In our studio, each lighting fixture begins with a meticulous process that combines advanced technology with handcraft and artistic quality.
So what is the process of printing a lamp body from clay?
Step 1: Digital planning
It all starts on the computer – designing a 3D model (3D Modeling – CAD) in software such as Rhino, Blender or Fusion 360. At this stage, the shape, size and proportions of the lighting fixture are defined, and then the file is exported in STL or OBJ format.
Step 2: Prepare a file for printing
The model is transferred to a slicer program (such as Cura, PrusaSlicer or Simplify3D), where it is broken down into layers and layer height, print speed, supports and materials are defined. At the end, a GCODE command is created – a file that instructs the printer where to move on the X, Y, Z axes and how much material to flow at any given moment.
Step 3: Preparing the material
The clay we use comes in a plastic state. We put it together and add just the right amount of water – not too much and not too little – until it’s ready to print, then load it into the printer.
Step 4: 3D Printing
The printer begins to build the light fixture layer by layer, precisely injecting the clay. Each layer dries in a controlled manner, until a complete structure is created with a unique texture and a clear material fingerprint.
Step 5: Finishing
After printing, the body undergoes manual processing – gentle sanding to remove printing marks.
Step 6: Drying and firing in the oven
The lampshade goes into the oven, the firing is carried out gradually over 24 hours and reaches a temperature of 1220 degrees Celsius. First to completely dry the material, then to fire it, which strengthens the ceramic and makes it durable for years.
Step 7: Assembling lighting assemblies
Finally, the ceramic shade is attached to the lamp housing, wired according to international standards and voltage requirements. Each fixture undergoes rigorous testing to ensure quality and safety, and only then is it ready to find its place as a unique lighting fixture in your space.
3D clay printing is a matter that combines wet, natural material with computerized design coming out of a super-technological printer... waiting and burning like they've done with clay for thousands of years.
We really like the combination of worlds and the warmth, naturalness, texture, and meaning that the lampshade brings to the home space.
