American football enthusiasts preparing for the pinnacle of the season will be welcomed not only by the game, but also by a breakthrough achievement in engineering. The Al Davis Memorial Torch, crafted by Dimensional Innovations, will stand as a soaring homage to the late owner of the franchise.
At Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, a 93-foot tall tower dominates the landscape. Composed of 226 3D printed blocks, this structure is set to become the world’s tallest free-standing 3D printed structure. Each block is made from a composite of carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate and weighs around 350 lbs, contributing to a total of over 100,000 lbs in raw materials.
The torch’s distinctiveness doesn’t end with the blocks; its exterior features 1,148 unique aluminum panels that have been carefully painted and polished to maximize reflectivity. Weighing over 35,000 lbs in total, these panels form an eye-catching contrast between the Raiders logo and the base finish, augmenting the visual appeal of the torch.
This architectural feat is accentuated by a clear coated modern woodgrain finish on its lower section that highlights the textured print of the composite material underneath. The tireless efforts of eighteen employees, totaling to almost 50,000 hours, was the backbone of its inception, production, and setup.
Sports Practice Director at Dimensional Innovations, Justin Wood, stated with pride that their team hadn’t encountered a project of such large magnitude or complexity before.
“No one had. Our dedicated team toiled relentlessly to design, print, build, verify, and install this commemorative torch to symbolize the unwavering spirit of the Raiders organization. We eagerly anticipate the fans’ reactions when they experience this architectural marvel firsthand during “the Big Game”,” he said.
The torch, which has been the stadium’s point of attraction, was first unveiled in 2020. Carol Davis, wife of Al Davis, had the honor to ceremoniously light it as a tribute to him. Since then, it continues to captivate visitors with its magnificence and symbolism.
As spectators gather at the Allegiant Stadium, they will not only watch a thrilling game but also see a powerful symbol of innovation and memory, rising the bar in 3D printing and architectural design.
Source: dimin.com
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