Designer chair has ‘intelligent internal structure’

Analysis software, clever design and rapid manufacturing have been combined in the production of a designer chair with an “intelligent internal structure”

. Designer Assa Ashuach has created the Osteon Chair, which combines artistic flair with precise mechanical characteristics – including lightness, extra strength in stressed areas, and minimum use of material. "The Osteon Chair is the first to be designed using a combination of 3D production tools and artificial intelligence,” said Ashuach. “The software knows where to create sufficient support, rather like the evolution of the biological structure and mechanism of bone.” The chair was designed in 3D CAD then split into thin horizontal ‘slices’ – which were built up in layers by laser sintering. Stuart Jackson, EOS regional manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “Our rapid manufacturing technology lends itself to the creation of bespoke products as well. So if a person is heavier than 120 kg or wants greater stiffness in the lumbar region, for example, the chair could be modified to suit.” * Details on the Osteon Chair will feature at Eureka’s ‘Designing in Plastics’ Design Day on 30 March in Cambridge. To find out more, or book a place at the event, click here.