ATLANTA — During July’s Atlanta Market, Kavana by the Import Collection showcased a unique 3D printed vase with flowing free form shape and distinct texture. Home Accents Today spoke with Sean Mehdyzadeh, director of business, on the unique design and the emerging 3D printing process.
Kavana by The Import Collection’s Roanoke vase is 3D printed.
HAT: How does the 3D printing process work?
Mehdyzadeh: A 3D model is created on the computer, then the printer builds the piece by ejecting clay, layer by layer, until the piece is complete. This process is very time consuming, but the dimension and design achieved is far more detailed than what can be seen in a tradition ceramic mold.
HAT: What made the company decide to get involved in 3D printing?
Mehdyzadeh: We have not seen many other companies offering 3D- printed ceramics, and we are always looking for ways to set ourselves apart from other suppliers and offer more unique items to our customers.
HAT: Are there any cost savings for 3D printing?
Mehdyzadeh: 3D printed ceramics are typically more expensive than ceramics made with a mold. The machinery used is much more advanced so many ceramic factories have invested in the new equipment. However, the designs are much more complex and high-end, so consumers are willing to pay a little extra.
The 3D printing process.
HAT: Does it shorten the production process?
Mehdyzadeh: 3D printed ceramics have a longer production time than molded ceramics.
HAT: What if you want to make any changes along the way, how does that work?
Mehdyzadeh: If a change needs to be made, the design can be altered with computer software. It is much easier to alter the 3D printed design compared with making an entirely new mold.
HAT: What are the implications of 3D printed products for the industry?
Mehdyzadeh: Currently 3D printing has not significantly impacted the home décor market because it is still relatively new technology and only available in very few factories. However, there is great potential in the future with many types of materials and categories.
Innovation and sampling can be quicker and easier, but the costs can be much higher because a skilled design engineer must be on staff or paid to create the software for the printer. Overall, 3D ceramic/porcelain will likely remain in the higher-end realm of our market. It is unlikely to be able to mass produce thousands of units for Target on a 3-D printer.
Also, many of the designs are modern and resemble a piece of artwork belonging in a museum. This appeals to the interior designer, furniture store and specialty retailer much more than a volume retailer.
I think the main implication for this type of technology would be considered positive at this time. It offers new channels of creativity, less waste and faster prototypes. There is a declining labor force in artisan fields in overseas factories. The younger generations no longer want to get dirty working with clay all day. So, this likely will not take away any jobs from skilled workers but merely fill a void in labor shortage.
The printer ejects clay layer by layer.
HAT: Tell me a bit about the recent name change for the company and what it means?
Mehdyzadeh: We recently expanded the Import Collection by launching Kavana in January 2022, a design-forward and collection-based assortment of home décor and accent furniture products. Directly translated, Kavana means direction, intention or purpose, which we thought was the perfect way to describe our vision for not only the company but the industry as a whole.
We believe our focus of creating sophisticated and elevated offerings at a great value will make Kavana a favorite among retailers, designers, and consumers.
The Navarro vase is another 3D printed piece by Kavana by The Import Collection.
HAT: This is a family company, and its so exciting that you will one day take over for your father. Tell me about your plans and how you foresee successfully continuing to grow Kavana by The Import Collection?
Mehdyzadeh: Yes, I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to carry on my family’s legacy. The Import Collection has been a leader in the industry for the last 40 years, and I am eager to leverage our vast experience and credible brand name to successfully grow and expand Kavana further while maintaining the core values of the company.
I am looking forward to creating unique and design forward pieces at competitive price points, setting Kavana apart from our competitors while also allowing retailers and designers to make strong profits; a win-win for both sides.
