3D printing is just one method of making things, and it’s best exploited when combined with other techniques. But a new approach from designer Janne Kyttanen could blow you away!
The new technique is called “explosive welding” and hopes to enable the fusion of materials that otherwise would be difficult or impossible.
Kyttanen apparently uses “chemical explosives” to “meld” unlike substances together, as seen above in the 3D printed copper table that has been explosively welded with obsidian. The results are a fascinating mix of materials that has an almost burnt appearance. Well, I guess it should have, given the process used!
Here’s a detail view of the two materials joined together.
Is this a technique that will be widely adopted? I think not for two reasons:
First, the approach is a type of finishing, where materials are added to a foundational shape. One that likely has several constraints on its geometry. For example, the table above includes many sparse openings, perhaps to permit airflow during the explosive application.
Secondly, it’s Explosive! As such the process is inherently dangerous and should not be attempted unless you truly know what you’re doing. I suspect that Kyttanen opted for assistance from explosive experts to produce this work. In other words, this is a very challenging process to execute.
But it does produce some amazing results.
Via Dezeen and Janne Kyttanen
