Architect, designer of kleifan?
We are happy to help you turn your ideas into tangible clay creations.
Discover the six possibilities:
Idea
Together, we turn your idea into a unique 3D print
- Discussing your idea
- Developing sketches
- Technical translation
- Optimization of 3D design
- Bringing your creation to life in clay
Sketch / concept
Your sketch, turned into a unique 3D print.
- Technical translation
- Optimizing the design for 3D printing
- Bringing your creation to life in clay
3D-model
Transform your 3D model into a unique 3D-printed creation.
- Optimizing the design for 3D printing
- Bringing your creation to life in clay
Print-ready file
Printing a print-ready file
- Bringing your creation to life in clay
Unique project
Custom solutions and special projects
- Tailored solution for your (complex) process
- Support from concept to realization
- Advice on materials, designs, and techniques
Physical object
Reproduction of physical objects
- 3D scanning or digital reconstruction
- Reprinting
Custom design service:
Need extra help with designing? Our team is ready to turn your ideas into print-ready designs. You can count on professional support and the right attention for your project. Feel free to contact us to discuss your ideas and discover how we can help.
Overview of design services costs: €80 per hour, scanning: €100 per hour.
From idea to design to printed object
Idea / Sketch
Your idea, your sketch
The foundation of the printing process
3D model
Technical translation of sketches into a printable 3D model
Optimal design for 3D printing in clay
File optimalisation and slicing
Print-ready file
The sliced object is printed
Quality is closely monitored. If necessary, we first test with demo concrete (reusable), as every printed object with concrete is not recyclable. Any mistake means starting over
The possibility to print larger quantities
Important design guidelines
- Digital Design (3D Files): Do you already have a 3D file? Submit it in formats such as STL, OBJ, STEP, or 3MF. We will ensure that the model is error-free and print-ready.
- 2D Drawing or Sketch: Working with a sketch? Our team can convert it into a 3D design using software such as Fusion 360 or Blender.
- Wall Thickness: Ensure that the wall thickness of your design is at least 2 mm. For larger or more complex designs, it may be necessary to use thicker walls for added strength and stability.
- Overhangs and Supports: Parts of your design that extend without support underneath (such as an overhanging balcony) need to be carefully designed. If the angles of the overhangs are steeper than 45 degrees, it may be difficult to print them without collapse. Add support structures to the design if needed, or design these parts in a way that they can be supported by the surrounding parts of the model.
- Hollow Structures: Where possible, add internal cavities to save material and reduce the drying time of the model. This not only helps lower costs but also makes your model lighter. Don’t forget to include escape holes for removing excess clay, ensuring that your model can dry properly and the printing process is not disrupted.
- Level of Detail: While clay printing can capture a lot of detail, extremely small or fine details may fade or be lost during printing. Ensure that the details you add are functional and remain clearly visible at the desired scale. It’s important to find a balance between fine details and the printability of the design.
- Waterproof Model: Always check that your design is fully closed, without holes or openings. A "waterproof" model prevents issues during slicing and printing. This ensures that the model does not contain unintended cracks or holes that could disrupt the printing process or affect the final result.
