3D Reefs
Join Us in the Restoration of Our Reefs Using 3D Printing Technology
The Reef Star
At 3DPotter, we take pride in manufacturing 3D printers that support impactful projects, such as habitat restoration. The largest marine restoration initiative we’ve contributed to is The ReefLine, located in Miami Beach, FL. Our role in this project involved developing several cement, starfish-inspired vessels using our Scara Elite and Scara Elite Roadrunner.
These structures will soon be fully submerged off the shore of Miami Beach, forming an underwater sculpture park and snorkel trail. Beyond serving as a unique attraction that reconnects local communities with the ocean, the project also represents a major step forward for marine life restoration. Once installed, the vessels will foster coral growth and help establish a thriving marine sanctuary to support ecosystem recovery.
As Seen in Art Basel
This revolutionary project was displayed by The ReefLine at Art Basel Miami 2024. Although these stunning sea stars were viewed on the beach for this exhibit, the structures are soon to be fully submerged as part of an underwater sculpture park and snorkel trail. This innovative idea will enhance coral growth, creating new habitats for marine life, while connecting local communities with the ocean.
100% 3D Printed
At 3DPotter, we are committed to sustainability. In collaboration with The ReefLine and Sika USA, we are proud to have printed thirty-five cement sea stars in just 3 weeks. Each star we developed was printed using our Scara Elite or Scara Elite Roadrunner. These machines are ideal for large-scale cementitious printing.
3D Printed Coral Reef Seeding Units by Architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello
It’s an honor to see our 3D PotterBot being used to create coral reef seed pods that support marine habitat restoration. Architects Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello (working together as Rael San Fratello) are featured by MoMA in this clip, where they discuss their development of printable recycled materials, along with their work in coral reef restoration and addressing the housing crisis in California’s Bay Area.
Developed in collaboration with SECORE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to coral reef restoration, these seeding units protect coral larvae, allowing them to settle and reproduce. We’re proud to have contributed to such a meaningful project and look forward to continuing to build a better planet through 3D printing technology.
Watch the 3D PotterBot in action at 01:28
Coral Designs
In addition to large-scale projects, we’re always thinking of new ideas at our workshop in Palm City, FL. For this effort, we used our Scara Elite Roadrunner to print a few identical coral pieces, which were then molded into this piece. Perfect for coastal home decor or ready to be submerged!