
Supercars have always been inspired by unique concepts, Ferrari has a black prancing horse as their logo, Lamborghini’s bull logo shows their founder’s extreme interest in Spanish bullfighting sport, similarly the two flying wings in Bentley, Jaguar’s roaring face of a Jaguar and dodge ram are all unique concept designed with passion and vision.
Similarly, the ‘Drakuma’ is a Hypercar concept design by the CEO of Ajlani Motors, Bashar Ajlani with a long held vision to become the next Pagani. After 5 years of crafting, the Drakuma hypercar was finally unveiled at the Dubai Motor Show in 2019. According to statements, this model unveiled at the show is only a full-size mock-up but the company will be moving to production in the future with a 1200 horsepower engine and V8 Biturbo engine. Still being in the concept phase, the hypercar is believed to have two seats and carbon fiber body with the doors of the drakuma opening like a dragon’s wing.
While drakuma car certainly stole the show, a gorgeous 3D printed sculpture of a dragon enriched the event by attracting visitors. This state of art of the dragon model is 3D printed by Proto21 after being approached by Bashar Ajlani on understanding our capabilities and entrusting us with a huge part of his dream project. A few other parts of the drakuma car like the left and right design parts of the car were also 3D printed by us. It also completes Proto21 goal not to compromising when it comes to quality.
As seen, the 3D printed model shows a dragon emerging from the egg which is the logo and inspiration for the Ajlani Drakuma Supercar. The entire model was 3D printed as various parts using different 3D printing technologies like the most advanced HP MJF technology and SLA technology. The 3D printed parts were carefully put together and later finished with paint job complete the dragon model. The Painting job was done by our highly experienced and skilled team using top quality European imported paint to achieve the final look and mirror finish.
The Drakuma project is a huge example of the capacity of Proto21 as a 3D printing company to become a part of the clients’ requirement and bring together different technologies like 3D Printing, model making, chrome paining and other high quality finishing services to combine all the aesthetic and functional part of the design.
Advantages of 3D Printing Sculptures
Design Freedom:
Artists today have the freedom to think beyond traditional boundaries by embracing 3D printing as their creative tool. This technology empowers them to explore complex geometries and push the limits of design, unlocking possibilities that were once unimaginable.
Precision and Complexity
3D printing technology presents a significant advantage through its capacity to fabricate highly intricate designs that would be exceptionally challenging through manual methods. Structures characterized by complex geometry, hollow forms, and finely detailed textures can be realized with reduced operational input.
Speed and Efficiency
Traditional sculpting methods are often time-intensive, requiring several weeks or months for completion. Conversely, 3D printing technology substantially accelerates the creation process, enabling artists to rapidly prototype and refine their designs prior to finalizing the printed sculpture.
Cost-Effectiveness
3D printing is a cost-effective alternative to traditional sculpting, which often involves expensive materials and generates a lot of waste. 3D printing minimizes waste by only using the necessary material, applied layer by layer.
Accessibility for Artists
The accessibility of cost-effective desktop 3D printers has democratized the creation of sculptures, enabling independent artists who previously lacked access to expensive sculpting tools to produce impressive works. This technological advancement has provided emerging artists with novel opportunities for exploration.
Challenges and Limitations of 3D Printed Sculpture
Material Constraints
Despite these benefits, limitations persist regarding 3D printing materials. Certain materials exhibit fragility, and the replication of natural textures found in traditional materials such as marble or wood remains a challenge..
Ethical Concerns in Art and Technology
There’s an ongoing debate about whether 3D printed sculptures are "authentic" art. Since artists can replicate designs effortlessly, some argue that it devalues the uniqueness of sculptures.
Technical Learning Curve
Unlike traditional sculpting, 3D printing requires knowledge of digital modeling, software, and printer calibration, making it a steep learning curve for traditional artists.
The Future of 3D Printing in Sculpture
As technology advances, 3D printing will become even more integrated into the art world. Future innovations may include AI-assisted design, self-assembling sculptures, and even bio-printing using organic materials.
Conclusion
3D printing is not replacing traditional sculpture; rather, it is enhancing it. By merging the past with the future, this technology is opening up new creative possibilities while challenging the definition of art itself. Whether you see it as a tool or an art form, one thing is certain, 3D printing is revolutionizing modern sculpture in ways we never imagined.