Inspired by Space X and built by robots according to exacting human specifications, Andrew McCalip‘s Falcon 9 Rocket Chandelier came about as an experimentation with his collection of giant composite extrusion 3D printers and love of outer space.
3D printed at 9,000mm/minute with a 4mm nozzle with an 8 feet x 4 feet print bed, two different nozzles are available to appeal to material scientists, engineering nerds, and design aficionados alike. A polycarbonate version features glass fiber reinforcement that makes a deep gong sound when struck. The more luxurious PPS-carbon fiber reinforced model uses the high strength thermoplastic in a robust design that has an almost metal sounds when hit. The piece also features a 10 percent density hexagonal 3D printed octoweb plate, which might be replaced with a waterjet plate for production. The thermoplastic used in the design is one of the strongest materials to be 3D printed.
Andrew McCalip is only manufacturing 25 sets each month in limited runs, each made with a six week order time.