Dec 14, 2014 | By Kira
A young team of Polish designers and engineers has created a beautiful, functional wristwatch using FFF (fused filament fabrication) technology and a unique, wood-like material.
The Jelwek Watch is made of a wood-based 3D printing filament, the result of combining wood powder with polylactide. After printing, the material looks and smells like wood, and can be handled similarly. There are two models of the watch available, a darker-coloured one made from Germany's Laywoo-D3, and a lighter-coloured watch made from the Netherland's ColorFabb Woodfill Fine.
The project was conceived of by designer and engineering student at Rzeszow University of Technology, Konrad Kowalski. He wanted to design a watch that was both uniquely stylish and highly functional. He partnered with Mateusz Brodowski, CEO of the 3D printing company Jelwek, and material technology advisor, Rafat Berestka.
The watches—weighing in at only 44 grams each—are printed on the Jelwek Prusa i3 xL, which can accommodate a wide range of materials, including PLA, nylong, laywood, woodfill, and others. The CAD design and 3D printing method allows for precise, detailed work that is otherwise difficult to re-create on wood-like materials.
In order to ensure time-keeping accuracy, the watches are equipped with mechanisms from the Japanese company Miyota—the same company used by well-known watch brand Citizen. The entire production process requires about five hours from start to finish: three hours to print the parts, and another two to complete the assembly. Each watch is delivered in a stylish package with the Jelwek logo, will sell for roughly $120.
The final product combines style, elegance and eco-friendly design, highlighting both technological achievement, and the individuality of the wearer.
The three young men in charge of the project have launched an Indiegogo campaign with a funding goal of $4,500, which will run until mid-January. If successful, they plan to be able to deliver the watches as early as May 2015. The company has noted that since the beginning, they wanted to minimize all risk, and that even if they don't reach their full goal, all contributors will be rewarded—meaning that you haven't treated yourself for the holidays yet, this might be the perfect chance.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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