CNC milling
Where LFAM wins
Printing can use less material than milling a solid block, especially for hollow or organic forms.
Where milling fits
Milling suits precise interfaces and tolerances. Printed parts can also be machined.
Why LFAMLarge-format additive manufacturing
3D printing.
At full scale.
Furniture and architectural elements, built layer by layer by a robot.
Get to know the processPrinting strategies
Planar
Flat, horizontal layers build the form from the ground up.
Non-planar
Curved layers rise and fall as they build the form.
Planar along a curve
Flat layers gradually change direction along a curved path.
Conformal
Layers follow the contours of an underlying curved mould.
45-degree
An upright box, built with layers sliced at 45°.
Scroll to build · or choose a method
What is LFAM?
How it works.
LFAM stands for large-format additive manufacturing.
A robot deposits melted polymer or composite pellets along a digital path. Each layer builds on the last.
Curves, hollow forms, open patterns and texture can be printed directly into the piece.
From digital model to finished piece.
- 01 / Model
Design the component.
Define the form, dimensions, use and connections.
- 02 / Toolpath
Plan the robot’s path.
Plan the print path, layer direction and material.
- 03 / Print
Build with material.
Heat the pellets and print layer by layer.
- 04 / Complete
Finish and assemble.
Trim, finish and assemble the components.
The benefitsWhat changes
What changes
when you print?
Useful for complex shapes, custom sizes and smaller production runs.
Print complex
forms.Curves, meshes and textures can be printed together, reducing separate parts and assembly.
Remove a
mold-making stage.Direct printing avoids a shape-specific mold and its upfront cost, where one would otherwise be needed.
Fit the piece
to the place.Adapt dimensions, pattern, color and configuration to the project.
Improve the
next version.Revise the digital model between approved runs without replacing a dedicated shape mold.
Produce the quantity
the project needs.Make a one-off, small collection or repeat batch around actual demand.
LFAM and conventional fabricationChoose the process
Choose the process
around the piece.
Choose by form, material, quantity and finish. Some projects combine several processes.
Molding &
fiberglass layup
Where LFAM wins
Printing directly suits low quantities or changing forms that would otherwise need new tooling.
Where molding or layup fits
Large identical runs may favor molding. Engineered laminates and printed fiber-filled polymers have different performance.
Custom
fabrication
Where LFAM wins
Printing a curve or pattern as one component can reduce cutting and assembly.
Where other fabrication fits
Combine printed parts with timber, metalwork, upholstery or precision hardware as needed.
Small-format
3D printing
Where LFAM wins
Robotic printing suits furniture-sized forms with fewer small parts to join.
Where smaller systems fit
Smaller processes suit fine details and specialist materials. LFAM has larger, visible layers.
Overhangs, orientation, cooling and connections need development. Price and timing include samples, testing, finishing and delivery.
In practiceSee it
See it
in the work.
Geometry / Prudential CenterAn open architectural surface.
Modular printed mesh spans three lululemon storefront bays in Boston.
Explore Prudential Center
Production / SKYLRK OASISA coordinated run
of 30 benches.
Decibel and Caracol produced modular seating for Coachella without dedicated molds.
Explore SKYLRK
Identity / lululemon SoHoThe brand is
in the surface.
lululemon’s motif is printed directly into its custom red seating.
Explore SoHoMaterials & finishesMaterials
Materials
& finishes.
Stone-like, wood-like and translucent polymers and composites. Confirm color and finish with physical samples.
Stone-like
Glass-fiber-reinforced recycled PETG with a matte, stone-like surface. Material and design are reviewed for the intended loads, exposure and cleaning.
Available colors
- Chalk White
- Graphite Grey
- Moss Green
- Saffron Yellow
- Terracotta Red
- Dusty Rose
- Sand
Wood-like
Plant-fiber-reinforced biopolymer with a warm, tactile surface. Samples establish the finish, with moisture, heat, wear and exposure reviewed for the application.
Available colors
- Chalk White
- Graphite Grey
- Moss Green
- Saffron Yellow
- Terracotta Red
- Dusty Rose
- Sand
Translucent
Translucent recycled PETG with depth and light play across its layers. Review samples under the intended lighting and confirm exposure and heat conditions.
Available colors
- Emerald Green
- Sunset Orange
- Champagne
- Amber
- Smoke Grey
- Aegean Blue
- Amethyst
Ask about custom colors or material development. Sampling and validation are scoped to the project.
Material meets applicationDesign for
Design for
how it will live.
Material, print orientation and assembly determine performance. Samples and relevant testing confirm suitability.
- Use & environment
- Loads, contact, wear, heat, sunlight, moisture and cleaning inform material and geometry. Outdoor use needs a formulation and design suited to the exposure.
- Surface & assembly
- Review visible layers, color, sheen and translucency with physical samples. Agree tolerances, component divisions, hardware, transport, delivery and installation.
- Performance & origin
- Review fire and structural needs alongside recycled and bio-based options. Impact and recovery depend on material, use and end-of-life route.
Share any fire, smoke, acoustic or emissions requirements early. We review available documentation for the proposed formulation and identify gaps; recycled or bio-based content alone does not establish lower whole-life impact or biodegradability.
Start with the briefIs LFAM right
Is LFAM right
for your project?
Bring the idea, even if it is still a sketch.
Share the use, site, dimensions, quantity and timing. We’ll assess the production approach.
Discuss your project