Big Voxel 2.0: Large-Scale Additive Fabrication System
Big Voxel 2.0 is a large format 3D printer developed in collaboration with Bits to Atoms, designed for recycled plastic FDM printing and later adapted for clay extrusion.
Overview
Designed for furniture-scale fabrication, Big Voxel 2.0 enables the production of large objects using both recycled thermoplastics and clay-based materials. The system represents the second major iteration of the Big Voxel platform, transitioning from an early experimental prototype to a more product-oriented and enclosed machine architecture.
The redesign focused on improving structural rigidity, integration quality, and overall usability. Compared to earlier iterations, Big Voxel 2.0 adopts a more refined enclosure system, cleaner assembly logic, and a configuration better suited for institutional or workshop environments.
Development & Collaboration
Big Voxel 2.0 was developed in collaboration with Bits to Atoms, a studio focused on sustainable and material-driven fabrication systems. The project reflects a shared interest in large-scale additive manufacturing and localized production workflows.
The machine is currently hosted at ALBA University (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts) in Lebanon, where it serves as a platform for experimentation, demonstration, and material research.
Quick Facts
- Build Volume: ~1.6 × 1.8 × 1.2 m
- Processes: FDM, Clay extrusion
- Material Focus: Recycled thermoplastics, ceramic/clay materials
- Architecture: Enclosed large-scale gantry-based fabrication system
The system was initially configured for thermoplastic FDM printing using recycled materials, allowing rapid production of large-scale prototypes. It was later adapted for clay extrusion, expanding its material capabilities and enabling research into natural and sustainable fabrication processes.
Use Cases & Outputs
Sustainable FDM Printing
In its thermoplastic configuration, Big Voxel 2.0 explored large-format printing using recycled plastic feedstock. This approach aligns with sustainable fabrication principles by promoting material reuse and waste reduction.
Large-format FDM systems allow fabrication at scales not achievable with conventional desktop printers, supporting furniture-scale prototyping and structural experimentation.
Clay Extrusion Iteration
The later conversion to clay extrusion extended the machine’s capabilities into ceramic and architectural material research. Clay-based additive manufacturing introduces different mechanical and drying considerations compared to thermoplastic FDM, enabling exploration of new fabrication workflows and material behaviors.
This dual-process capability reflects the modular design intent of Big Voxel 2.0.
Research & Impact
Big Voxel 2.0 stands at the intersection of sustainable fabrication and large-scale additive manufacturing. By supporting both recycled plastics and clay materials, the system serves as a research platform for exploring alternative material ecosystems and fabrication strategies beyond conventional desktop 3D printing.
Its scale allows investigation of fabrication at architectural and furniture dimensions, bridging experimental design and physical production.