alternatives, blending traditional wisdom with modern resources to address this pressing challenge. In response to this need, the low-tech terracotta cooler emerges as a promising and sustainable cooling solution, born from the collaborative efforts of visionary designers and engineers.
The brainchild of a collaborative effort between a visionary designer and the global design agency Entreautre, the low-tech cooler draws inspiration from ancient practices. At its core lies a simple yet effective principle: a porous terracotta container filled with water. The ingenious idea of utilizing porous building materials for external walls is a common architectural practice in the Middle East and hotter regions of India. People of Egypt also used an evaporative cooling method by hanging wet reed mats over doorways and windows, these various natural inspirations form the basis of this innovative cooling solution. In these traditional designs, intricate geometric patterns not only lend a decorative touch but also play a pivotal role in creating a cooling effect. As warm air passes through narrow openings, it undergoes a cooling transformation due to the shift from high-pressure to low-pressure areas, enabling it to absorb heat effectively.
Central to the low-tech cooler’s functionality is a well-engineered ventilation system known as the Water Evaporative Evaporator Effect (WEEE). By allowing airflow to come into contact with the wet surface of the terracotta container, the water undergoes a natural evaporation process, producing a refreshing flow of cold air. This ingenious yet straightforward approach showcases the power of nature-inspired solutions in addressing modern challenges.
To achieve an optimal cooling effect, the designers sought to maximize the contact between the ventilated air and the wet terracotta surface. Embracing cutting-edge technology, they turned to ceramic 3D printing, which offered the unique ability to test complex volumes and experiment with differential growth. This process, mimicking nature’s organic growth patterns, not only enhanced the cooler’s performance but also bestowed it with an aesthetically pleasing design, becoming a manifesto of their vision.
In the pursuit of perfection, the design team relied on the powerful Grasshopper software, a visual 3D programming language linked to Rhino 3D. Though the software presented its challenges in terms of complexity, it proved to be an invaluable tool in creating intricate and parametric designs that would have been unachievable with traditional CAD programs. The dedication of the designers to master this software reflects their commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
As with any ambitious project, the path to success was not without its challenges. The team had to navigate multiple constraints, including selecting the optimal material thickness, porosity, and method of conception. Collaboration with experts in mechanical engineering and Fablab’s CEO was pivotal in finding solutions and guiding the team toward their ultimate goal.
For the actualization of their innovative design, the team employed a one-of-a-kind 3D printing machine designed by the renowned Dutch artist, Olivier Van Herpt. This unique machine, adapted for terracotta printing, operates similarly to traditional 3D plastic printers but extrudes terra-cotta as a thin filament layer by layer.
As the product undergoes rigorous testing, encompassing aspects of sealing, terracotta durability, airflow efficiency, and real-world performance in hot environments, the low-tech terracotta cooler holds the promise of revolutionizing cooling methods.
In the face of climate change and the escalating demand for cooling solutions, the low-tech terracotta cooler stands as a beacon of hope. By blending traditional wisdom with modern technology, visionary designers have created an eco-friendly alternative that embraces nature’s principles to provide cool comfort. As this innovative cooling solution enters the testing phase, its potential to mitigate the impact of conventional air conditioning systems and contribute to a sustainable future shines bright. The low-tech terracotta cooler is a reminder that harmony between tradition and innovation can indeed pave the way toward a greener and cooler world…
