Development of a Large-Scale Artifact for a Wine Visitor Center Using Additive Manufacturing Technologies

As the wine industry grows increasingly competitive, professionals from different brands strive to differentiate their products and capture the attention of consumers to distinguish themselves in the market. To this end, a collaborative project was undertaken with INEGI (Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) to develop a captivating artifact by large-scale 3D printing technology to be exhibited and provide a new experience for visitors at Poças Visitor’s Center, a wine company situated in Vila Nova de Gaia. This article reports on the design and development process, where it was possible contribute to the exploration of the technology and the best strategies were sought for constructing an effective, functional and esthetically pleasing product. For its production, polypropylene reinforced with 30% glass fiber was used, followed by post-processing and application of an electronic system, interactive and with sounds produced in collaboration with a Portuguese musician. During the practical tests, a study of the technology was made, the best strategies for the construction of the pieces were highlighted and the limitations too. As a result, an interactive large-scale 3D-printed artifact was developed to contribute to a more immersive experience at Poças Visitor’s Center.