This Good Practice demonstrates how an innovative technology such as 3D printing can be successfully applied to artistic ceramics.
Ceramics is a traditional sector, as such, it strongly relies on century-old techniques and know-how that can hardly cope with high production volumes. This can be a barrier especially for smaller SMEs, who cannot be competitive with lager producers.
3D Systems Pro SRL, based in Horezu (RO), specialises on 3D printing. In 2017 the company was granted support from the StartUp Nation Programme (https://www.fonduri-guvernamentale.ro/start-up-nation/) to establish a lab – the 3D studio - that focuses on 3D printing for ceramics. Thanks to the support granted by the Programme (period 2017-2018), 3D Systems Pro could invest in highly innovative and competitive equipment (3D printer, 3D scanners, transport vehicle, IT technology, specific software). 3D Studio prints clay objects of a very wide variety of shapes or colours, including daily use and decorative objects (such as kitchen tools, flower pots, vases, etc.). 3D studio combines a manufacturing process based on 3D printing, with handmade execution for finishing, decoration, burning or glazing operations. The company has developed a range of handmade tiles, with different decorations, inspired by local or international ceramics.
This innovative approach allows to develop unique products that can have an infinity of shapes and colours, which cannot be moulded either manually or by casting. At the same time, it preserves the traditional features of Horezu ceramics, thanks to handmade finishing.
Resources needed
The total cost to set up 3D Studio amounted to approximately 42,000 euros. 100% was financed by the StartUp Nation Programme, 0% was co-financed by 3D SYSTEMS PRO SRL.
Evidence of success
Although 3D studio is still a young experience, some positive results could already be observed:
- n. of 3D pieces per month increased from 100 in June 2018 to 200 in August 2019;
- the development of a unique innovative product - Handmade Tile, small and very small series products, with high wear resistance and ecologically glazed.
Potential for learning or transfer
This GP is a very good example of how an innovative technology, such as 3D printing, can be successfully adopted and combined with traditional techniques in artistic ceramics.
This approach can help modernising production processes without, at the same time, losing the traditional features that characterise artistic ceramics.
Moreover, it clearly demonstrates the importance of combining various types of skills (IT, 3D printing, traditional handmaking) to innovate products and processes.
