Bringing 3D printing into the world of furniture & joinery

22 September 2014  |  Sabina Gonzalez-George
W14 logo 3D printed image

Press Release

22nd September 2014 

 

CREAT3D (stand 6A238) are showcasing the use of desktop 3D printing and handheld 3D scanning at W14 Exhibition, the UK’s leading joinery and furniture event. 

 

CREAT3D (www.desktop3dprinter.com), the independent specialist retailer of desktop 3D printers and 3D scanners will be showcasing the desktop technology in a 3D printing feature at the W14 Exhibition from 5th to 8th October, at the NEC Birmingham.

 

W14 is the leading UK show for the joinery and furniture industries. The show attracts a huge number of visitors, all working within the industry so ideas, knowledge, developments and processes can be shared and discussed among both visitors and exhibitors.

 

The use of desktop 3D printers is not about replacing existing manufacturing processes and craftsmen but about enhancing the product design process. The process can be used to create individual components, customised elements and one of a kind and distinct pieces. 3D printing is being used in both the design and manufacturing worlds, ranging from engineering, through to art and furniture. The process allows the development of unconventional shapes and geometries that are not available through traditional fabrication methods. 

 

Some companies and designers have already begun using 3D printers (desktop and commercial based) in their designs and production. For example, Dutch designer Dirk van der Kooij used a desktop 3D printer in the development of prototypes for his exhibition of the Doen I Materiaalprijs at the Van Abbemuseum. 

 

CREAT3D is an independent specialist in desktop 3D printers and handheld 3D scanners. The 3D printers at this desktop level, ranging from approximately £800 to £5,000 in price, are ideal for prototyping, proof of concept and design testing. CREAT3D hand-pick all their products, focusing on providing a range of characteristics and options to customers, whilst maintaining high quality. 

 

Whilst desktop 3D printers predominantly use plastic based materials, most commonly PLA and ABS, there are also more exotic ones available, ideal for the industry:

 

  • Laybrick (stone-like texture)
  • Woodfill (30% woodchip mixed with plastic) creates a material similar to MDF
  • Bronzefill (plastic containing bronze particles) that polish up to the same effect as bronze with a little sandpaper and Brasso
  • Nylon (softer and more flexible)
  • XT (a new high-strength, low-odour co-polymer from ColorFabb)

 

Handheld 3D scanners, such as the new Fuel3D scanner and the Sense scanner can also be used in combination with 3D printers but also standalone in the design process. The Fuel3D scanner is particularly great at detail, ideal for combining unusual textures into furniture design. Whereas the Sense 3D scanner is good for capturing general shapes of medium to larger sized objects.

 

At W14, in the 3D printing feature, will be a variety of products from CREAT3D including 3D printers with extra tall build capacity such as the Leapfrog Creatr XL – creating even further possibilities and the Ultimaker 2 which is capable of printing exotic materials CREAT3D combine their large product offering with expert knowledge and independent advice, to help customers make an informed decision, allied to tailored training and installation packages.

 

As standard, CREAT3D customers receive technical support 6 days a week by phone and email. See the products in action and talk to CREAT3D experts on stand 6A238 at the W14 Exhibition, NEC Birmingham. Orders can be placed for products during the show. Alternatively, all products will be on display in CREAT3D’s showroom in Reading, Berkshire following the event. 

 

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CREAT3D Ltd. CREAT3D is the leading specialist in desktop 3D printers, 3D scanners and accessories for business and education. The company, which began in 2012, is based in Berkshire and operates within the United Kingdom. CREAT3D’s showroom is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 16.00, based in Caversham, Reading. CREAT3D has a hand-picked product range specifically tailored to the needs of its business and education customers. The CREAT3D team prides itself on its detailed knowledge gained through using, and challenging, its range of products every day. CREAT3D focuses on offering first-class customer service with friendly, straight-forward help and advice, with technical support available Monday to Saturday and tailored training packages.

 

Further information about CREAT3D Ltd can be found here

 

Web: www.desktop3dprinter.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CREAT3DprintersUK

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CREAT3Dprinters

Google+: google.com/+Desktop3dprinter 

 

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