## From Concept to Creation: How It All Began

Founded in 2018, Model No. started with a wild idea: use 3D printing for making sustainable furniture. Initially, they built their own 3D printers. But DIY only goes so far. “We were building our own 3D printers,” Model No. CEO Phillip Raub explained. “It wasn’t scalable.” You see, the market didn’t have the right tech back then. Then came the game-changer: [Titan Robotics](https://www.titan3drobotics.com/), now part of [3D Systems Corporation](https://www.3dsystems.com/).

## Scaling Up: Tech Partnerships and Innovations

The partnership with 3D Systems allowed Model No. to scale their production. “I think there’s tremendous progress that has happened in the last ten or twenty years in terms of hardware, software, and materials,” said Rahul Kasat, VP at 3D Systems. This has led to next-gen 3D printing, making once-impossible ideas like 3D-printed chairs a reality. Now, they’re pushing boundaries like never before.

## The Cool Factor: Design Meets Sustainability

“We’ve got a product which we make using either biodegradable or compostable materials,” said Raub. Picture this: sleek furniture that doesn’t just look good but also feels good for the planet. They use materials like cellu-acetate, which make their products almost look injection-molded. No kidding, these prints come off so clean.

## Zero Waste Dream: Almost Here

Model No. is dead serious about reducing waste. They hold no inventory—everything’s made to order. Their model slashes waste by 90% and cuts carbon emissions by 50%. “Additive manufacturing just about eliminates the waste of other manufacturing processes,” said Cory Bonnet, a sustainability expert from Pittsburgh. In their world, even the sawdust has a second life. They mix it back into polymers to create a unique wood print. It’s a full-on regenerative process.

## Consumer Appeal: What Really Matters

For Raub, it’s not just about the tech. “Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how cool the process and the manufacturing [are],” he said. “You ultimately have to have a well-designed product that people desire and want.” And they’ve nailed it. Bonnet chimed in too: “They’re beautiful. Large 3D-printed sculptures from a design—it adds a layer of marketability.”

## The Tech Behind the Magic

### Materials and Techniques

– **Biodegradable Materials**: Products like cellu-acetate.
– **No Inventory**: Everything is printed on demand.
– **Reclaimed Wood**: Even the sawdust gets used.

### Environmental Impact

– **Waste Reduction**: 90%
– **Carbon Emission Cut**: 50%
– **Power**: Renewable energy.

### Looking Ahead

There’s still room to grow and innovate. It’s a new frontier, and Model No. is leading the charge. The nuances of customer preferences still need to catch up, but they’re well on their way. The blend of eco-consciousness and sheer desirability of their furniture is setting a new standard.

In the end, it’s about more than just furniture. It’s about revolutionizing an industry, one 3D print at a time.