ROCK HILL, South Carolina, Jan. 9 , 2018 – 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) announced that KALLISTA, a leading designer and provider of luxury kitchen and bath products, unveiled the Grid™ sink faucet – which was produced by 3rd Dimension using 3D Systems’ 3D printing materials and technology - today at KBIS 2018. 3D Systems’ technologies afforded KALLISTA design without limitations to bring this first of its kind sink faucet to market.
KALLISTA’s design team embarked on a journey to create a faucet in a unique geometry. In deciding to produce the spout via 3D printing, the designers were able to design without limitations to create an open form and discreet interior channels that allow water to flow easily through the base.
“Designers usually need to consider a manufacturing process and they have to design around that process,” said Bill McKeone, design studio manager, KALLISTA. “By choosing to produce this faucet via 3D printing, we opened ourselves to limitless design possibilities. 3D Systems’ breadth of materials and technologies allowed us the freedom to create a unique, functional faucet which would not have been possible with a traditional manufacturing process.”
The faucets were produced by metal 3D printing specialist, 3rd Dimension, a high quality production metal manufacturer specializing in 3D direct metal printing based in Indianapolis. 3rd Dimension employed 3D Systems’ ProX® DMP 320 high-performance metal additive manufacturing system. To avoid rust and corrosion, the faucets are printed with 3D Systems’ LaserForm® 316L, a high quality stainless steel 316 powder material.
“In order to realize the best product, you have to start with the best tools,” said Bob Markley, president, 3rd Dimension. “The strength of the 3D Systems technology and materials, coupled with the expertise of our engineers and machinists allowed us to rapidly produce and deliver these high end faucets for KALLISTA.”
As this was the first additively manufactured product for KALLISTA, the team at 3rd Dimension led them through a program to develop the as-designed concept for the 3D printing process. Developing the design for additive manufacturing meant that KALLISTA was able to avoid the common delays of weeks or months needed for any kind of production tooling. 3rd Dimension’s experience with the 3D Systems ProX DMP 320 and engineering expertise enabled KALLISTA to produce the Grid faucet flawlessly. Because of the efficiencies and repeatability afforded by 3D printing, the parts were rapidly produced within hours.
“This is just one example of the value 3D printing brings to a production environment,” said David Cullen, director of applications engineering, 3D Systems. “Through the combination of materials, print technology, software and services, KALLISTA was able to bring their visionary design to market.”
For more information, please view the video or visit the 3D Systems website.
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About 3D Systems
3D Systems provides comprehensive 3D products and services, including 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and digital design tools. Its ecosystem supports advanced applications from the product design shop to the factory floor to the operating room. 3D Systems’ precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. As the originator of 3D printing and a shaper of future 3D solutions, 3D Systems has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring innovative products to market and drive new business models. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com
About 3rd Dimension
3rd Dimension is a high quality production metal manufacturer specializing in 3D direct metal printing based in Indianapolis that backs up its work expertise with an entire shop floor team for machining, milling, and finishing to enable metal part projects to be rapidly fulfilled. 3rd Dimension uses metal additive systems from 3D Systems. Learn more at www.print3d4u.com.
About KALLISTA
KALLISTA is known for its designs of luxury plumbing products, offering faucets and fixtures thoughtfully created for tasteful, whole-bath solutions. KALLISTA is available in fine showrooms in major cities throughout the world. Kallista, along with sister brands Ann Sacks Tile and Stone, Inc., and Robern mirrored cabinetry and vanities, is a division of the Kohler Co. Decorative Products Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co.
About KOHLER®
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacturer of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.