Q-Light Board by Naporo

Robert Schwimmer from Naporo in Austira was kind enough to send me a prototype of their Q-Light board.  Made from Typha (we call it cattail in the USA),  it's a  lightweight and strong panel board.  I thought the picture of the X5 on their product looked impressive , please download the attached product brochure for more info.

Q Light Board Brochure

3D Printed Stone Samples

I recently went to ZCorp midwest reseller MasterGraphics for a 3D printing seminar.  While there, Matt from 3D Impact Models shared the following samples with me.  They were printed on the ZCorp 650, which is the high end 3-D color printer.  The machine speed is about 1" per hour, in a 20" x 18" bed.  I was pretty impressed with the realism and concept of these 3D prints as sales, marketing and presentation tools.

Smart Powder Coatings

Adapta Powder Coating of Spain makes tecnical powder coatings products.  Adapta has many different types of engineered coatings, the three samples photographed here are from their Thermochromic, Interference Color and Photo Luminescent lines.  

The Thermochromic line was designed as a safety feature in certain environments.  If the temperature of a coated machine or room becomes too hot or cold the color changes and visually alerts everyone.  The powder coating reacts to change in temperature +/- 5C, and can be used in environments ranging from -15C to 70C.

Adpata's Interference Powder Coating's main feature is the display of changing colors when the direction of light and viewing angle changes.  The sample pictured here goes from a deep purple, to a bronze-green, and everywhere in between.

The Photo Luminescent powder coating line was engineered to be used as safety markings for hallways, fire extinguishers and exit signs in the dark. 

ICFF 2010 New Material award winner

Garmento panel made from recycled denim wins award for best new material at ICFF 2010 in New York.  I have a little sample of this in the office, and it is really cool!  Much more rigid than I thought it would be.  The material is fire resistant, formaldahyde free, insulates, and cuts like wood.  The sizes are currently limited to 300mm x 300mm, and thicknesses 6,10,15,20 and 25mm.  Imported from Thailand, the board can be made from any type of fabric.

 

Garmento Board vertical flame test and formaldahyde content

From Model to Mobile, 3D prototyping visualization

Eric Lax designed a large mobile for a clients exhibition at the ASCO show in Chicago.  To faciitate visualizing and engineering Eric's design, a 3D scale model was printed using a full color ZCorp 3-D printer.  The model was a very effective tool for production and design, and the client's exhibtion was a success!