3D changed the landscape of furniture restoration with its advanced technology and application.

Imagine owning a priceless item. Then you realized that the replacement parts of it no longer exist because it is already an antique. What do you do with it?

Throwing it away is not an option, especially when you can 3D print its part.

3D printing is a viable solution for people who want to restore their furniture to its old glory. It is a bright solution to the many problems of manufacturers and hobbyists.

Furthermore, we will discuss in this article if furniture restoration via 3D printing is worth it or not.

 

3D Printing in a Nutshell

Before we get into the gist of the article, let us discuss everything about 3D printing.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is the process of making three-dimensional objects from a digital file.

The term “additive manufacturing” comes from the use of additive processes to create a 3D object. In an additive process, an item is created by laying down successive layers of materials. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.

Essentially, 3D printing allows you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

 

Materials used in 3D Printing

The two most common materials used in 3D printing are PLA and ABS filaments.

These filaments are durable plastic materials. That is why both of them are perfect for 3D applications. Although, it also means that these things melt when exposed to high temperatures.

PLA or Polylactic Acid is not suitable for making objects that will be outside or exposed to moisture. Over time rain, humidity or dampness will cause the PLA to melt or dissolve.

PLA can rapidly lose its structural integrity and can begin to droop and deform, particularly if under load, as it approaches 60°C.

On the other hand, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a very popular filament for making objects that need to be durable. 

Items made with ABS will generally last much longer than 3D things made with PLA, especially in functional applications. Such as when used to make electronics or mechanical parts.

Over the long term, ABS degrades in the sun, so keep in mind that it isn’t always suitable for making objects that will spend a lot of time outside. 

But unlike PLA, ABS is water-resistant and can be used to make objects that get wet often.

In summary, PLA is ideal for 3D prints where aesthetics is a priority. It is because of its lower printing temperature. It is smoother to use and to print with, so therefore it is better suited for parts with fine details.

ABS is best suited if you need strength, elasticity, and thermal stability.

 

3 Things to Consider for Restoring Old Furniture

Before you reach out to your favorite 3D printing provider, consider these things first:

1. Devote Time for Your Project

It is important to remember that this is not a small side project, this is to restore the glory of your furniture. 

3D printing furniture pieces and parts takes time. It is because the 3D operator needs to be sure with his measurement before pressing the print button. We do not want mistakes and miscalculations, right?

There will be a lot of discussion, as well. So it is wise to give it ample time.

2. Establish a Budget

If you have a piece of furniture that you really treasure, you need to decide how much cash you want to spend on it.

3D printing is not as cheap as you expect it to be, but it is reasonable. Just consider all of the process and attention people will allot to your project. Your project will go through intensive post-processing and coloring with top-notch artists.

Anyway, you can always negotiate the price of printing. You just need to talk to your service provider.

3. Know What You Want It to Look Like

Let us say you already decided that you want to restore your mom’s old furniture. But what do you want it to look like anyway?

In 3D printing parts and furniture pieces, you have to prepare a digital file of your project. You can use CAD or any 3D-making software for this. Or you can ask your service provider to do it for you.

A digital file is the blueprint of your project. The printer will base everything on it, from its dimensions to its look. So make sure you have that prepared.

 

Is 3D Printing Old Furniture Pieces or Parts Worth It?

It depends on your preference and style. But if you value a piece of old furniture for its sentimentality and aesthetic, additive manufacturing is for you.

Basically, there are three reasons why you should consider restoring your furniture:

1. Same Furniture, New Style

Even if your furniture is getting older, there is no reason why it will not last for more years to come.

By replacing parts or professionally restoring parts of your furniture, you can make it look new again. You do not need to make it look like it is a contemporary piece; you can just restore it to its original glory and enhance its vintage look.

Do you have an old broken lamp that you love but, for some reason, there is no way to fix it because of its complicated shape? Why not have it 3D printed? Additive manufacturing can help you make an exact copy of what you need.

2. Less Expensive Than Buying New Things

3D printing is not the cheapest service out there. But it is far less costly than buying new furniture.

Purchasing new things for your home is a daunting task. However, if you have some furniture that is still usable, why not restore it to make it look brand new?

Opting for restoration instead of buying new things can leave you with more money in your pockets at the end of the day. It also allows you to create an entirely different style in your home without loaning. 

Best of all, you get to keep all the furniture pieces that have been a part of your life.

3. It is More Eco-Friendly

Yes, restoration can save mother earth even though it may not look like it. By restoring and refinishing your existing furniture, you are doing your part in protecting the environment. 

Data shows that restoring furniture pieces can help the Earth save trees. And it drastically reduces carbon footprints, as the process of making new furniture releases over 1000 times more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

Plus, imagine the chemicals your old electronic furniture pieces will release into the environment if you throw them all away? Think of restoration as a fun way of recycling items.

The next time you think of 3D printing items, consider these advantages that you will get.

 

Other Applications of 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing not only works in restoration, but it is also a useful technology in the following:

• Architecture
• Arts
• Automotive
• Bobbleheads
• Do-it-yourself Projects (DIY)
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Medicine
• Houseware
• Lithophane
• Fashion
• Film
• Toys
• Dentistry
• Education

 

3D Furniture Repair and Restoration

Do you have trouble looking for a reconstruction furniture service in the metro? We are here for you!

3D2Go is the only one-stop-shop for everything 3D printing in the Philippines. We offer end-to-end full-service that guarantees a top-quality end product.

Not only that, but we also supply 3D Printers if you want to print your own ideas as well.

Contact us now to know more!