A technological edge
Il Pennaio set about creating a landmark range of new 3D printed fountain pens that would push past the limits of existing pen-making techniques, creating an unprecedented range of designs.
Teaming with Florenradica, a parts and accessories manufacturer for high-end fashion, Il Pennaio turned to the cutting edge of technology to provide brand new capabilities and the ideal juxtaposition to Duchessa’s traditional background.

Challenges
Requiring both sophisticated color manipulation to create unique, stand-out designs and advanced technical expertise to ensure the full functionality of each pen’s mechanical parts, the project involved complexities beyond the scope of Florenradica’s usual creations. Whilst the company’s work in the high-end fashion arena typically focuses on aesthetics rather than mechanics, it was critical for the new Duchessa range to fulfil both sets of demands. The combination of Stratasys’ technical knowledge, Florenradica’s design expertise and Il Pennaio’s industry insight, made the impossible achievable.

Values
Leveraging Stratasys’ multi-color, multi-material J8 Series™ PolyJet™ 3D printing technology, the duo was able to produce a line of contemporary, stand-out designs that have put Duchessa 1935 back on the map almost a century on from its inception.

The new designs – featuring vibrant color combinations and intricate patterns – would have been unachievable even with other 3D printers, let alone via traditional manufacturing methods, according to Fabio Moricci, Co-Owner, Il Pennaio.

This is because the Stratasys printers can vibrantly and accurately produce over 640,000 unique color and texture combinations, including Pantone Verified colors.

Quote: Fabio Moricci | Co-Owner, Il Pennaio
“Having tested the same designs, other 3D printers weren’t able to produce results that were even near comparable; we truly believe Stratasys is the only provider that can deliver the exceptional quality that luxury, high-end brands demand.”