Joshua Harker Deep-Dives Into New 3D Printing Territory With ‘Mazzo di Fiori’

Artist, Designer and Inventor Joshua Harker (yes, he of Crania Anatomica Filigre fame) is at it again with an all-new Kickstarter campaign. After having raised over $75,000 on for his 3D printed skull–which is still the most-funded sculpture project ever on Kickstarter–Harker is exploring new territory with the goal to help raise funds towards developing next-generation 3D printing technology with his Mazzo di Fiori & the Next Generation 3D Printer project that launched today.

A 3D Printing Renaissance Man

“My art is about pushing the limits of form… an exploration into what can be made & how to accomplish it.”
-Joshua Harker

Known for his intricate modeling and ability to physically manifest those models into highly-detailed 3D prints, Harker was among the first to break the mold of the ‘design and manufacturing threshold possibility’.

While he has been actively showing his work publicly at events ranging from 3D print shows to galleries, his focus for the past 18 months has been in developing a new 3D printing technology…and is now using Kickstarter as a platform to get the word out there:

“I’m offering my art as rewards for your support. After all rewards have been fulfilled, funding will go towards further R&D of my new 3D printer technology. In terms of transparency, I want to let you know specifically what I’m asking your support for but until provisional patents are filed & in the interest of protecting the IP, I cannot yet reveal the functional details of the printer. As development progresses, I will be able to provide more insight as well as an intended “PHASE 2″ campaign to launch the technology & support manufacture. For now I need to plug through the remainder of the R&D stage. When all is worked out I will be back.”

Here’s a rundown of what’s in store for his new 3D printer project:

• Multi-material building to include many standard injection molding plastics (ABS, PP, PE, PS, PVC, acrylic, nylon), elastomers, wax, graphene & other conductive materials (to support in-model printed circuitry)
• Precision full tonal color
• Non-structural & reusable support system allowing for interconnected parts & floating assemblies (chain links, gearing, captured geometries, etc)
• On par with current industry high-resolution standard (X&Y: 600×600 dpi, Z: <15-25 microns>
• Potential high-resolution twice that of current industry best (X&Y: 1200×1200 dpi, Z: 5-6 microns/.0002″) @ 12-14mm per hour build speed
• Hi-Speed option at approx 25mm per hour build (X&Y: 600×600 dpi, Z: <15-25 microns>Target pricing at less than $1000 for consumer level machine
• Plug & play… no special part orientation, machine setup, or post processing required

In exchange for helping bring the 3D printer closer to reality, Harker is offering a collection of SLS Polyamide flower designs that can be used to create a larger composition:

“Flowers are a universal gift of “thank you” & given that I’m asking for your help, I want to thank you in a meaningful way.”

You can check out Mazzo di Fiori & the Next Generation 3D Printer and get yourself a fine bouquet of 3D printed flowers over at the the project’s Kickstarter page.

(Images via Joshua Harker)

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