One of the cubes was made using a hybrid manufacturing process invented by researchers at the Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Singapore Centre for 3D Printing. The process creates structures that are 70 per cent stronger than bulk steel.
“This was a totally new technology,” said Assistant Professor Lai Chang Quan, who led the team.
“When (Ms Lakshmi) approached us, we were only able to print zipper-sized stuff – really flat and small. (What she wanted) was a massive increase from what (we did),” he recalled.
“In the early days … we were just failing. But she believed in us, and our guys believed in the technology. We went through our own journey of overcoming all these obstacles.”
The team used 80 layers of ultra-thin stainless-steel sheets fused into a 4mm-thick wall, creating a dense structure that is resilient to the extreme pressure and corrosive conditions.
Following the project’s success, Asst Prof Lai recently co-founded a start-up with his students. They plan to expand the potential applications of their technology to the aerospace, maritime, and energy sectors.
ARTWORK EN ROUTE TO THE MOON
The underwater feat follows Ms Lakshmi’s previous endeavour in 2022 that saw two of her artwork reach the International Space Station (ISS).
After orbiting earth onboard the ISS, they are slated to reach their permanent home on the moon later this year, at an extraterrestrial art gallery showcasing 100 pieces of work by international artists.
