The Power of the New Stratasys J750 3D Printer Exemplified through Versatile Artwork of Ervinck & Sanchez

Although we certainly applaud the serious innovations being applied via 3D printing to help patients with processes like better medical care and allowing researchers to work toward creating innovations like 3D printed tissue and organs for transplant, one day helping to save what will probably be countless lives, this technology has also had great impact in more relaxing and luxurious areas too like that of art. Although we may not need it to survive (some may disagree), being able to appreciate and consume art visually truly feeds the soul. And with 3D printing we are able to see the future of design and many different forms of art, with designers being given a treasure box of new tools, materials, and best of all—unlimited vision.

Both Nick Ervinck, a Belgian artist we’ve been following for years, and Jose Sanchez now show us the potential of the Stratasys full color, multi-material J750 3D Printer—their latest substantial contribution to the industry, unveiled recently in Colorado with great fanfare, and 3DPrint.com on the scene too.

There certainly couldn’t be a better initial and artistic testament to the J750 than the work displayed in both Ervinck’s Wolfkiam sculpture and Sanchez’s Polyomino. Both works are able to show off the power of the new Stratasys hardware, allowing for advanced options in color and material, as well as complicated geometries.

These artists have both had an ongoing relationship with Stratasys, as Wolfkiam marks the beginning of a new series of works titled ‘The New Ancient,’ appropriately named as it examines the contrast between more pure ancient craftsmanship and new technologies like 3D printing. Ervinck has also had a longstanding journey using Stratasys 3D printers to create numerous shapes, colors, and ethereal concepts. Both artists are well-acquainted with using the technology as one of their fundamental tools at this point.

The two artists will be highlighted in a larger collection to be displayed this year which also includes works by:

• Zaha Hadid Architects
• Prof. Neri Oxman
• Daniel Widrig
• Dov Ganchrow
• Luc Merx

For those already experimenting with 3D printing in color, the release of the J750 must have been met with some anticipation. The latest 3D printer allows for a color palette of over 360,000 colors. When Ervinck began Wolfkiam, he had every intention of using the new machine to its greatest potential.

“The vibrant colors and intricate details of the piece, such as the central lines representing the figure’s veins, were integral to the sculpture, both in creating a sense of movement and fluidity and in reflecting the traditional cultural styles that inspired the work,” said Ervinck. “It would have been impossible to manually transfer this texture onto the sculpture in any other way – it is only with the new Stratasys J750 3D Printer that this first-of-its kind artwork has been made possible.”

He considers his sculpture to be a ‘dialogue’ between the ancient and contemporary, melding inspiration from Indian cultures such as those of both the Incan and Mayan.

“The nature of 3D printing has allowed me to redefine traditional design methods, facilitating the creation of complex, futuristic forms in which the empty space is equally as meaningful as the vibrant patterns and fluid shapes,” he continues. “With Stratasys’ J750 3D Printer, I was able to design a piece that combines an organic, biomorphic shape with a very technical play of lines and colors, and bring this to life from screen to sculpture with unmatched precision and quality – all at the click of a button. Having been able to see first-hand the capabilities and implications of this technology for art and design, it is fascinating to consider the possibilities that the Stratasys J750 could open in the future.”

It’s quite fascinating to see the evolution of Ervinck’s work already through 3D printing, and with the power of new technology, he should be able to exalt us to new levels of inspiration, employing even more vibrant color and shape.

Polyomino is a project that has been ongoing with Stratasys, and as Sanchez has been collaborating with the 3D printer manufacturer since 2014, obviously his work too has employed that of their previous 3D printers. The new printer is allowing Sanchez to expand his color choices magnificently, employing a wide range of vibrant hues for his unique and inimitable pieces which take their origins from designs like that of the popular 80’s video game Tetris.

Sanchez enjoys a more modular design in these pieces, which are 3D printed and can actually be rearranged with magnets as an expanded molecule is created. The colors and overall project would not have been possible without the new printer by Stratasys.

“The artwork uses color as a guideline to construction. Consisting of only two different geometries, we explored the use of color as a form of differentiating the connecting pieces,” explained Sanchez. “With the limitless colors available on the J750, we were able to explore the way in which different colors affect perception of the piece, mimicking areas of lightness and shade and facilitating an almost infinite number of unique mixes and blends.”

“These options connect 3D printing with gaming strategies, allowing users to explore and interact with an artwork in an entirely new way.”

The contrast between the two designers, both exploiting new capabilities of the J750, is stunning, showing off not only the power of this new 3D printer and its users here, but also its extensive versatility. They did, however, both offer surfaces within their artwork that are ultra-smooth, a trademark of Stratasys’ new technology. Both artists achieved a layer thickness of 0.014mm, which is quite remarkable when you realize that is about the same as a half of the width of a human skin cell.

“The ‘New Ancient’ is a tribute to ancient wisdoms and lost crafts,” says Naomi Kaempfer, Creative Director, Art Fashion Design, Stratasys. “The collection focuses on revisiting timeless design concepts from different cultures and antique eras and exploring the way in which these are interpreted with our modern tools, technologies and contemporary visions. Merging these historical design elements with our new breakthrough 3D printing technology is the perfect way to celebrate this transformation of art, design and manufacture.”

From prototyping to allowing for fairly high volumes of production—to amazing artwork—we’ve only seen the beginning of what the J750 has to offer, allowing for a comprehensive, streamlined experience for professionals across many industries. Much greater experimentation is allowed with materials and colors, and that can be achieved rapidly and without sacrificing precision whether the J750 3D printer is in use by an artist, manufacturer, student, or medical professional. Are you surprised at the versatility shown by the two artists here? Discuss in the Artwork Made with J750 3D Printer forum over at 3DPB.com.