Ekimate x AI-Assisted Design x Form 4: Project Case Study on 'Craftsmanship Embracing the Body' Published

Expert Material Laboratories Inc. announced the publication of a case study for the project 'Proposal for 3D-Printed Body-Compliant Daily Life Tools via AI Design Support,' which won the Tokyo Business Design Award 2025 Theme Award. The project utilizes 'Ekimate,' an office resin compliant with the Food Sanitation Act.

This project was conducted in collaboration with STUDIO JIN and Future Craft Institute (Mirai Kogei Kenkyusho). With support from YOKOITO Co., Ltd., an authorized Formlabs distributor, the case study article and video were produced using the Formlabs Form 4 high-speed SLA 3D printer.

The project focused on designing and manufacturing customized cutlery for a user with congenital hand physical characteristics, using AI-assisted design support to match the individual's physical needs and usage patterns. Traditionally, SLA printing had limitations in food-contact applications due to solvent cleaning, odor, and post-processing burdens.

Ekimate, however, is a water-washable, food-safe resin that simplifies operation. By using the AI-assisted design system from Future Craft Institute, users can reflect their preferences through dialogue, enabling personalized shape generation in a shorter cycle. This project demonstrates the potential for 'manufacturing tailored to the individual' rather than 'manufacturing for the average.'