D-Shape

D-Shape is a large 3-dimensional printer that uses a binder-jetting, a layer-by-layer printing process to bind sand with inorganic seawater and magnesium-based binder to create stone-like objects. Invented by Enrico Dini, founder of Monolite UK Ltd, the first model of the D-Shape printer used epoxy resin—commonly used as an adhesive in the construction of skis, cars, and airplanes, as a binder. Dini patented this model in 2006. After experiencing problems with the epoxy, Dini changed the binder to the current magnesium-based one and patented the printer again in September 2008. Currently, D-Shape is developing two new printer models featuring increased output capacity and enhanced automation through integrated robotics. The latest version of the printer utilizes cementitious, sustainable, and environmentally friendly materials, which not only reduce carbon emissions but also help counteract sea acidification, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems.

D-Shape is a large 3-dimensional printer that uses a binder-jetting, a layer-by-layer printing process to bind sand with inorganic seawater and magnesium-based binder to create stone-like objects. Invented by Enrico Dini, founder of Monolite UK Ltd, the first model of the D-Shape printer used epoxy resin—commonly used as an adhesive in the construction of skis, cars, and airplanes, as a binder. Dini patented this model in 2006. After experiencing problems with the epoxy, Dini changed the binder to the current magnesium-based one and patented the printer again in September 2008. Currently, D-Shape is developing two new printer models featuring increased output capacity and enhanced automation through integrated robotics. The latest version of the printer utilizes cementitious, sustainable, and environmentally friendly materials, which not only reduce carbon emissions but also help counteract sea acidification, contributing to healthier marine ecosystems. ===NYC Waterfront Construction Competition=== In the fall of 2012, D-Shape entered into the NYC Waterfront Construction Competition hosted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in which competitors had to create a solution to help strengthen New York City's deteriorating piers and coastline structures. D-Shape's idea called, "Digital Concrete," was to take 3-D scans of each piece of pier or infrastructure and then print a support jacket for each specific piece. D-Shape won first place and received $50,000 for the idea, and estimated that it could save New York City up to $2.9 billion. ===Radiolaria=== In 2009, D-Shape printed a large 3-D sculpture, Radiolaria. The sculpture was created by Italian architect Andrea Morgante and inspired by radiolarians, unicellular organisms with intricate mineral skeletons. The original version of the sculpture was a 3 x 3 x 3 m scale model of the full-size Radiolaria that was planned to be put in a roundabout in Pontedera, Italy. Discovery Channel Covering D-Shape https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYaRUVTwIVc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYaRUVTwIVc]

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1345613322 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.