Joint: A 3D Printed Corner Piece for Customizable Furniture

Revolutionizing Furniture Design with 3D Printing Technology

The Joint, designed by Tong Jin (TJ) Kim, is a corner piece for furniture that is created using a 3D printer. It provides a simple and innovative way to build your own furniture by connecting it to common wood pieces. What sets the Joint apart is its fully customizable nature, allowing users to create furniture that suits their specific needs and home environments.

With the Joint, all you need are 2 inches by 4 inches studs and 3 quarter inches panels to build any size office desks, coffee tables, or even benches. The wood materials can be easily purchased at any local hardware or lumber store. Since the materials can be cut down to the required sizes at the store, users do not need any special equipment to build the furniture at home.

One of the key advantages of the Joint is its affordability. The sample desk shown in the image was built with just $7 worth of 3 quarter inches particle board, $5 worth of 2 inches by 4 inches studs, and $22 worth of 3D printing materials, resulting in a total cost of $34. The overall cost may vary depending on the size of the furniture and the quality of the materials used.

Building furniture with the Joint is a quick and straightforward process. With the wood already cut to the right size, it takes only about 10 minutes to assemble the furniture. The size and material of the table are variable, depending on the user's preferences and requirements.

The Joint project started in April 2015 in West Lafayette, IN, and was completed in August 2015. It was later exhibited at the Patti & Rusty Rueff Galleries in November 2015. The design was born out of extensive research on 3D printer technology and its potential applications. While 3D printers have been primarily used for prototyping, the Joint aims to explore new ways to utilize this tool for everyday product manufacturing.

Overcoming the challenges posed by the limitations of 3D printers, such as shape, size, and material constraints, was a crucial aspect of the design process. The Joint was carefully created to work within these limitations, resulting in a functional and aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture.

The Joint, with its innovative approach to furniture design and manufacturing, has garnered recognition in the industry. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2016 in the category of 3D Printed Forms and Products. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Joint is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.