Printing out: Exhibition hints towards 3D printed future

London – An exhibition is exploring how rapid manufacturing is changing the way we create products. New Simplicity will showcase existing products and prototypes produced using the process, which enables products to be synthesised from digital designs using 3D printing.

Designs on display include Luka Stepan’s elegant single-part ball pen, David Sutton’s minimal wallet formed in one piece and Alex Hulme’s self-assembly torch that can be constructed using an LED light, batteries and a one pence coin.

Also in the exhibition is Min-Kyu Choi’s folding plug, which won this year’s Brit Insurance Design award, and Industrial Facility’s ‘Lacie’ bubble bags made from synthetic rubber.

Rapid manufacturing will soon change the turbulent retail environment, with redundant stock replaced by the on-demand creation of new items.