As the spectrum of substances that can be used for 3D printing is ever expanding, Krill Design has opted for orange peel to create its new Ohmie lamp. The Milan-based design agency specialises in the development of organic materials. It has taken discarded Sicilian orange peels and transformed them into a completely natural and compostable biopolymer, then using the material to 3D print its lamp.
Krill has managed to fashion a biodegradable and dimmable lamp made from the peel of two to three Sicilian oranges added to a biopolymeric base derived from vegetable starches.
As reported on wired.co.uk, the main issue for Krill in the construction of the lamp was getting the material to support the heavier top section while still allowing it to stand securely. The company went through seven prototypes to get to this final design where the back is a straight as possible as well as allowing the head to be angled while not tilting or falling to its side.