Global engineering firm Arup usually tackles massively complex projects like designing tracks for the Second Avenue subway in Manhattan or turning Zaha Hadid’s soaring sketches into reality. But their latest project is a humble piece of hardware—and it’s no less awesome.
The idea for the project began in the wake of a complex lighting structure that featured high-tension cables held together with 1,000 custom-designed steel nodes. Project lead Salomé Galjaard suggested they try to redesign the nodes using 3-D printing technology. In partnership with 3D Systems, Arup used 3-D printers capable of fusing powdered steel to replace the clunky, welded assemblage of plates that made up the original design. The result is a streamlined part that is 15 percent lighter than its conventionally fabricated forebear, but 1,000 times cooler-looking.
via Wired
Image: Global engineering firm Arup usually tackles massively complex projects, but their latest creation is a humble piece of hardware called a node which is meant to hold high tension structural cables in place.
Image credit: DAVIDFOTOGRAFIE
