3D printed clock tower stamp for 10 year anniversary of UNNC
Two students from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) have developed a very special tribute for their university's anniversary: a highly detailed, 3D printed stamp that closely resembles the campus's clock tower.
As can be seen in the photographs, the stamp is a highly detailed tribute closely resembling the tower. Only the top of the stamp has been slightly modified to allow it to actually function as a stamp. The stamp's proportions are: 25 x 25 x 77 mm. This particular stamp will read '宁诺十年', which means 'Ten years of UNNC'. However, this cool tower stamp will also be made available online, and the bottom design can be customized to read whatever the user wants.
It was designed by students Shi Yin and Cui Xiang, who wanted to employ modern technology to develop this ancient and traditional tool. Shi Yin is a professional seal cutter, who has noticed that this traditional profession has recently been losing popularity. One of the biggest drawbacks to traditional production methods, he explained, is that the shape of the stamp is defined by the shape of the original stone. Sometimes, customers simply want an original, interesting appearance and 3D printing is therefore particularly suitable.
He therefore formed an excellent team with Cui Xiang, who is very familiar with 3D printing. He convinced Shi to produce the stamp using 3d printing technology, which allowed them to create a stamp with a more symbolic and attractive appearance. They obviously succeeded. As a staff member commented, ' It is amazing that 3d printing can apply to traditional Chinese culture.'
The stamp was printed in resin using a Shanxi Hengtong SPS450B 3D printer made in China. The final product took about 90 minutes to print. The exact speciation's of the printers used are:
Scan Speed：8m/s
Laser diameter：≤0.15mm
Build envelope：450mmx450mmx350mm
Accuracy：±0.1mm（l≤100mm）or ±0.1%（l＞100mm）
Layer：0.05mm～0.2mm
The stamp was designed as part of the celebrations for the University of Nottingham Ningbo China's 10 year anniversary. In 2004, the University of Nottingham opened their campus near Shangai and have since greatly expanded. More than 6000 students, many of whom come from countries throughout the world, are currently attending. It was the first Sino-International university to open its doors in China.
