A team of students from the University of Maribor in Slovenia have created printGREEN, the first 3D printer that can print actual living plants.
The printGREEN system uses a mixture of soil, water, and living seeds as ink and can be used to create plant formations in any shape. While the initial product takes a brick-like form, the printGREEN creation will bloom into a printed plant with the help of some water, sunshine and a little love and care. In artistic hands, there is an infinite variety of applications for printGREEN, from designing floral company logos to writing messages that can be viewed via aerial photography.
As 3D printing technology develops and grows, so does the range of surprising and imaginative applications for it. printGREEN is just one of the many ways in which 3D printing will shape our future.
3D Plant Printers
printGREEN Uses 3D Technology to Print Living Plants
Trend Themes
1. Living Plant Printing - The development of 3D printers that use soil, water, and living seeds as ink presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to offer customizable green design solutions.
2. Eco-friendly Printing - The incorporation of living plant materials into 3D printing offers an environmentally sustainable solution for projects involving plant-based designs.
3. Artistic Plant Fabrication - The use of plant printing technology opens up a new frontier in the art and design world with opportunities for unique installations involving natural materials.
Industry Implications
1. Landscaping - The landscaping industry can implement 3D plant printing technology to create bespoke living plant installations for commercial and residential projects.
2. Sustainable Living - The development of 3D printers that use plant-based materials presents an opportunity for the sustainable living industry to provide innovative eco-friendly solutions.
3. Floral Design - Floral designers can utilize plant printing technology to generate personalized arrangements and decorations using real, living plants.