World first inflatable 3D print at Victoria University
28 February 2014
The world’s first 3D printed inflatable object was created in the workshop of Victoria University’s School of Design on their high end Objet Connex multi-material printer.
Seamless Blossom was created by design graduate Richard Clarkson in 2012 but has only just been made public.
Richard says the projectwas about exploring the potential of the new technology combined with the generative potential of 3D CAD programmes to create an inflatable 3D print.
The flowers are made from photosensitive polymers that range from a rubber like softness through to completely rigid. This allows for varied flexibility, meaning the flowers can ‘bloom’ when inflated.
“The petals are a curved hollow chamber made with soft polymer. As you inflate it, it creates a gap of air that pushes against the inner layer, forcing the outer layers open. The rigid centre was dyed to provide some colour, making the whole thing look like a flower blooming,” he says.
Though Seamless Blossom had to be sent overseas for printing at the time, Victoria University now has the only 3D printer in New Zealand that can digitally mix materials required for printing the project.
Tim Miller, a senior lecturer at the School of Design and supervisor of Richard’s project, says the breakthrough of being able to print multiple materials now means that the potential for 3D printing is enormous.
Richard is currently a Master’s student at the School of Visual Arts in New York. For more information about his work and a video of blossom in action, visit http://richardclarkson.com.