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With the aim to create the world’s first “factory in the cloud.” In partnership with MakerBot, the global leader in desktop 3D printing, the world’s largest collaborative 3D printer network, 3D Hubs, Francis Bitonti Studio’s Cloud Collection will employ distributed manufacturing with products 3D printed locally and on-demand throughout the world. Several of the pieces from the Cloud Collection will be available to view and 3D print on demand at the MakerBot Retail Store in New York City during the month of April. The MakerBot Store is located at 298 Mulberry Street, New York, N.Y. The Cloud Collection is being launched with a customizable range of home goods, and will be followed by customizable jewelry and accessories in the Fall of 2014.
Francis Bitonti Studio will directly sell data files of 3D printable home goods, ranging from decorative bowls and plates to vases via http://www.francisbitonti.com. Each item is customizable, and consumers have the option to use a sliding scale to adjust the look of the piece. Files can be purchased from the site for $1, similar to data share platforms such as iTunes®. The file can then be either directly printed on a home 3D printer or taken to one of 75 production hubs located globally. The file can also be downloaded and taken to the New York MakerBot retail store where they will print on demand.
“Our aim is to embed the properties of digital media into physical realities," explained founder Francis Bitonti. “We’ve created products that are hackable, shareable, and downloadable, which enables us to bring the consumer customizable, locally produced products on demand and without excess waste, resulting in a low carbon foot print.” After 3D printing, the product can be picked up directly from the hub producer or it can be locally shipped. All products are designed to be printed on a MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printer.
“We are pretty excited to partner with Francis Bitonti Studio on the first ever 3D printable Cloud Collection,” noted Bre Pettis, CEO of MakerBot. “We were really moved by the designs and customizable options of the bowls, trays and vases, that we are offering the ability to purchase and 3D print the designs right at our New York City MakerBot Store. This is a first for us at MakerBot to offer another designer’s products to download and 3D print.”
3D Hubs offers top performing productions hubs in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. “We strive to build communities that want to share in the making of 3D printed products, while igniting a new industrial revolution in the process,” said Bram de Zwart, CEO and co-founder of 3D Hubs. “Products made on-demand and close to their point of purchase are not only better for the environment and less expensive to produce, but great for local economies as well.” Production prices are set by local hubs and vary globally, generally ranging from $50-$70.
The Cloud Collection launch will be held at the MakerBot Retail Store, 298 Mulberry Street, New York, New York on April 4th, from 8-10pm. In addition to the Cloud Collection, the customizable and 3D printed Bristle Dress, created in conjunction with Francis Bitonti Studio and his New Skins Workshop, will also be on display at the MakerBot Retail Store for the month of April. To obtain store hours and directions, visit makerbot.com/retail-store or call 347-457-5758. To learn more about New Skins Workshop and register for upcoming sessions, visit http://www.francisbitonti.com/new-skins-summer/.
About Francis Bitonti Studio:
Disruptive luxury brand, Francis Bitonti Studio is committed to the application of digital design and computer controlled manufacturing technologies, aimed at transforming the logic of traditional mass production within the luxury good and fashion industry. Francis Bitonti Studio, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., is best known for creating the world’s first ever, fully articulated 3D printed dress for burlesque icon Dita von Teese, and continues to be deeply invested in the research and integration of new technologies, such as 3D printing, as the Studio expands to launch its luxury accessories and jewelry label in September 2014. For more information on Francis Bitonti Studio and the Cloud Collection, visit http://www.francisbitonti.com.