AD CORE DEVISE DESIGN BLOG Vol.159
This year, we are continuing to develop our new 2026 model, and are also planning to hold an event to commemorate our 40th anniversary. In addition to further strengthening our design and development structure for new product development, we have introduced a new, state-of-the-art 3D printer to create models to be used at events. Compared to our previous model (introduced about five years ago), the precision of three-dimensional expression and modeling speed have improved dramatically, and the printer is already playing an active role in new product development.
Many companies entered the 3D printer market after the technology patent expired in 2009, and since then, its evolution and improvement have accelerated. While large equipment costing over ¥1000 million was the norm at the time, it has rapidly become smaller and cheaper, and now household equipment can be purchased for around ¥1. The "Bambu Lab" we recently introduced offers high precision, speed, and excellent cost performance, making it a valuable addition to our furniture development efforts. While originally developed for prototyping, 3D printers are now being used in a wide range of fields, including automotive, medical, and space development. In particular, equipment using powder deposition modeling is now being used to produce F1 engine and frame parts, achieving previously unimaginable efficiency and cost reductions.
3D printing technology also plays an important role in the Tour de France, the world's most prestigious bicycle road race, which I have personally been looking forward to watching for the past few years. The Tour de France is a grueling three-week race, circumnavigating France, traversing mountainous terrain at altitudes of over 2000 meters, covering an average of approximately 200 km per day. Professional team engineers and manufacturers push ergonomics and aerodynamic performance to the limits to ensure that athletes can fully utilize their power. To shave off even a single second, optimization that combines human and machine is studied daily, utilizing data. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of 3D printers to prototype handlebars and saddles optimized to each athlete's physique and riding position, with millimeter-level adjustments. During long races, even the slightest difference in position directly affects performance. Furthermore, athletes meticulously record and manage their nutritional intake throughout the race, making thorough adjustments to maximize their output. These experiences reinforced the power of individually optimized design that supports superhuman performance. I was reminded of the potential of manufacturing in the way that cutting-edge technology maximizes human capabilities.
Furniture manufacturing also shares the same fundamental principle of "adapting to the individual." We use ergonomic modular designs to ensure comfortable seating and use. By adopting designs based on the average dimensions of the human body, depending on the usage scenario and purpose, we can provide a common level of comfort across different designs. Furthermore, by utilizing our newly installed 3D printer, we can instantly realize complex shapes that are difficult to visualize through three-dimensional drawings or computer graphics. Many improvements and challenges are only realized once the design is actually created, simultaneously increasing the speed and precision of development. We believe that this newly installed printer will contribute to the design and engineering of even more appealing furniture in our manufacturing processes. We will continue to actively incorporate the latest technology to create comfortable furniture optimized for individual lifestyles. (Bunta Watanabe, Development Department)
