[Beskargam]

Just came across an interesting proposal for a project using 3D printing for something incredibly practical. Check it out, they plan to rebuild some of New York's Infrastructure via this method


http://gizmodo.com/behind-the-plan-to-repair-new-york-s-harbors-with-a-3d-483890221

[FreeSpaceFreak]

Oh, I thought this was gonna be about pizza

Wonder why the pylons have those odd shapes? The only advantage I can think of is it would make a better wildlife habitat, but I'm not sure if that will be enough to justify the extra cost for whoever is paying.

[Nuke]

we can print in concrete now. cool.

[Dragon]

Wonder why the pylons have those odd shapes? The only advantage I can think of is it would make a better wildlife habitat, but I'm not sure if that will be enough to justify the extra cost for whoever is paying.

Actually, there might be a very good reason for the shape. Evolutionary design can produce all kinds of weird shapes which are actually much stronger than regular pillars. OTOH, it could be just for looks or wildlife.

[Suongadon]

Oh, I thought this was gonna be about pizza

Wonder why the pylons have those odd shapes? The only advantage I can think of is it would make a better wildlife habitat, but I'm not sure if that will be enough to justify the extra cost for whoever is paying.

It'd be nice to say they're the product of some CFD runs, but its probably more to do with being made by an animator* who was hired to make something pretty . Depending on the piling damage and the sea conditions the end results are build against, some weird looking **** could still result though.

Hopefully this will be ready to go in 30 years or so when NYC gets its **** together to work on the waterfront.

*I really shouldn't have to say it, but no, this does not mean that an animator could not blah blah blah blah, its just that if they did so, I'd kinda sorta expect they would, y'know. Say so. Yeah.

[Nuke]

Oh, I thought this was gonna be about pizza

Wonder why the pylons have those odd shapes? The only advantage I can think of is it would make a better wildlife habitat, but I'm not sure if that will be enough to justify the extra cost for whoever is paying.

because the guy is an artist, not an engineer.