3D printing is one of the fundamental technologies that create opportunities for companies and startups to become a part of Industry 4.0. Enterprises from various sectors have been switching from conventional manufacturing to 3D printing or additive manufacturing to curtail the time and resources required to produce complex parts.
Hence, enterprises create new use cases of 3D printing across industries and regions. But some of the most visible use cases of 3D printing are being created by interior designers. They use various 3D printing machines and materials to design a wide range of sustainable home décor items.
3D printing technologies enable interior designers to produce a wide range of sustainable interior design solutions by supporting design flexibility and customization options. Also, interior designers can produce exclusive interior designs for clients by experimenting with different 3D printing technologies.
At present, the home décor items produced using 3D printing technologies range from interior structures to furniture and lighting. We are assessing the impact of this Industry 4.0 technology on the interior design industry based on some of the groundbreaking applications of 3D printing in interior designing.
Groundbreaking Applications of 3D Printing in Interior Design Industry
New-Age Workshops
Every interior designer these days have the option to choose from a wide range of desktop and benchtop 3D printers. These 3D printers can be installed seamlessly at various workshops. Also, designers can convert digital files into custom interior designs by availing of customized 3D printing services.
Hence, 3D printing enables architects and interior designers to set up new-age workshops. In addition to accelerating production, the new-age workshops facilitate wastage reduction. At the same time, designers create multiple iterations and allow clients to choose the best version in the new-age workshop.
Personalized Furniture and Fitting
The local and online stores allow homeowners to choose from a wide range of furniture and fitting. But no homeowner can distinguish her living space without installing exclusive furniture or fittings. Unlike conventional production methods, 3D printing technologies enable interior designs to create custom furniture for clients without putting in extra time and effort.
An interior designer can design custom furniture using 3D modeling software. Also, she can alter and refine the digital 3D model regularly according to the client’s preferences and instructions. Finally, the designer can use the right 3D printer to convert the 3D model into furniture personalized for individual clients.
Customized Lighting Solutions
In addition to enhancing interior design components, the right lighting solution completely transforms the home interior. A homeowner has the option to choose from a wide range of ready-to-use lighting solutions. But many homeowners look for lighting solutions that transform and distinguish the interior design.
Interior designers can use 3D printers to produce a variety of lighting solutions in a short amount of time. Also, they can personalize each lighting solution according to the client’s preferences. 3D-printed lamp covers can be cited as one of the most visible use cases of 3D printing in interior designing.
Modular Interior Structures
Many homeowners these days opt for modular interior design to use smaller spaces optimally. In addition to simplifying space management, the modular interior design enhances functionality, accessibility, and aesthetical appeal. 3D printing facilitates modular interior designing by enabling designers to create interior models.
Designers can further personalize and alter the interior structures using CAD software. Many interior designers these days 3D-print modular structures that can be modified or upgraded in the future. Hence, it becomes easier for homeowners to transform their interior design from time to time by installing new interior structures created using 3D printing technologies.
Exclusive Interior Designs
As noted earlier, 3D printing provides interior designers with complete design freedom and unlimited customization options. A designer can use a 3D printer to produce complex home décor components without escalating costs.
These customization options make it easier for designers to impress clients by altering the look and feel of home décor solutions available in the market. Many designers use 3D printers to create exclusive interior designs for clients according to the preferences of high-paying customers.
Minimalist Interior Design
Many homeowners keep their living spaces simple and uncluttered by opting for minimalist interior design. They require interior designers to create components with reductive design elements. Also, designers have to ensure that no interior design component is designed with decoration or ornamentation.
3D printers make it easier for interior designers to create interior design components that look simple and appealing. Interior designers also have the option to customize structures and shapes according to the area to be covered. At the same time, they can make many changes to the design before 3D-printing the components.
Sustainable Living Spaces
Many architectural firms use 3D printing on a larger scale to transform the interior space completely along with interior decor. Instead of using conventional construction methods, architects use industrial 3D printers to produce floors, furniture, coating, and facades that can be integrated seamlessly.
Likewise, many architects transform interiors using sustainable home décor components by experimenting with organic and renewable 3D printing materials. They even transform the entire home by installing sustainable bathroom and kitchen accessories produced using 3D printers.
Material Experimentation
3D printing technologies have been evolving consistently. Every interior designer or architect has the option to choose from many 3D printing machines and materials. These options create opportunities for designers to convert conceptual designs into real-time interior designing components using a variety of plastic and metal 3D printing materials. A designer can produce lightweight components using plastic 3D printing materials. At the same time, she can make the components sturdy and appealing using metal 3D printing materials.
Conclusion
3D printing technologies have been transforming the interior design industry consistently. The design freedom and customization options provided by 3D printing create opportunities for interior designers to create new use cases regularly by unleashing their creativity.
At the same time, the 3D-printed home décor items provided by various companies and startups enable homeowners to change their living spaces quickly and regularly. Hence, homeowners will continue to leverage many personalized and sustainable solutions produced using 3D printing technologies.