Creating Traditional Prints From 3D Printed Blocks

We recently ran a workshop that encouraged participants to combine 2D and 3D thinking, blending traditional skills with new technologies.

The brief was to design a 2D pattern using 3D computer software. We worked in Rhino with Grasshopper, experimenting with planes to create patterns with varying depth and structure. Once the designs were ready, we exported them as files for 3D printing using our Ultimaker printers.

These 3D-printed blocks, created with cutting-edge technology, were then taken into the print room for the next stage. Here, we swapped modern tools for heritage craft, using 17th-century printing presses to transform our blocks into 2D prints – a unique meeting of past and present, as you can see below.

It was a fascinating exploration of processes, skills, and technologies – one that we hope will inspire students to experiment with both the print room and 3D printers to create truly unique work.