3DLT, a platform for 3D Printing As-a-Service whose offices are located in Covington, worked with the Awesome Collective of Covington (AC) and COV200 to design and print a time capsule to celebrate Covington’s Bicentennial and the launch of the AC’s Index of Awesome, a zine that highlights some of the best, most unique people, places and things in Covington.
The capsule was created using the latest 3D printing technology in the process of selective laser sintering. This process uses a laser that binds together material creating a product. “We’re very excited to be part of Covington’s history and future,” said 3DLT CEO, John Hauer. “3D printing is still a young technology; being able to be part of this experience will document where this technology is and how it may improve.”
The time capsule’s designer, Matt Grote of 3DLT, was inspired by the idea of capturing time and also creating a functional piece that fit his design aesthetic. The boxy design features a simple, yet elegant pattern of circles that enhance the capsule and optimize cost.
“Making history and capturing a moment in time when 3D printing is new and immature was something that inspired me. I wanted to communicate where we are now and where we might be in the future,” says Grote. “The openness of the piece is symbolic of the pieces of 3D printing we still don’t understand; there is a lot more we can learn about this process.”
Expected to be buried in early 2015, the time capsule will serve as a memento that will store notes and messages left by guests at this evening’s Index of Awesome/COV200 Passport Launch Party. The free event, which runs from 5:30-8:30p.m. on Friday, will be held at Hub+Weber Architects located inside Covington Station at 200 West Pike Street. The party is open to the public.
-Staff Report