MAKING SANTA'S SLEIGH SUSTAINABLE
Unbeknownst to many, when he is not partying with the elves, Santa Claus feeds his 3D printing addiction. Should he use this hobby for a purpose other than printing makeshift guns, Santa could design more aerodynamic blades for his sleigh. This method of printing allows companies to manufacture complex structures such as fuel nozzles and blades whilst also giving the designers creative liberty.
“Ceramic matrix composite” is a mouthful; a mouthful of opportunity. This next-gen material is the lightest and strongest material that can work at high temperatures, with the potential to save Santa millions in fuel costs, if only he were to use it on his sleigh! Even the slightest increase in efficiency can dramatically reduce fuel costs and, in the long run, carbon dioxide emissions would also see a sharp decline in tonnage.
Power is always a source of controversy and is as much a problem in a sleigh as it was in Rome all those years ago. Legend has it that the average Durathon battery lasts ten times longer than conventional lead acid batteries and stores twice the amount of energy. Created with abundant materials like saline and water, Durathon batteries provide more efficiency for users and decrease the greenhouse gases emitted by the generators that charge them.
Unlike her husband, Mrs Claus has welcomed the feedback with an open mind and has responded to the committee’s advice in good grace, pledging support for anything that will allow her husband to return home quicker. She also suggested that the extra time would allow her husband to reconsider the naughty list but did not disclose any names or details.
- ADAM GRANT
"WHEN HE IS NOT PARTYING WITH THE ELVES, SANTA CLAUS FEEDS HIS 3D PRINTING ADDICTION"