3D-Printed Sand Trophies for Architectural Drawing Competition

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The article explores the collaboration between Bavarian manufacturer Sandhelden and design and architecture collective Archisource in creating 3D-printed sand trophies for Archisource’s annual Drawing of the Year Awards. Using locally sourced quartz sand from Bavaria, Germany, the four twisted and grey trophies aim to highlight the possibilities of sand as a material within the design industry. The trophies were printed using binder jetting technology, which involves layering quartz sand and binding agents. The process allows for intricate patterns and high levels of precision. Sustainability was also prioritized, with the use of renewable binder material and minimal energy consumption.

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Sandhelden and Archisource 3D print sand trophies for architectural drawing competition

In a collaboration between Bavarian manufacturer Sandhelden and design and architecture collective Archisource, four 3D-printed trophies have been created for Archisource’s annual Drawing of the Year Awards. These unique trophies are made from locally sourced quartz sand from Bavaria, Germany. The design of the trophies aims to showcase the opportunities of quartz sand in the design industry and highlight its potential as a material for architectural drawing competitions.

Description of the 3D-printed trophies

The trophies are made using locally sourced quartz sand, which is bound together using a binder jetting process. The sand is layered and glued together by binder agents typically used in the foundry industry. The resulting trophies have a distinctive twisted and grey design, with wave-like patterns on the surface. The intricate detailing and patternation on the surface are made possible by the high precision allowed by the binder jetting process.

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Purpose of the trophies

The purpose of these 3D-printed trophies is to showcase the opportunities and possibilities of quartz sand in design and architecture. By using locally sourced sand and innovative 3D printing technology, Archisource and Sandhelden aim to inspire architects and designers to explore the potential of this material in their own projects. The trophies were created specifically for Archisource’s annual Drawing of the Year Awards, which celebrates excellence in architectural drawing.

Technology used: binder jetting

The trophies were 3D printed using a process called binder jetting. Binder jetting is a layering process in which an object is printed by adding layers of material one on top of another. In this case, layers of quartz sand are glued together by binder agents.

For the trophies, the binder used was Furan, a binder agent made from renewable resources such as sugar cane, corn husks, or rice hulls. Binder agents are commonly used in the foundry industry to bind sand particles together, and they provide the necessary adhesive properties for the 3D printing process.

The 3D printing of the trophies was carried out by Sandhelden, using 3D sand printers supplied by ExOne GmbH and Voxeljet AG. These companies are considered pioneers in 3D sand printing technology and were chosen for their expertise in binder jetting.

Use of renewable resources

Sustainability is an important factor in Archisource’s designs, and the use of renewable resources is a key consideration. The binder agent used in the trophies, Furan, is made from renewable resources such as sugar cane, corn husks, or rice hulls. By using these bio-based materials, Archisource and Sandhelden aim to minimize the environmental impact of the 3D printing process.

The use of renewable resources not only contributes to the sustainability of the trophies themselves but also serves as an example of how renewable materials can be incorporated into architectural design more broadly.

Use of locally-sourced quartz sand

To further enhance the sustainability of the trophies, the quartz sand used in the 3D printing process is sourced locally from regional sources in Bavaria. By minimizing the distance traveled by the raw materials, the carbon footprint of the production process is reduced.

Using locally sourced sand also ensures that the trophies are made from high-quality material. By selecting sand from local sources, Archisource and Sandhelden can control the quality and consistency of the material, ensuring that the trophies meet their design and aesthetic standards.

Partners and suppliers

The collaboration between Archisource and Sandhelden brings together the expertise of both parties. Sandhelden serves as the manufacturer of the trophies, leveraging their experience in 3D printing and binder jetting technology. Archisource, as the design and architecture collective, provides the creative direction and conceptualization for the trophies.

ExOne GmbH and Voxeljet AG supply the 3D sand printers used in the production process. These companies are known for their expertise in binder jetting technology and have played a crucial role in the successful production of the sand trophies.

Advantages of binder jetting

Binder jetting offers several advantages compared to other 3D printing processes. One of the main advantages is cost-effectiveness. Binder jetting is up to 40% more economical than other processes, making it a cost-effective option for producing the trophies.

Another advantage of binder jetting is the minimization of waste. Excess material from the printing process can be reused, reducing material waste. This is particularly important for sustainability considerations, as it helps to minimize the environmental impact of the production process.

Furthermore, binder jetting requires low energy production. Unlike other 3D printing technologies that involve melting or burning of materials, binder jetting uses a binder-based process that solidifies at room temperature. This low energy consumption contributes to the overall sustainability of the process.

Design considerations

The design of the trophies takes into account the unique capabilities of binder jetting technology. The high levels of precision allowed by the process enable the creation of intricate and detailed patterns on the surface of the trophies. These wave-like patterns not only add visual interest but also provide a unique sensory experience when holding the trophies.

The detailing and patternation on the surface of the trophies are a result of the creative exploration of the binder jetting process. Archisource and Sandhelden were excited by the process’s ability to resolve very detailed surface textures, and they took full advantage of this capability in the design of the trophies.

Sustainability factors

The production of the 3D-printed sand trophies incorporates several sustainability factors. The use of renewable resources, such as Furan made from sugar cane, corn husks, or rice hulls, reduces the environmental impact of the binder agents used in the printing process.

Additionally, the sourcing of locally available quartz sand minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation. By choosing regional sources in Bavaria, Archisource and Sandhelden ensure that the sand used in the trophies is of high quality and meets their design requirements while also reducing the environmental impact of the production process.

Previous design trophies

The use of 3D printing technology in the creation of design trophies is not new. There have been previous examples of innovative and sustainable trophies using 3D printing techniques.

For example, Rotterdam-based design studio The New Raw created 3D printed trophies from recycled plastic in 2020. These trophies showcased the potential of using recycled materials in design and highlighted the importance of recycling and sustainability.

In 2019, Mamou-Mani Architects designed trophies for the Drawing of the Year Awards made from sugarcane bioplastic. These trophies demonstrated the possibilities of parametric design and showcased the use of sustainable materials in architectural design.

Other recent examples include Parley for the Oceans’ 3D printed ocean plastic trophies for The Fashion Awards and Yinka Ilori’s and Es Devlin’s pair of Brit Awards trophies. These trophies demonstrate how 3D printing technology can be used to create unique and sustainable designs across different industries.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Sandhelden and Archisource in creating 3D-printed sand trophies for Archisource’s Drawing of the Year Awards highlights the potential of quartz sand in the design industry. The use of binder jetting technology, renewable resources, and locally sourced materials contributes to the sustainability of the trophies. The unique design, precision, and sensory experience of the trophies showcase the capabilities of 3D printing in design. These trophies join a growing collection of innovative and sustainable design trophies created using 3D printing technology.

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