printing manufacturing company, integrates metal additive manufacturing with art to promote the diversified development of 3D printing technology.

AddUp's metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, mold, and medical industries. However, recently, this manufacturer used its 3D printing technology to create metal sculptures and showcased these artworks in an exhibition that gathered the works of multiple artists. This indicates that they are exploring the application of 3D printing technology in the field of art.

These works, collectively known as Les Armeuses (equivalent to women's armor), are extremely exquisite necklaces inspired by fashion elements from the 19th century. They were created by Agn è s Geoffray, who conducted a two-year artist residency project at FRAC Auvergne and AddUp from 2021 to 2023 and received support from DRAC Auvergne Rh ô ne Alpes.

Frank Moreau, CEO of AddUp, stated that each sculpture was designed by Pascal Perun and members of the AddUp design team, and four different versions were produced.

Geoffray explained, "My artwork aims to explore the contradiction between gesture and posture. My research focuses on the concept of 'control', as well as the affected body, the limitations imposed on the body, and the oppressed body, especially from the perspective of women and their representation.
She added, "As a partner of the Frac Auvergne on-site project and AddUp, I plan to use 3D metal printing technology to create sculptures. The core of this project is to enhance the lace collar patterns of the 19th century, combining the beauty of these structures with the rigor of these constraint frameworks.

The Story Behind Metal 3D Printing Les Armeuses

AddUp is a joint venture between French Michelin and French company, headquartered in Clermont Ferrand, France, which is also the location of FRAC Auvergne. In addition, there is a North American subsidiary located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company focuses on 3D printing technologies such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and directed energy deposition (DED).

Since its establishment in 2016, AddUp has been developing metal 3D printing solutions, leveraging its expertise in fields ranging from machine design to the production of extremely complex 3D parts. This innovative process helps to explore new application areas, creating high-precision objects by fusing materials only when necessary. Our goal is to create shapes that traditional processes cannot achieve
The complexity of AddUp's 3D printing technology in spinal implants and weapon system components is reflected in these seemingly exquisite metal sculptures. The company adopts fine metal powder and roller recoating technology to ensure that the work has a high level of detail. As Geoffray explained, AddUp has been a major sponsor of FRAC Auvergne for many years, and its expertise has made it possible to create this artwork. Moreover, this technology has opened up new perspectives on volume, continuing her plastic research.

These works are prototypes of four highly exquisite sculptures

She continued: This project echoes the various elements of clothing that have long restricted the body. From tight corsets to armor, the goal of these clothing has always been to civilize the body, sculpting and constraining it under the guise of ornate appearance, at the edge of protection and oppression. The concepts of upright bodies and upright bodies have permeated many eras. Civilized bodies aim to maintain themselves, constantly resist sagging bodies, and not succumb to passion.

These irregular lace sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries were successfully forged through laser melting of steel powder, some of which are from the Muse é e Crozatier collection at the Le Puy en Velay Crozatier Museum. These models have undergone preliminary redesign by jewelry designer Pascal Perun, all the way to the finest details, with a special emphasis on preserving defects to ensure their complex aesthetic.

Combining metal with softness

Jean Charles Vergne, Director of FRAC Auvergne, explained that metal lace wraps the wearer's head in a charming and indestructible way, providing captivating protection for the collar, nape, and throat. They do not require additional talismans or shackles to achieve protection, as they already possess this ability. Meanwhile, these armor perfectly imitates elegant lace.

He continued, "Les Armeuses fully embodies the contradiction of their names: both charm and armor. They put on a simple coat of skin, cleverly combining control with feminine temperament, not to showcase strength, but to express strength and pride. The fitted metal lace is the interlocking beauty of the hem, both beautiful and sturdy.

Moreau said, "Throughout the entire project, from using common software in the field of high-end jewelry to modeling shoelace design, to the printing and post-processing stages on our machines, we have established a close cooperative relationship, which allows us to apply top-notch professional knowledge to create this need.