The front grille for the BMW iX is produced in a cleanroom environment, since any dust would be visible through the high-gloss polyurethane (PUR) finish. Produced in an integrated process, the component consists of a functional film that is back-injection moulded with polycarbonate (PC) and then flood-coated with 2-3 mm PUR. Engel developed the production cell.
Aircraft glazing consists of a combination of laminated strengthened glass and plastic, including stretched cast acrylic, polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinyl butyral (PVB) laminating film. The aluminium fuselage is coated with polyurethane resin (PUR).
N700S-8000 Shinkansen high-speed train, developed by Japan Railway Company, features extruded aluminium bodywork. The nose consists of 32 plates welded together and strengthened glass window. The metalwork is topcoated with fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE), a tough long lasting fluoropolymer created for demanding exterior applications.
Villa Gitz by Lars Gitz Architects, completed 2020, on the island of Orø in Denmark, features a Rockpanel facade. The 9mm cladding panels are made with compressed recycled Rockwool, comprising basalt fibre and organic binder. Inherently flame retardant and very stable, the sheets are finished with a multi-layer water-based paint to provide durable colour and protection.
Nelson Bubble Lamp, by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952, formed by spraying a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with a webbing agent (which causes the PVC to form filaments) onto a steel wire frame, and finished with a layer of pure PVC spray coating
The Metropol Parasol, Seville, Spain, by Jürgen Mayer H and engineered by Arup, completed 2011. One of the largest wooden structures ever built, it is made from Kerto laminated veneer lumber (LVL) with a polyurethane resin (PUR) weather resistant coating.
Centre Pompidou, France, by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, completed in 1977, featuring a tubular steel exoskeleton, cast low alloy steel ‘gerberettes’ (visible 11 ton structure joining the floor trusses to the end columns) and curved polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, glazed walkways.
Duromer high-pressure laminate (HPL) exterior panels by Fundermax. They are coated with a double-cured acrylic polyurethane resin for enhanced weather protection. Image Fundermax.
Butte wooden travel case in oak veneer with fluorescent painted interior, by Scholten & Baijings for Established & Sons, 2009. Image Scholten & Baijings.
Paddington station, London, UK, by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, completed 1854, features wrought and cast iron. Iron played a significant role in the development of architecture, because it enabled longer spans and thinner sections, creating light and space in public buildings that was not possible before. In Paddington, the glass panes have been replaced with polycarbonate (PC), for safety.
Huntonit textured ceiling and wall panels, produced in 900 kg/m3 fibreboard (hardboard) using the wet method. The surface has a wood grain effect texture embossed during production.
Nelson Bubble Lamp, by George Nelson for Herman Miller, 1952, formed by spraying a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with a webbing agent (which causes the PVC to form filaments) onto a steel wire frame, and finished with a layer of pure PVC spray coating
Electricity pylons are constructed from carbon steel sections welded to form a truss structure. They are galvanised and painted to protect them from corrosion.
Electricity pylons are constructed from carbon steel sections welded to form a truss structure. They are galvanised and painted to protect them from corrosion.
Electricity pylons are constructed from carbon steel sections welded to form a truss structure. They are galvanised and painted to protect them from corrosion.
Kyoto tower, which stands 131 m tall, completed 1964, designed by Mamoru Yamada in collaboration with Makoto Tanahashi, is produced from welded carbon steel plate painted white
The Colnago C60 is flagship road race frame, handmade in Italy. Using high performance Toray T1000 carbon fibre combined with epoxy, the tubes are bladder moulded and assembled onto the bottom bracket. The frame is clear lacquered to reveal the carbon fibre weave below. To keep weight to a minimum, the chainring is forged and machined from aluminium alloy 7075. Image Colnago.
Riveted and polyurethane resin (PUR) coated aluminium aircraft wing skins for lightness, combined with a stainless steel leading edge to enable de-icing.
Boeing 737 800, which utilises aluminium alloy 2024 in the fuselage skin, slats and flaps, 7075 in the frames, stringers and ribs, 7178 in the wing upper skin, spars and beams, 7055 in the wing lower skin. Aircraft are typically coated with an abrasion resistant polyurethane resin (PUR) paint.
Beijing Airport Terminal 3, designed by Foster and Partners and engineered by Arup, completed 2008, features louvres manufactured from extruded aluminium, mounted to a trussed steel roof structure
PH 5 light, by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, 1958, features a pressed aluminium diffuser, painted matte white to produce a uniform light, and frosted glass
PH Snowball light, by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, 1958, features a pressed aluminium diffuser with matte painted undersurfaces and glossy top surfaces to reflect the diffused light
Beijing Airport Terminal 3, designed by Foster and Partners and engineered by Arup, completed 2008, features louvres manufactured from extruded aluminium, mounted to a trussed steel roof structure
Tokyo Gate Bridge, completed 2012, is constructed from BHS500, a type of bridge high performance steel, coated with fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE). The Lumiflon coating, a type of fluoropolymer, offers exceptional resistance to weathering and UV with a long service life. It provides the 25 micron topcoat on a multilayer system made up of 75 micron zinc-rich anti-corrosion primer and 120 micron epoxy resin undercoat, plus 30 micron epoxy-based primer for the FEVE.
The towers and jibs of construction cranes are typically produced with high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel trusses. The elements are welded together in sections and painted for visibility and durability.
A prototype mould, for low volume production, made by Thermwood on a large format 3D printer, utilising their angled layer print system (ALP). The material is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with 20% short carbon fibre (ABS-CF20). It is printed by extrusion (the print lines are visible) and then machined to the desired dimensions. The surface is polished and painted.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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