plus minus eins – Fidelis Falk

This project combines subtractive CNC laser cutting and additive FDM 3D printing in the mono-material PMMA (also known as acrylic glass) chosen for the demonstration. Using the example of a desk lamp, constructive and formal-aesthetic properties are examined and presented. The combination of the two processes significantly accelerates the respective manufacturing processes. The laser-cut sheet material is mounted on the 3D printer using clamping or adhesive bonding and the same material (as filament) is used to add functional elements, such as hinges or screw nipples, which are fused directly to the sheet material. This provides a promising alternative to cost-intensive injection molding that is capable of generating completely new qualities. The process can be applied to all laser-cuttable thermoplastics.