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Czech artist Matyáš Chochola has unveiled a new installation featuring twelve large-scale 3D printed concrete sculptures at the EPO1 Contemporary Art Center in Trutnov, Czech Republic. The installation, titled “The Virtues and Vices of Our Time,” draws inspiration from Matthias Bernard Braun’s 18th-century Baroque cycle while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques. Image Credit: Vojtěch Veškrna Each sculpture stands between 3 to 4 meters tall and weighs approximately one ton. The pieces combine various architectural and artistic styles, including elements from antiquity, cubism, brutalism, and science fiction, creating distinct forms that resemble temple ruins or chess pieces. The production process utilized advanced concrete 3D printing technology with several technical innovations. To achieve complex geometries beyond standard printable angles, the team employed lightweight clay aggregates as supports. The sculptures were printed in multiple segments both horizontally and vertically before assembly, with additional elements including glass, pigments, and bronze incorporated by hand. The twelve…    read more 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technologies (IAPT) has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study on using additive manufacturing to produce silicone seals. The study will examine whether 3D printed silicone seals can meet industrial standards for mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The research aims to address manufacturing challenges across multiple industries, including mechanical engineering, chemistry, and automotive sectors. While seals are traditionally manufactured using conventional methods, additive manufacturing could potentially offer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small batch production and complex geometries. Additive manufacturing of silicone seals (Image Credit: Catharina Clemens Fraunhofer IAPT) The study’s methodology will focus on material testing and technology validation. Fraunhofer IAPT researchers plan to analyze various materials and evaluate surface quality, including roughness and functionality. The investigation will also examine design capabilities and hard-soft material connections. Companies participating in the study through a crowdfunding model can contribute their specific questions and requirements. This…    read more