This week’s selection is the DISCOVER 3D by LEMKI Robotix and iScale3D.
What is the DISCOVER 3D? It just happens to be the world’s first 3D-printed mobile home. It also happens to be made with around 80% of the input materials being from recycled sources.
The DISCOVER 3D is targeted as a sustainable option, as it not only is largely made from recycled materials, but also includes optional solar panels for green energy. It includes a series of sensors that help maximize energy use and provide operational information.
The interesting part is that the major structures on the DISCOVER 3D are 3D-printed. This was done by iScale3D, a new startup company specializing in robotic large-format 3D printing.
The company’s main business seems to be based around their patented cement-less composite concrete extrusion technology. This tech lowers CO2 generation and provides low thermal conductivity, ideal for certain building applications.
However, on this project, they used their robotic systems to 3D-print with recycled polypropylene, a popular consumer product material. They say they used the equivalent of 7500 plastic bottles when producing the 400kg camper.
For strength, the camper is reinforced with fiberglass, but has a wall thickness of only 9mm. Somehow, this thin wall provides “excellent soundproofing”, likely due to the mix of materials.
The camper’s design is ultra-modern, yet simple and straightforward. An oddly shaped hatch leads inside, where the 3D-printed design provides storage compartments, artistic features, and structural elements.
This is quite a project, and demonstrates the capability for 3D printing to be used when producing small-scale mobile campers.
One more thing: the DISCOVER 3D itself is recyclable. Whenever you create something, consider how it will eventually be disposed of.
Via Design Boom, iScale3D, and Facebook
