“Additive Manufacturing DIY Projects: Elevating Home & Lifestyle with 3D Printing”

Illuminating Memories With Magic of 3D Printed Lithophanes

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In a world where technology continues to blur the lines between imagination and reality, the realm of 3D printing stands at the forefront of innovation. Lithophanes, traditionally crafted from porcelain, are marvels of light manipulation. By varying the thickness of the material, these pieces reveal intricate designs when illuminated from behind. Now, with the advent of 3D printing technology, people can recreate this enchanting effect using plastic. The process involves converting 2D images into 3D models, with thicker sections representing darker areas and thinner sections revealing lighter tones.

Creating a lithophane begins with converting an image into a 3D model. This can be achieved through specialized software or dedicated lithophane tools, such as slicing applications like Cura offer built-in support for lithophanes, simplifying the process even further.

Once the lithophane model is ready, the printing process commences. While printing flat on its back is common, vertical printing yields superior results. Specialized tools like It’s Litho offer pre-made stands and mounts, ensuring stability and enhancing the final output. With the right settings and support structures in place, the printer brings the lithophane to life, layer by layer.

The creativity continues to expand, and 3D-printed lithophanes offer a unique blend of artistry and technology. With a simple image and a 3D printer, enthusiasts can craft personalized masterpieces illuminating cherished memories in a new light. Whether as decorative pieces or gifts, lithophanes serve as a testament to the boundless possibilities of additive manufacturing.

Story by Sydney Butler. I Tried 3D Printing a Photo, Here’s How It Went.

This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing DIY Projects: Elevating Home & Lifestyle with 3D Printing".

Accelerating Innovation: Unilever’s Rapid Bottle Design with 3D-Printed Molds

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In the fast-paced world of consumer goods, speed to market is crucial for staying ahead of the competition. Unilever, one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, is embracing innovation to accelerate product development and meet consumer demands. One such innovation involves the use of 3D-printed molds to speed up the design and production of new bottle designs.

Unilever, known for its diverse portfolio of brands spanning personal care, home care, nutrition, and more, is constantly evolving to meet consumer needs. With the help of Stefano Cademartiri, CAD and prototyping owner at Unilever, and Flavio Migliarelli, R&D design manager at packaging supplier Serioplast Global Services, the company is exploring the potential of 3D-printed molds for low-volume stretch blow molding applications.

Plastic containers are produced through blow molding, a mass-production method with short cycle times suited for high-volume production. The traditional workflow often involves lengthy lead times and high costs, posing challenges for rapid product innovation. 3D-printed molds, Unilever, and Serioplast have revolutionized the prototyping and pilot testing process, slashing lead times by six weeks and reducing costs by up to 90%. This innovative approach allows Unilever to bring new bottle designs to market faster than ever before, gaining a competitive edge in the industry.

Consumer goods companies like Unilever understand the importance of agility and responsiveness in today’s market. With 3D printing, they can rapidly iterate on bottle designs, ensuring optimal aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. By streamlining the production process and minimizing waste, Unilever is not only meeting consumer demands but also advancing environmental sustainability goals.

The collaboration between Unilever and Serioplast represents a paradigm shift in the packaging industry. By embracing 3D printing technology, these companies are breaking barriers and accelerating innovation in product design and development. As 3D printing continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in packaging design and manufacturing, driving greater efficiency and sustainability in the FMCG sector.

Matt Reynolds. Apr 18, 2024. 3D-Printed Molds Speed New Unilever Bottle Designs to Market.

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