Demonstrated live PLA and olive waste 3D printing, showcasing furniture alongside discussions on sustainable design and innovation.

Caracol and NYXO presented Portable Heron AM, a live 3D printing installation demonstrating sustainable, large-scale additive manufacturing in action. Throughout the week, this mobile robotic unit produced benches from recycled biopolymer, reflecting an exploration into design, material reuse, and the potential of digital fabrication to address complex environmental and geometric challenges.

Merging Caracol's cutting-edge technology with NYXO’s design expertise, the installation showcased a pioneering approach to localized, on-demand manufacturing. Crafted with PLA and olive waste biopolymer, each bench embodied a process designed to minimize waste, using robotic precision to print only what was necessary.

This flexible approach allowed for diverse forms and structures, unhindered by traditional fabrication limitations. Additionally, Portable Heron AM served as an open platform for discussion, featuring talks and events with architects, designers, and experts in sustainability. This collaborative effort, supported by Isola Design, highlighted the transformative role of advanced 3D printing in reducing logistics costs, lowering environmental impact, and fostering new dialogues in design innovation.

About the Designers:

Caracol is a global leader in industrial 3D printing and large-format additive manufacturing technology. Since 2015, the founders have aimed to overcome existing manufacturing limitations through innovation and an industrial vision. With a user-centered approach, Caracol provides integrated turnkey solutions that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Their LFAM technology is now used worldwide to produce advanced components in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, architecture, design, marine, and railway.

NYXO is an architecture and product design practice founded in 2015 by Mirko and Michele Daneluzzo, specializing in managing complex design and fabrication processes with digital tools. As a trans-disciplinary R&D office, NYXO aims to translate technological innovation into valuable products and services. They focus on large-scale 3D printing, with recent projects including "The North Star Pavilion" using recycled thermoplastic and a furniture collection made from plant-based materials.