Furniture and affordable design products giant IKEA has been flirting with 3D printing for some time, with prototypes and experimental projects. Now, under the leadership of Olaf Szukałowicz, the furniture giant introduced FLAMTRÄD, the first commercial line of on-demand, 3D printed decorative items, albeit limited to Germany (for now).
The decorative (but also useful) items are all 3D printed using SLS technology and probably (judging by their appearance) mass-finished and colored using DyeMansion technology. It is available on-demand only and only via the IKEA Germany website. The collection, part of the Deko Accessories lineup, includes several 3D printed designs under the brand FLAMTRÄD, including two different latticed head sculptures and several more hand sculptures. Both are available in either black or white.
Manufacturing on Demand
Each product is described as taking “3D technology to a new level and guaranteed to catch the eye. Nice on its own, but also in combination with other shapes from the same series”. For sure, the price is competitive enough to bring on-demand 3D printed decorative items to a new level of market availability. The items start at just €29,99, with the most expensive priced at €49,99.
Another project by IKEA involving 3D printing saw the company releasing a series of DIY 3D printed add-ons to make its existing products more accessible to those with special needs. The project, called ThisAbles, was launched by IKEA Israel in an effort to make the company’s iconic home furnishings more easily accessible to people with physical disabilities. The product series consists of add-ons like easy handles, mega switches, glass bumpers, friendly zippers, curtain grippers and more, which can all be downloaded as 3D printable files and printed at home or through a service.
Previously IKEA had collaborated with 3D printed custom prosthetic company UNYQ and Sweden’s Area Academy, working together to create a series of ergonomic products for the gaming community. The products aware meant to address common gamers’ health problems such as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and more. The first prototypes for the product range were unveiled under the brand UPPKOPPLA.
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Author: Davide Sher
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