Xuberance, a product design studio based in Beijing, China, leverages 3D printing technology to produce unique furniture and accessories. Xuberance is shaping a new design direction that blends sustainability with exceptional creative freedom through the use of large-scale 3D printers from BigRep.
From 19th-century steam-bent wood techniques to 20th-century plastic injection molding, advances in manufacturing technologies have continually expanded the possibilities for creative expression. Today’s product designers seek to innovate and push the boundaries of their craft using breakthrough technologies that support their vision.
In the 21st century, design studios like Xuberance demonstrate that there’s room to explore and discuss new ideas, enabling boundless imagination for product designers thanks to 3D printing technology.
Xuberance creates intricate, sophisticated, and lightweight designs by 3D printing objects from digital models. Their designs range from furniture to fashion accessories and represent a new era of creative possibilities enabled by digital manufacturing.
Design-Led Objects
With products like the Cloud Lamp, a 3D-printed lamp that earned the team the prestigious SaloneSatellite award during Milan Design Week in 2015, Xuberance has developed a unique design language—one intrinsically tied to the digital 3D printing process.
The organic and complex forms of their printed products are so distinctive that they are nearly impossible to reproduce using traditional manufacturing methods like molding.
“3D printing forms the backbone of our entire design and production process,” says Lyra Wang, CEO of Xuberance.
“Our designers can fully translate their digital designs into physical products using 3D printers such as BigRep’s. It offers unparalleled design freedom while pushing the boundaries of what’s technically possible.”
Large-Scale 3D Printing Unlocks Unique Design Possibilities
Although 3D printing was initially used for specific parts, Xuberance was one of the pioneers to adopt it as a primary tool for manufacturing complete products from scratch.
The ability to print larger items such as chairs and stools using BigRep’s ONE and STUDIO 3D printers enabled Xuberance to establish its own design niche.
The resulting products are not only strong, durable, and lightweight but also feature unique design aesthetics.
“Large-scale printing has had a transformative effect upon our overall ability to create distinctive designs,” Wang continues.
“The BigRep large scale printers are instrumental in this, and unlock new possibilities by reducing time and costs.”
This is evident in designs such as the Madame Butterfly Chair—a single-piece, intricately patterned 3D-printed chair. BigRep’s printers make it possible to produce large objects while preserving complex design elements.
“BigRep’s dual extrusion printing offers a crushing advantage with its super accurate printing quality. We’re now able to faithfully translate our designer’s compositions into finished Xuberance products without losing any of the intricacies of the original design.” Wang explains.
Responding to Customer Demand
Unlike traditional manufacturing—where changes require mold adjustments or tooling—Xuberance built its business around the flexibility of 3D printing, from rapid iterations to final product designs.
This not only allowed the team to eliminate the time and costs associated with physical tooling changes, but also made it possible to quickly adjust texture, structure, or color according to customer demands.
3D Printing and the Circular Economy
The product and furniture design industries have long been dictated by unsustainable practices, especially with non-degradable plastics and other materials. But Xuberance proves that 3D-printed products can find their place in the circular economy through thoughtful material choices.
With BigRep’s open material system, Xuberance can select the appropriate materials for each design and set print parameters for every geometric model.
In addition to citing BigRep’s PRO HT and ASA filaments for their excellent material composition and heat resistance, Wang emphasized their biodegradability as a key component of the company’s sustainability ethos.
A Future Full of 3D-Printed Possibilities
By embracing 3D printing technology, Xuberance has proven that stunning, custom-designed products can be created while paving the way toward a more sustainable future in design. Wang believes BigRep’s large-scale printers are foundational to achieving the studio’s vision.
“There is an ancient Chinese saying,” Wang concludes,
“‘ When brothers are united in purpose, their strength can cut through metal.’ We believe in the future of large-scale printing, and we will work together with BigRep to achieve this greater development.”
As Xuberance continues to explore unprecedented creative opportunities through 3D printing technologies, its designers are developing a new approach centered on emphasizing form and organic beauty.
This approach echoes a historical truth: form doesn’t dictate functionality—it’s defined by the tools and technologies available to the designer at the time. With 3D printing tools at its disposal, Xuberance is at the forefront of redefining what’s possible in product design.
