Grohe has announced that its ground-breaking tap innovation for the bathroom, Icon 3D, has been shortlisted for Product of the Year 2020 in the FX Awards. The components for the ultra-thin Icon 3D are produced by printing metal, using a powder bed laser melting process, consisting of more than 4,000 applied layers of powder that are each only a few micrometres thick. Following the printing, each component is mechanically treated on a CNC milling machine, followed by a manual grinding and fine brushing procedure.
Raj Mistry, marketing director for Grohe UK comments: “With Icon 3D, we have achieved a truly remarkable piece of product design using a new and innovative manufacturing process rarely seen in the industry. The FX Awards is a coveted ceremony and a respected voice in the design industry that is known for celebrating the best of the best. To be shortlisted for an award is therefore always a great honour.”
Paul Flowers, chief design officer Lixil also responsible for the Grohe brand said: “With Grohe Icon 3D, we are entering the future of product design as we are now able to create designs that at first appear impossible. By embracing the still-emerging technology of 3D metal-printing, we are pushing the boundaries of design and truly shaping the future of water.”
This year, in light of Covid-19 restrictions, the FX International Awards will replace its annual ceremony with a digital presentation on Wednesday 25th November, when the winners will be announced.
