Would You Use 3D Printed Wood?

When you need a prototype now, and you need it fast, you run to the 3D printer. Three-dimensional printing is just what it sounds like. Literally printing, in a 3D space, a tangible materialized model of a design. And the beauty of it is that it’s become more accessible than ever. But have you heard of sustainably 3D printed wood to create 3D invention designs?

One of Mako Design’s services is to provide 3D invention design in Austin, Texas. In fact 3D printing in a number of prototyping techniques to build the best product possible for our clients. One of the things our clients get curious about is the types of materials we use in the 3D printing process. From nylon to thermoplastics to metals, there are a variety of materials you can use for industrial 3D printing purposes. Your choice simply comes down to the flexibility, durability, strength, and finish.

Oh, and your budget, that’s probably important too.

Forust

Enter Forust, a 3D printing start-up focused on creating isotropic, high-strength, sustainable wood parts. They combine two wood industry byproducts, sawdust and lignin, to print wood for 3D invention designs that mimic any type of wood grain, from ash to mahogany. It starts with thin layers of sawdust and held together with a non-toxic binder. The binder uses lignin, the part of the wood that holds together.

But why wood? 

Well, it’s because of the massive amounts of waste produced from existing processes we use to manufacture furniture and other goods from trees. In fact, every year, more than 15 billion trees are cut down. As a result, millions of wood waste, including sawdust and lignin, are generated as well. To dispose of sawdust, it’s usually burned or sent to a landfill. When burned, it contributes to air pollution. When sent to landfills in excessive amounts it can also cause environmental harm. As sawdust decomposes, it releases high concentrations of lignin and fatty acids. These have the potential of further destroying our environment if they seep into our water supply. Indeed, their mission is to reduce the amount of sawdust going to landfills by reusing the harmful byproducts to create new and beautiful 3D invention designs.

3D Printing Wood

At Mako Design, we’re always exploring new opportunities for 3D invention design in Austin. Not only does their product look and feel like wood, but there are functional benefits to using Forust’s 3D printed wood. Of course, you can sand it and smooth it like wood, but you can also craft it into complex shapes – shapes that would normally take a master craftsman weeks to do. Similarly, since it’s not a 100% wood product, you can create products that go beyond the typical properties and qualities of regular wood. I know they just released a purple version but how cool would it be to see a wooden exterior iPhone?

Despite the advanced technology involved, 3D printed wood is competitively priced with natural wood. Not only is it much more scalable and doesn’t require shipping the product or design over long distances.