What makes my automotive sculptures work is the juxtaposition of traditional techniques such as steam bending of wood alongside the use of ultra-up-to-date manufacturing processes such as CAD solid modelling and 3D printing . material that brings new elements to my works that I cannot achieve via alternate means .”
Ambrose came into contact with 3DPRINTUK at a trade show when he was researching the state of the 3D printing sector and whether the technology was something that he could incorporate into his work . Initial projects tinkered around
with the technology often building simple solid parts that could have been milled , but which through the use of 3D printing and Autodesk ’ s Fusion 360 software facilitated a relatively simple and seamless workflow . Over time , Ambrose has used both the SLS and MJF processes through 3DPRINTUK , and also an array of postprocessing technologies as he creates more and more intricate parts .
Ambrose has been working with 3DRPINTUK for a number of years since recognising the ways in which 3D printing could be incorporated into his work . Lattices are an ideal example of how 3D printing opens up design possibilities . What makes lattices unique is how they lay out materials into design elements to form an ideal structure that are made up of micro-architectures with a network of nodes and beams or struts . This format dramatically reduces weight while retaining structural integrity and giving a larger degree of control over certain characteristics . These interlinking portions can enhance various areas of performance and use less material without weakening the object or compromising its integrity .
The largest one-piece lattice that Ambrose has produced was 40 cm long , and this demanded that the team at 3DPRINTUK used all their know-how and understanding of 3D printing to accommodate the piece in the build chamber , and ensure its integrity once built . This was all about orienting the part correctly to get the best print definition , and making sure that there were no peripheral distortions at the extremities of the part .
For Ambrose , 3D printing has opened up a plethora of possibilities for using lattices in his work , but that is not all that the technology allows . He says , “ Beyond the creation of lattices per se , I use 3D printing because I like the aesthetic of some of the polished finishes . Also , it allows me to create more intricate shapes and features which would not be feasible for me to do by hand . I find the aesthetics of parts produced via selective laser sintering ( SLS ) or via Multi-Jet Fusion ( MJF ) extremely attractive , and it complements the woods , metals , or carbon fibre I use in many of my works . For me , 3D printed parts are just another material , but a
Issue 56 PECM 43