3D printing has helped enable Symmons, venerated for the superior workmanship of its internal plumbing parts, to show its design capabilities. For example, the Mandarin Oriental, New York wanted a distinctive look and feel for its bathrooms, and their design firm turned to Symmons to help create the details of the design. The bath design called for a shower system that incorporated fittings with a ceiling-mount drench showerhead and a Roman tub filler that was both stylish and simple to operate. Symmons developed custom concepts for its client with an elegantly simple, single control for on/off, hot/cold operation, a feature that helped to overcome the language barrier many international guests experience. CJP models helped Symmons communicate a range of options to the client, which enabled the team to quickly close on a final solution. It was the same story at a Miami hotel where the prints helped Symmons refine the design of a vertical showerhead surrounded by chandeliers. Other satisfied Symmons clients include the Wynn Resorts, Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton, to name a few.
The 3D Systems ProJet CJP printer was printing at full tilt five days a week, 20 models a run, according to Spears. In the first four months of use, Symmons produced 4,000 prototype prints for a wide range of applications. Most were for client projects, but models also went to trade shows, "lunch and learn" seminars with designers and architects, and to Symmons industrial designers. "You can push the print button during morning coffee break and be passing around prototypes at lunch. These printers are enabling the kind of speed and part quality that is indispensable for Design Studio Live and all of our design work here," commented Spear.
The CJP printers and its unique color capabilities have yielded other surprising benefits. They help Symmons stretch design concepts and prototypes beyond conventional stainless steel, using color to accurately represent the popular finish of Onyx. Color prints also make great promotional handouts for instance, a brightly colored faucet model with an architect's name on it. Symmons even brings its 3d printer to tradeshows where it prints nonstop, making its booth a popular stop for designers and architects witnessing the possibilities of both Symmons designs and instant prototypes.
Whether at tradeshows or in Design Studio Live, 3D color printing enhances Symmons' business and brand by helping the company focus as much on the aesthetic considerations as the internals. The company is now able to prove that it can make the most beautiful "facades" or better yet, help customers make them.
"It's a great experience to be the first in market to do this," says Spear. "Our unique ability to host a full-service virtual design studio with 3D printing capabilities, and do it so painlessly, is a real differentiator and a powerful one that keeps us in top of mind to our clients. This printer's unique speed, color and affordability make this possible"