Business

Emerging Objects Introduces Mud 3D Printing

Published

5 years ago

October 25, 2019

Today, when 3D printing is at its peak, anyone can find an affordable machine for themselves that can print with a large variety of consumable materials. Apparently, even regular mud can be a consumable, as Emerging Objects’ designers and architects demonstrated in practice.

Mud Frontiers proves that it’s viable to use 3D printing technologies instead of sculpting with your own hands with what you can find. The project started as an experiment to reproduce the handmade clay structures and pottery made of mud and clay taken from Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountains, located in New Mexico and Colorado. The team then decided to start a much larger project, inspired by the fact that for centuries, the Natives of those lands created not only pottery, but also dwellings from nothing but mud.

The team’s efforts have led to the development of four unique experimental huts built with a mixture of clay soil and wheat straw – Beacon, Lookout, Hearth and Kiln. Beacon was created to find a way to make the wall as thin as possible. Its name was given due to the illumination of indentations along the wall at night, which makes it resemble a beacon. Lookout uses coils to create a staircase. Hearth has a curling mud bench inside that wraps around a fireplace in the middle of the structure. The last one, Kiln, was turned into a simple pottery workshop, returning to the production of clay pots.

The main workshop works mostly with juniper wood, which was also used as mud-wall reinforcement for Hearth: you can even see the bars sticking out. The walls were printed on a Potterbot XLS-1 3D printer, developed by 3D Potter. The printer is based on a rarely applied 3D printing technology named SCARA.

One or two operators working with the 3D printer can effectively replace a team of six sculptors. The printed structure is up to 2.75 meters in height and 2.5 meters in diameter when the system prints with 360-degree rotation.

The whole experiment was a kind of a response to the an article in the Smithsonian magazine called “40 Things You Need to Know About the Next 40 Years”. It’s particularly stated there that we will have to eat jellyfish (because nothing else will remain in the sea), the world will be ruled by artists, musicians, comedians and other creative personalities, and all the advanced structures will be built of mud.

Business

5 Reasons Your Business Should Invest in Solar Energy

Published

20 hours ago

December 11, 2024

Matthew Wiles

In today’s rapidly evolving marketplace, sustainability is no longer a buzzword – it’s a business imperative. With energy costs rising and consumers gravitating towards environmentally conscious brands, businesses that embrace solar energy not only reduce their carbon footprint but also unlock significant financial and operational benefits. Here are five compelling reasons why your business should invest in solar energy:

Slash Your Energy Costs

Electricity prices in Australia have been steadily increasing, putting pressure on businesses to manage operating expenses. Solar energy provides an opportunity to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, your reliance on traditional energy sources. By generating your own power, you can stabilise your energy costs and reinvest those savings into other areas of your business.

Attract Eco-Conscious Customers

More than ever, customers are choosing businesses that align with their values. By investing in solar energy, you send a clear message about your commitment to sustainability – this can boost your brand reputation, attract eco-conscious clients, and even create new marketing opportunities to showcase your green credentials.

Take Advantage of Government Incentives

Australian businesses investing in solar energy can benefit from various government incentives, such as the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). These schemes can significantly reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels, making it an even more attractive investment. Ensuring your business takes full advantage of these incentives is a smart financial move.

Enhance Energy Independence and Resilience

By generating your own solar power, your business becomes less dependent on the fluctuating prices and reliability of the electricity grid. Solar energy, combined with battery storage systems, ensures uninterrupted power supply during outages, which is especially crucial for businesses in regions prone to extreme weather events.

Boost Your Property Value

Installing solar panels is not just a short-term cost-saving measure; it’s a long-term investment. Commercial properties with solar installations often have higher market values and attract tenants looking for energy-efficient spaces. Solar energy systems are a durable asset that can provide financial returns for decades.

How to Get Started

Transitioning to solar energy might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By working with experienced professionals, you can assess your energy needs and design a solar solution tailored to your business. If your business is located in New South Wales, you can easily find a solar installer in Newcastle to help you make the switch to solar energy seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Investing in solar energy is no longer just an environmental choice – it’s a strategic business decision. From cost savings to enhanced brand reputation, the benefits are undeniable. By acting now, your business can stay ahead of the curve, reduce its environmental impact, and enjoy a brighter, more sustainable future.