3D printed houses, spare parts, prototypes, and even human body parts are moving from science fiction to reality thanks to research and development. On October 10, a new interactive exhibition space at Origo shopping centre opened its doors and aims to showcase the latest innovations and achievements in science from Latvia.
Named the RTU and Origo Future Stop, the initiative will cast light on the work of Riga Technical University students, engineers, and scientists. The exhibition is located on the 2nd floor of the new building in the Origo shopping centre, Station square 4, Riga.
The exhibition reveals the step-by-step 3D printing process and the methods used, illustrating it with various objects and figurines created in the Design Factory of the RTU Science and Innovation Center. Visitors can also learn about the latest innovations in this field.
Visitors can also get acquainted with the 3D printer bio-based ink that was developed by researchers with the RTU Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry. The ink is derived from various vegetable oils, as polymer materials based on petroleum products are one of the most widely adopted 3D printing materials.
The 3D concrete printing process is explained in the exhibition room, which includes a display of already printed objects. This innovative direction of science and technology development is being developed at a rapid pace all over the world because it is sustainable, ensures the efficient use of human resources and materials, and makes it possible to create building elements of almost any shape, size. and structure.
Scientists from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at RTU are developing building materials suitable for 3D printing with reduced environmental impact, such as concrete made from cement that is partially replaced by ash from power plants, mortars with hemp as biological fillers and hybrid mortars from recycled gypsum, cement and pozzolan. Scientists conduct research in the first 3D concrete printing laboratory in the Baltics, which was established by RTU in cooperation with the SAKRET dry and ready-to-use construction mix manufacturing company.
Proving the unlimited possibilities of using 3D technology, an underwater drone built by RTU students for various survey and rescue operations in Latvian climatic conditions will also be on display. The body of the drone is printed. The 3D printed connection system created by the students - a durable three-dimensional network - can be used as a base for various structures for tourism, recreation, marketing, or trade. The prototype of the climbing wall, created by the students on a free-standing structure printed from concrete, incorporating individually designed hooks, will also serve sports and entertainment purposes. Both objects will also be on display at the exhibition.
The RTU and Origo Future Stop innovation and scientific achievements exhibition space was created in cooperation with the Origo shopping centre to present the latest technological solutions, scientific discoveries, achievements of RTU students, engineers, and scientists to the public.
