Incus GmbH crafts innovative 3D printed component for Yale’s engineering mace, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Vienna-based Incus GmbH has made a significant contribution to the world of academic tradition and advanced manufacturing. The company has successfully produced a key component for a ceremonial mace designed for Yale University’s School of Engineering, showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities of their lithography-based metal manufacturing (LMM) technology.
The mace, designed by Yale graduate Jacob Eldred, is more than just a symbol of power. It showcases the progress of engineering, combining traditional handwork with modern technology. Starting with a hand-carved wooden base, the structure evolves through different materials and manufacturing methods, ending with the complex stainless steel 316L part created by Incus.
This additively manufactured piece, positioned near the top of the mace where the trunk splits into branches, is a testament to the future of engineering. It boasts complex curved surfaces and internal geometries that would be impossible to achieve through conventional machining or casting methods. The result is a visually captivating element that leaves observers marveling at the possibilities of modern metalworking.
Eldred, the mastermind behind the design, drew inspiration from the flowing shapes found in historical craftsmanship. He noted the contrast between the elaborate forms of earlier centuries and the simpler designs necessitated by early machine tools during the Industrial Revolution. However, Eldred emphasized that today’s advanced manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing, have revived the ability to create intricate, organic forms.
By producing these complex shapes with the Hammer Lab35 printer in my sculpture, I’m continuing the tradition of sculptors pushing technological boundaries,” Eldred stated. He expressed enthusiasm for how these advanced manufacturing techniques might influence engineers to think in more complex forms.
Incus GmbH’s involvement in this project not only demonstrates their expertise in additive manufacturing but also highlights the powerful intersection of engineering and art. The ceremonial mace serves as a tangible example of how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to create objects of both symbolic significance and aesthetic beauty.
As the field of engineering continues to evolve, this collaboration between Incus GmbH and Yale University stands as a striking reminder of the expanding possibilities offered by additive manufacturing. It underscores the potential for innovation when traditional craftsmanship meets modern technology, paving the way for exciting developments in design and manufacturing.
Source: metal-am.com
Alexa Sipes is a U.S. tech journalist with 5 years of experience, now writing for 360TechInsights. She covers emerging technologies and industry trends across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sipes’ concise reporting offers readers valuable insights into the latest tech news, innovations and the companies behind them.
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