FALABRAC is a pioneer brand in the field of digital craftsmanship for jewellery. Established in 2010 from an idea of Daria Tirone, the FALABRAC project immediately involved many designers and researchers, cross-disciplinary figures capable of giving life to an admittedly polymorphic project, not only in terms of design. At its market launch, FALABRAC confirmed a clear intention: to discover the application potential of 3D printing for product design, with a pipeline capable of combining the innovative qualities of 3D technologies with the renown tradition of Italian goldsmith’s art.

The organic shape of the Falabrac bracelet is openly inspired by the reticular structures of architecture. (credit: Protocube Reply)

FALABRAC jewellery design is backed by the use of different 3D software, capable of managing the whole process, from concept to production with 3D printing (credit: Protocube Reply)

FROM LABORATORY TESTS TO INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

The first product line of FALABRAC was launched in 2012, as a result of nearly three years of continuous formal experimentation (based on advanced parametric 3D modelling) and research on materials able to exploit the main advantages of 3D printing, above all, full creative freedom. The new technology plays with shapes to obtain new properties from materials that would not normally allow them. This is the case of the flexibility offered by reticular structures, in which cross-sections are drastically reduced while offering a mechanical strength equal to, or greater than that obtained in a traditional way. 3D printing extends the application limits of conventional materials.

FALABRAC did not stop here, practically demonstrating what was already asserted in theory. It went the extra mile. The potential of 3D printing has become one of the inspiring principles of its design. The starting point is to design the form in new terms, not using additive manufacturing to achieve something that could be done even in the traditional way.

The FALABRAC product catalogue is composed of necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings inspired by different lines, with a production essentially based on the combination of two materials: Nycrotech (a patented material derived from nylon made in 3D printing in different colour variations) and silver, produced in the goldsmith laboratories of Valenza in a limited edition certified by a serial number printed on each jewel.

FALABRAC products have been exhibited in many events and trade shows around the world, from Triennale di Milano to the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Chicago. Its criteria of commercial distribution are also very selective, thanks to the collaboration of exclusive jewellers and design shops.

Falabrac jewels are also a good fit for events and museums, in the collections dedicated to design and exclusive digital craftsmanship. Milan Design Week is no exception (credit: Protocube Reply)

The Filidinuvola collection shows all its chromatic splendour in the marketing campaign for the launch of a jewellery line featuring a set of composed of a ring, a bracelet, earrings and a necklace (credit: Protocube Reply)

TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN SHAPES IN THE NAME OF TRADITION. THE GOAL: SERIAL PRODUCTION

With a strong will to leave its niche behind, FALABRAC immediately aimed at positioning its brand on the market, to respond to a very specific need: demonstrating that 3D printing, beyond its prototype applications, is perfectly compatible with production logics. It provides the necessary support to those entrepreneurial strategies that aim to innovate their products without setting limits in terms of creativity, keeping full control of the costs and sustainability of the project. FALABRAC has created its products for manufacturing, taking care of every detail concerning the final distribution. In addition to the design of the jewels, big attention has been given to the packaging and logistics, this latter greatly facilitated by the production flexibility of 3D printing.

THE ENDLESS FORMS OF DESIGN – NOT ONLY JEWELLERY

FALABRAC’s product catalogue focuses mainly on the production of jewellery, but the 3D modelling and printing technologies used in this field prove to be tools that can be also used to create and manufacture industrial design products.

In addition to characterising jewellery lines, Fili di Nuvola and Millebolle inspired also the design of lamps, made in different colour variations (credit: Protocube Reply)

On request, it is also possible to customise a design project to meet the merchandising needs of brands interested in offering innovative solutions to their customers.

The experience of FALABRAC has enabled Protocube Reply to create a white-label product for the needs of other brands, especially in the area of product merchandising. The image shows the bracelet and pendant marketed by Alfa Romeo (credit: Protocube Reply)

For further information on the technologies used to create FALABRAC products, please see: Merchandising in 3D printing

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