Zaha Hadid Architects Prints 6-Meter Aircraft Tower with WASP
Zaha Hadid Architects' Tech Lab utilized WASP 3D printers and robotic arm solutions to construct a 6-meter-tall model of an aircraft control tower for a recent trade show.
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has employed WASP 3D printing technology to create a substantial 6-meter-tall model of an aircraft control tower. This impressive structure was produced in-house by ZHA's Tech Lab for their ZHAviation booth at Passenger Terminal Expo 2026. The design, originating from ZHA, was fabricated using PETG material and the WASP HDP XL Extruder.
The large-scale model was not printed as a single piece but rather divided into 15 individual panels, each measuring 1 x 1 meter. The production of these substantial panels required approximately 270 hours. To ensure compliance with trade show requirements, a fire-resistant grade of PETG was selected for the construction.
Integrated LED lighting was incorporated within the panels to enhance the visual impact of the model. While the primary structure consists of 3D printed components, these panels are mounted onto a supporting metal truss system. The entire assembly was engineered with portability in mind, facilitating its transport and display at subsequent exhibitions.
The ZHA Tech Lab currently operates two robots equipped with the CEREBRO system, enabling simultaneous work on different parts. This development suggests a potential expansion of WASP's robotic arm solutions into areas previously explored by companies like AIbuild, which was founded by former ZHA employees.
This development highlights the increasing capability of additive manufacturing for large-scale architectural and structural models. The use of WASP's robotic arm extruders with PETG demonstrates the potential for producing complex, multi-panel components efficiently. Such advancements are crucial for creating detailed prototypes and functional elements in architecture and potentially for in-situ construction applications.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.