American football fans gearing up for the season’s biggest showdown will be greeted by more than just the game, as they’ll also be witnessing a record breaking feat of engineering. Designed and fabricated by Dimensional Innovations, the Al Davis Memorial Torch will stand as a towering tribute to the late franchise owner.
Dominating the skyline at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, this 93-foot structure, comprising 226 3D printed blocks, is poised to claim the title of the world’s tallest free-standing 3D printed structure. Crafted from carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate composite, each block weighs approximately 350 lbs., amounting to over 100,000 lbs. of raw materials.
But it’s not just the blocks that make this torch remarkable; its surface boasts 1,148 unique aluminum panels, meticulously painted and finished for optimal reflectivity. These panels, weighing over 35,000 lbs. collectively, create a striking contrast between the Raiders logo and the base finish, enhancing the torch’s visual appeal.
Furthermore, the lower section features a clear-coated, 21st-century woodgrain finish, showcasing the layered texture of the printed composite. Behind this architectural wonder lies the dedication of eighteen employees, who invested nearly 50,000 hours into its development, creation, and installation.
“Our firm had never met a project of this scale or complexity,” said Justin Wood, Sports Practice Director, Dimensional Innovations.
“In fact, nobody had. Our team worked relentlessly to develop, print, fabricate, test and install the memorial torch to ensure it conveys the symbolic flame that burns brightest in the Raiders organization. We couldn’t be more excited for fans to experience this marvel from up close and afar during “the Big Game”.
Since its debut in 2020, when Carol Davis, wife of Al Davis, ceremoniously lit it in his honor, the torch has served as the stadium’s focal point, captivating visitors with its grandeur and significance.
As fans converge at Allegiant Stadium, they’ll not only witness an epic game but also behold a testament to innovation and remembrance, setting a new standard in 3D printing and architectural design.
Soure: dimin.com
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