3D Printing in signage and retail

The next generation of technology is transforming marketing and the way advertising & themed environments are created. 3D printing in signage and retail will change the whole market. With large format 3D printers super-sized objects for retail, staging, display, events and architectural design can be produced. Objects can be fabricated in any size and shape without the restrictions of traditional methods. Above all 3D printing in signage and retail provides the opportunity to create stunning eye-catchers.

Requirements of 3D Printing in signage and retail

Strength

With a single 3D printed object, greater strength can be accomplished. This is due to the perimeters encapsulating the entire object and passing loads throughout without disruptions in the path. The Infill that is inside also assists in taking the load and spreading it through the entire print and thus reducing stress concentrations. This enables prints to be exceptionally strong in compression, and to a lesser degree, tension. Depending on the infill rates used on a print, the forces necessary to cause damage might be well in excess of what an average adult could exert.

No Assembly Required

When talking abou 3D Printing in signage and retail, there are numerous instances where 3D printed objects are glued, melted, or mechanically held together to form bigger pieces. One of the qualities of being able to print in a seriously large format is that pre- and post-processes can be eliminated. When printing smaller pieces for an item that will be assembled, there may need to be design work to add pegs and keys assist pieces in locking together. On the other hand, utilizing glues and other methods are time consuming and not always simple. The ability to fabricate a big object in one go helps to simplify the manufacturing process and save time.

Life size

We’ve seen 3D printers make everything from toys to jewelery to food, but the signage and retail industry needs bigger. So big, in fact, that this industry demands 3D printers that can print entire pieces of furniture and sculptures.  In addition channel letters, tables, lamps, action figures and mannequins all fit into the idea of life size 3D printing in signage and retail.

Practical Functionality

In addition to the life size benefit of large format 3D printing in signage and retail, practical functionality is also a key perspective. For instance, to scale models of hand-held gadgets, toys, newly designed point of purchase displays, and many more items are useful for sales and visualization purposes.

Expanded creativity and capability

Many more details can be expressed or replicated in a piece that is large. For instance, there have been several artists who have made pieces over 20 feet long by incorporating 3D printing into their skillset. Sculptures of dinosaurs with fantastic skin detail have been cast by a lost wax process after using 3D printed pieces as the base of the work. Full size busts of persons have been printed as well as spaceship simulators and functional robots. The possibilities for creating new items is endless!

 

  • ✓ Real large volume
  • ✓ Unique designs
  • ✓ Endless creativity

Common applications of 3D Printing in signage and retail

Soft Signage – frames

Soft signage, digital textile printing, is a fabric graphic inserted into a frame. Traditionally these frames are created out of aluminum, wood, acrylic, and steel. With today’s technologies, why not 3D printed? After 3D printing the frame you can finish it with lighting to make it stand out even more. When you have a LARGE VOLUME series 3D printer which is able to create huge designs, this opens up a world of possibilities.

Branding with channel Letters

Channel letters are the number one choice in exterior signage on public and commercial buildings. It can also be used to attract customers to an exhibition stand or decorate the interior of a store. These custom-made letters are made out of metal or plastic and often internally illuminated. 3D printing channel letters on demand with a large format printer will save a lot of time and money compared to traditional methods.

Read up on our case of Styles Werbetechnik, who specializes in channel letters

Ornaments and Architecture

Through the introduction of large volume 3D printing, the architecture industry has changed. The ability to create large objects using 3D printing will simplify construction and renovation projects. They can take on a completely new identity thanks to the ability to 3D print large structures, for example ornaments. Ornaments no longer have to be handcrafted, significantly reducing labor costs as well as material costs (since it is made of plastic).

Interior Decor

A large volume 3D printer enables people to 3D print lamps, tables, chairs, etc. Designers now have the ability to create interior decor on the spot. First they will make a digital design of the decor and after that they can make it reality by 3D printing it.

Custom Sculptures of Mannequins for Retail

People are no problem to 3D print. Celebrities, football players, catwalk models, you name it, can be printed. Large volume 3D printing allows for entirely customized campaigns. One of our clients is 3D printing entire fashion mannequins for their retail customers.

Light your world

You can print entire lamps in one piece with a large format 3D printer. Tractus3D printers in combination with the 3D printing software Simplify3D enables you to print a hollow object to fit the light bulb without any problems.

Point of Purchase Displays

3D printers are used in retail to manufacture point-of-purchase stands like exhibition kiosks and displays. This is down to the flexibility of 3D printing and the wide range of colors of the printable materials (filaments).

Exhibition Designs

When organizing special events you can distinguish yourself with a large format 3D printer. They are ideal to produce parts of exhibition designs or props to impress visitors. For example create your own 3D printed guest in a life-size sculpture or action figure like Batman, to amaze everybody.

As you can imagin, these new ways of 3D Printing in signage and retail, will change everything.

3D printers used in signage and retail

T2000
The T2000 is our perfect sized industrial 3D printer. Print up to 1 meter high, and fits trough every door.
T1250
The T1250 is the mid range industrial 3D printer in our DESK series.
T850
The T850 is the mid range industrial 3D printer in our DESK series.