A Swiss display advertising agency adopted large format AM to deliver custom fire-safe 3D printed signage and channel letters fabricated by the BigRep ONE.
Founded nearly 80 years ago by Attilio and Elsa Meier, Attilio AG (formerly Attilio Meyer AG) has grown into one of Switzerland’s well-established advertising technology companies. What started as a photo lab in the founder’s apartment has evolved into an agency known for its expertise in signage, digital displays, illuminated advertising, and large-format digital prints.
Attilio AG is no stranger to challenges and recently happened upon a project they hadn’t tackled before: creating custom signages for the Kantonsspital St. Gallen. The hospital required signages that would meet the stringent fire safety regulations which prompted them to seek out advanced fabrication techniques.
“At the time we received the order for the Kantonsspital St.Gallen signage, we were not yet in a position to deliver it. It was only after investing in a BigRep 3D printer that we had the in-house capability to fully realize the project.”
– Manuel Böschenstein, Sales Director at Attilio AG.
Large format 3D printing fit the requirements of the project and Attilio invested in the BigRep ONE. The sizeable one cubic meter build volume and intuitive user-friendly interface were the standout features that won them over. Thanks to the 3D printer’s open material system, Attilio AG was able to accommodate the customer’s request for signages fabricated with PETG material that meet fire safety regulations and custom design preferences.
3D Printed Signage and Channel Letters
For the project, Attilio 3D printed signages with two interlocking parts which were secured together with magnets and finished with a paint job during post-processing. The grooves on the parts interlocking required a high degree of accuracy and precision to fit perfectly and the BigRep ONE delivered.
According to Tarik Bilalovic, the team leader of digital printing at Attilio, the print profile, slicing software (BigRep BLADE), and technical support from BigRep streamlined their transition into large-format 3D printing.
“The machine’s built-in webcam is especially useful. I can easily keep an eye on print jobs on the app from my smartphone.”
– Tarik Bilalovic, the team leader of digital printing at Attilio.
Standing Out With 3D Printing
Attilio not only fulfilled the hospital’s specialized signage needs with the BigRep ONE, but also added a super-sized tool to its toolbox. Clients often bring creative, unusual requests. Thanks to the BigRep, Attilio can now take up projects that involve large-scale signages, small batch production runs, prototyping, and custom projects especially when traditional methods can’t deliver.
