The magazine 3D Natives talks about us!

In recent years, 3D printing has revolutionised the way we design and produce objects, offering innovative solutions that combine efficiency, customisation and sustainability. Thanks to the possibility of choosing ecological materials, such as bioplastics, biodegradable resins and recycled filaments, this technology is redefining the concept of responsible production. Furthermore, the freedom of design allows for a reduction in waste, optimisation of geometries and the creation of customised products with a lower environmental impact than traditional methods. We have already talked about numerous projects that combine design, sustainability and 3D printing. Among these, a few years ago we interviewed the young Italian startup Zm Design Lab. Today, the same founders have decided to launch a new brand, Albore Design, dedicated to 3D printing sustainable lighting and interior design objects. Their 3D printed lighting combines innovation, sustainability and contemporary style, as well as a certain taste for elegant and simple lines typical of high-end Italian design.

Combining light design and digital production

The founders of Albore, Jacopo Mandarino and Mirko Maletta, explain that they chose this name, which refers to the first light of dawn, because ‘it conveys a clear and positive concept, like the beginning of a new day’. To create their products, the Albore Design team uses FDM 3D printing technology, which allows them to reduce waste by about 90% compared to traditional methods such as CNC and milling. In addition, the materials used are derived from renewable and sustainable natural resources. The final materials are obtained by combining PLA and natural elements. More specifically, the lamps are available in three different versions, which differ in their finish. The Layer version, made directly with coloured filaments, without the addition of paint, allows for greater enhancement of the layered finish typical of 3D printing. The Natural version, on the other hand, differs from the others in the material used, as it is composed of about 50% wood or stone powder, obtained from waste from other processes. This feature gives the printed model a natural and rougher appearance, even to the touch. Finally, the Smooth version is the one that requires the most manual work. To make the lamps in this version, the various moulded parts are smoothed by hand and painted with UV-resistant water-based paint.

The advantages of using 3D printing

The interesting aspect of using 3D printing in these original applications is that each product is made without the use of glues. This is fundamental when you want to create an object that can last over time and that is truly sustainable. Furthermore, the joints and threads integrated into the various lamp models not only make assembly easier, but also allow for easy replacement of any damaged parts. If necessary, thanks to 3D printing it is possible to reproduce only the damaged piece and therefore not have to replace the entire product. In addition to sustainability, what is also striking is the variety of designs and possible uses of these 3D printed lights, which adapt to both the simplest and the most sophisticated interiors. In a world where attention to the environment is increasingly at the centre of design choices, companies like Albore Design show that it is possible to combine innovation and sustainability without compromising on aesthetics! Source of the article Magazine ‘3D Natives – The 3D printing website’ https://www.3dnatives.com/it/albore-design-illuminazioni-stampa-3d-140220259/ Words by Nunzia A.