DESTRUCTION

Destructive testing and pushing 3DPG to it’s breaking point.

Why We Use Destruction

We use many methods of destructive testing. This includes drop tests, water tests, chemical tests, and more. We even drive cars over our pieces to test their durability! We test during every season, every weather type, and every product. The most common destructive test Pikus utilizes is the drop test. This test uses repeated heavy-weight drops from a height of 6” or more to determine if a seating object will crack under pressure.

Destructive testing is a crucial part of the Pikus Process. We want our products to be the best on the market, and to do that we have to identify all of our weak points. The only way to become the strongest is to know where you are the weakest and fix that. And so Pikus tries to break each product that goes out the door. It is only once we cannot break a print that it will arrive at your door.

The second most common testing method is a volume and water pressure test. We love to print out multiple columns and see how they size up against water pressure when they are filled to the brim. It is because of this testing method that Pikus has been able to develop hyper-durable structural columns that will hold up against water, soil, and concrete fillings.

WE FIND OUR

WEAKNESSES TO

TURN THEM INTO

STRENGTHS

Breaking things is fun. Fixing things is where it gets a bit more tricky. Pikus has come up with an array of design and structural solutions to combat breakage. It is not always easy, but if there is one thing that Pikus always manages to accomplish it is finding solutions to problems. We are problem solvers at heart.

Pikus Solutions

Problem: A print keeps collapsing. Solution: structural reinforcement. And so the process of finding our solution begins. There are so many different ways to reinforce a 3D print. Pikus utilizes two main methods: PSM-27, a structural management solution made with recycled water bottles, and internal supports mainly fabricated out of wooden beams. We have also utilized steel rods, coatings, and print paths to reinforce print structures. It may even vary from print to print! We always analyze what each print needs to allow for maximum stability.

Pikus may also change the entire structure of a print if necessary. We can often incorporate built-in reinforcements directly into the print or change the angle of a print so that the pressure is spread out to other places on the print. The sharper the corner, the more pressure is built up on that edge so softening angles and making adjustments to the shape of a design can often do a lot of good when it comes to infill such as water and dirt! We are always experimenting with innovative ways to create stronger designs in 3DPG.

The only way to succeed is by pushing through failures. Adventure down the path of the unknown and you may run into a few bumps but if you keep pushing on you will find something amazing. We want the same for each person who creates a 3DPG piece. We want to provide you with a product that will blow you out of the water once it is installed. Pikus invites you to join this adventure with us to keep creating, destroying, and building everything better than it ever was before.

We break things and we make them better. In the world of Pikus, there is no better way to do things! It is absolutely crucial to pinpoint weaknesses and design flaws so that eventually they may turn into strengths. We have an amazing production team that tests each 3DPG piece and finds ways to improve the designs and reinforcements. Pikus is constantly pushing to do better and put the highest quality products out in the market.

  • Our History

    Learn about the adventure that led towards the founding and execution of Pikus 3DPG.

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  • Best Practices

    Learn the best practices for designing in 3DPG. Get a clear overview of limitations, techniques to bypass limits, and more!

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  • Destruction

    Learn how Pikus tests every product, from rigging connections to final attachments.

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  • The Pikus Adventure

    Join Pikus on epic adventures, from hands on creation to destructive testing, Pikus always has fun.

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  • 3DPG vs. CIP

    Take an in-depth journey through the differences between Cast-in-Place construction practices and 3D-printed poly-grout.

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  • Making Your Statement

    How architects can fabricate their dream creations while making a positive impact on their community.

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  • Project Charlie

    Why we didn’t take on Project Charlie and what we learned about the incredible possibilities of 3D poly-grout.

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