Dutch Designer Joris Laarman and Autodesk Produces First 3D-Printed Metal Furniture

Early this year, Dutch designer Joris Laarman developed a technique in 3D metal printing called MX3D-Metal in collaboration with Autodesk. The MX3D-Metal is considered an innovation in 3D printing as this is the most affordable method to create metal 3D-printed metal structures. The earlier versions showed rough designs almost resembling a giant welding machine.

Fast forward to now, Laarman recently opened an exhibit at the Friedman Benda Gallery in New York showing elegant sculpture using the same technique from the earlier MX3D-Metal. At the center of the exhibit is the Dragon Bench which is an organic, wavy structure comprised of woven strips of metal.

Laarman said, “I wanted to create a large sculptural work in order to show MX3D-Metal’s capabilities.” He adds, “The organically shaped mesh creates a nice contour but is an open construction at the same time.”

Laarman believes that the Dragon Bench is just a introduction of better things to come showing what this technology can do even at this early stage. Aside from the Dragon Bench, Laarman also experimented with other forms using digital fabrication design. He also exhibited the first 3D-printed polyurethane chairs.

Laarman also displayed the open-source Maker chair and table wherein the blueprints of the said furniture pieces are comprised of multiple tiled pieces that can be assembled together like pieces in a puzzle. The Maker chair and table will soon be available online for downloading and 3D printing for less than $50. With this initiative, Laarman aims to create more furniture pieces for the home which are crafted through the use of algorithms and Autodesk is keen on investing in this project as well.

Joris Laarman’s exhibit titled “Joris Laarman Lab: Bits and Crafts” is open for viewing at the Friedman Benda Gallery in New York City until June 14, 2014.