Things are starting to pick with 3D printing here in Korea. As the knowledge of 3D printing, and what it may be able to do, spreads, Koreans are beginning to embrace this new technology. One group who are obvious potential users of this tech are designers and design firms. While many firm managers may not adapt to new technologies quickly, the same cannot be said for their younger, and more creative, employees. So it is no surprise that a young entrepreneur named Park Chan Woong opened a new rest spot specifically designed to encourage and stimulate those designers.
The S-Dandy Café opened on July 1st of this year and has made quite a splash in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. In an area where many large design houses are concentrated, Mr. Park thought that designers would appreciate a café that would cater to their specialized expertise, while at the same time serving them good food and beverages in an open-air style environment where they could relax, socialize and, of course design. With four full-time employees on staff, they are open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and later….
The S-Dandy Café has all the necessities you would expect of a high-class eatery, such as gourmet food, specialty beers and cocktails, and of course custom roasted coffees, all of which you can order from their custom-made, laser-engraved wooden menus. They are also equipped with the very best in both 2D colour copier/printers and 3D printers for customer use and amusement. Prices and requirements are very moderate, as the café hopes to not only entertain those who are already somewhat in the know, but to also educate those for whom 3D design and fabrication are new experiences.
Currently they have two 3D printers, a Rokit Edison Plus and a custom designed and built Delta. While we here at 3D Printing Industry have reviewed Rokit’s Edison Plus, we had not seen S-Dandy’s Delta design before. Mr. Park advised us that the printer is an original construction, designed and built by hand and that to date they have only built five of them, but that beginning in October of this year, they plan on selling them commercially.
He told us that the inspiration for the Delta came out of frustration with the traditional gantry-style 3D printers. “Their mechanisms produce too much vibration to do really high-quality prints,” he said, “and they are not heavy enough to damp (the vibration).” The Delta has a heavy base, and the build plate is fixed, so that sources of vibration are reduced and those vibrations that are produced are negated by the printer’s study metal frame and weight. The price for their Delta, which as of now does not have a formal name, is anticipated to be around 1.5 million Won (about $1,480.00 USD) and will include a training course for its use.
So, if you happen to find yourself in South Korea with a real case of “Gangnam Style” drop by the S-Dandy Café for a coffee and a 3D Print. Mr. Park and his staff will make sure you are well taken care of. In closing Mr. Park noted that, “Design is easy, and everyone can make their ideas come true, and we can help.” The S-Dandy’s info can be found here, but, for now, it is mostly in Korean, although Mr. Park told me that an English version is planned when their website is fully completed.
