Groundbreaking Collection of DXV 3D Printed Faucets Named R&D 100 Award Finalist
First-Ever Working Faucets Printed in Metal Honored for Innovative Use of New Technologies, Exploration of Future Paradigm Shift in Manufacturing Process
PISCATAWAY, N.J., Nov. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The DXV collection of 3D printed residential faucets ― the Vibrato, Trope and Shadowbrook styles ― have been named a 2016 R&D 100 Award finalist in the Process and Prototyping category. This year's R&D 100 Award winners were announced on Nov. 3 at a black-tie awards dinner at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Md.
The Vibrato, Trope and Shadowbrook models are the first-ever collection of 3D printed metal faucets created using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), a revolutionary additive manufacturing process. While this technique has been used to create plastic prototypes for years, these are the first ready-for-market residential faucets printed in metal.
"This prestigious recognition is a meaningful validation of the incredible efforts put forth by our DXV product design team. They pushed the boundaries of cutting-edge technologies to make it possible to create the delicate and dazzling forms of these 3D printed faucets," said Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, vice president of design for faucets and fixtures — and team lead on the 3D faucet development — for LIXIL Water Technology Americas, the global business unit under which DXV operates.
The faucets are printed using a computer-guided laser beam that fuses powdered metal into the desired shape with high heat and pressure. A solid metal block gradually arises out of the powder, and is then hand-finished to smooth extraneous metal and reveal the design. In a revival of bespoke craftsmanship, the faucet is then hand-finished by an artisan who gives it a rich, fine patina and feel that mimics the texture found on antique silver pieces.
This 3D printing process opens up exciting possibilities for the design and function of faucets, enabling avant-garde ways to present water and completely redefine the user experience, as each of the DXV 3D printed faucets distinctly showcases.
"These unique faucets represent a continuation of our proud 140-year-old tradition of innovation and incredible craftsmanship, starting with American Standard Brands and growing further with our luxury DXV line," said Maha El Kharbotly, chief marketing officer for LIXIL Water Technology Americas. "We are so proud of this well-deserved honor and remain committed to our role as a leader in the paradigm shift represented by additive manufacturing in the building and construction industry."
The R&D 100 Awards — widely regarded as the "Oscars of Invention" — began in 1963 to recognize revolutionary technologies in the marketplace. Past winners reign from industry, academia and government-sponsored research, and have featured biomedical products, consumer goods, chemistry breakthroughs, innovative new materials, high-energy physics and sophisticated testing equipment.
These first-of-their-kind DXV 3D printed faucets have also recognized for their styling and operational innovation by the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) as their 2016 Best of Show Gold winner in the Bath category; a Best of BDwest Product Design Award from Boutique Design; a Platinum A' Design Award; and a Silver International Design Excellence Award (IDEA).
For more information on the DXV 3D printed metal faucets, visit www.dxv.com or call (800) 227-2734.
ABOUT AMERICAN STANDARD BRANDS
American Standard Brands make life healthier, safer and more beautiful at home, at work, in the community and throughout the world. Offering total project solutions for residential and commercial customers around the world with respected brands such as American Standard®, DXV®, Safety Tubs®, Crane Plumbing®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is owned by LIXIL Corporation, and is part of LIXIL Water Technology business, which operates across 150 countries. The LIXIL Water Technology brands include: LIXIL, INAX, GROHE, American Standard, and JAXSON. Learn more at www.americanstandard.com, or follow us at twitter.com/AmStandard, https://www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardPlumbing.
ABOUT LIXIL CORPORATION
LIXIL Corporation is a global leader in housing and building materials products and services, and part of LIXIL Group Corporation (TSE Code: 5938), the listed holding company that also contains LIXIL VIVA CORPORATION and LIXIL Housing Research Institute, Ltd. The foundation of LIXIL's success is our constant investment in technological innovation to improve the way we live. Delivering core strengths in water, housing, building and kitchen technologies, our brand portfolio businesses LIXIL, GROHE, American Standard Brands and Permasteelisa are leaders in the industries and regions in which they operate. LIXIL produces some of the world's most fundamental and innovative products and services, and our solutions are an integral part of some of the world's most iconic and cutting-edge living and working spaces. Operating in more than 150 countries, and employing more than 80,000 people, we bring together function, quality and design to make people's lives better, and more delightful – wherever they are.
Vibrato®, Trope® and Shadowbrook® are registered trademarks of American Standard Brands.
For more information:
Nora DePalma, O'Reilly DePalma
For LIXIL Water Technology Americas
American Standard, DXV
(770) 772-4726
[email protected]
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161104/436362
SOURCE American Standard Brands
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