Inspired by different design epochs, Panasonic has recently collaborated with German design firm WertelOberfell. The result is a fantastic Lumix DMC-GM1 interchangeable lens camera with 3D-printed custom parts that was unveiled at Photokina 2014 in Cologne, Germany.
Thanks to a method of 3D printing, the three micro structures are strong and hardwearing enough to be used in everyday situations, and help improve the ergonomics of the existing design. In the end, the “Epochs collection” comprises three different micro structures – “Roots”, “Interference” and “Weave” – that reference art nouveau, modernism and the digital age.
“Our aim was to really push the boundaries of how thin and miniscule we can go with 3D printing, and how to add strength, durability and more value by coating the parts with real metals like copper and nickel.” say the designers. “The result are really thin structures (partly around 0.5mm), that are strong enough to be used on the camera in an everyday situation. We also wanted to make the ergonomics better of the camera by adding a grip feature.”
