IKEA creates bespoke chairs using 3D technology

Chaise IKEA

Although 3D printing offers numerous customisation possibilities for the consumer goods sector, the Swedish furniture giant IKEA has announced the launch of a range of 3D printed chairs for all video games fans. Named Ubik, it will be adapted to each gamer to ensure maximum comfort while retaining its aesthetic values.

 

IKEA pays particular attention to the aesthetics of its furniture, an aspect frequently neglected by the gamer community who mostly concentrate on their screen. The Swedish company therefore decided to create an aesthetic and customisable chair, enabling everyone to get the most out of it. It has joined forces with UNYQ for the 3D printing of its range. The US start-up specialises in 3D printing of prosthetic and orthotic devices while focussing on aesthetics, convinced that they should reflect the personality of the wearer and not their disability.

 

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UNYQ 3D prints aesthetic prosthetic and orthotic devices (photo credits: UNYQ)

 

The two companies have also collaborated with Area Academy to understand gamers’ habits and the way in which furniture can influence their game performance. The three partners arrived at the same conclusion: players’ comfort is essential, so why not create a chair adapted to their body shape? This has now been made possible by 3D technology.

 

Personalisation of the IKEA chair

To receive their chair, the gamer must 3D scan their body and send the model obtained to IKEA. The company can then 3D print the parts to be slotted into the chair, parts which are perfectly adapted to the user’s body shape. The parts are made of a sort of plastic mesh that gives the chair original aesthetic appeal. Currently, the Swedish firm and its partners have managed to create a prototype in 9 weeks from idea stage to final design. So we can expect that the chairs will be available more quickly once the project has been launched.

 

 

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The gamer will position the 3D printed parts on their chair (photo credits: UNYQ)

 

The Design Director at IKEA Range & Supply, Marcus Engman, concludes: “By working with UNYQ, IKEA is hoping to learn how to use photometry and 3D digitisation in combination with 3D printing, all aimed at personalising our products and making them more ergonomic. As far as Area Academy is concerned, it enjoys wide experience in terms of equipment for gamers and knows what it takes to enhance their gaming experience. What’s certain is that we are particularly interested in using technology to improve the functionality of our furniture.” The project should be launched by 2020 in IKEA’s stores; so you’ll just have to be patient before you can receive your bespoke chair!

 

In the meantime, you can always contact our sales team if you would like to create personalised objects using our range of filaments!