With the goal of becoming more than the home to future Las Vegas Raiders, Allegiant Stadium decided to build the largest 3D printed structure in the world.
With the support of Dimensional Innovations (DI), a design, technology, and fabrication firm, Allegiant Stadium has built the Al Davis Memorial Torch, a 93-foot (28.3464m) commemorative structure to honor the long-time franchise owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The torch, standing over nine stories tall, has the pending designation as the world’s tallest 3D-printed structure and is the focal point of Allegiant Stadium.
Built with 225 3D-printed blocks made of carbon fiber, reinforced polycarbonate composite, each weighing approximately 350 lbs, the AI Davis Memorial Torch required the use of a Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) 3D printer and five-axis router for its production.
ALL Images via DI – https://dimin.com/ 
Over 100,000 lbs (45359 kg) of raw material were used to print the blocks, which were then machined on a five-axis router to a tolerance of approximately the width of a human hair.
Additionally, 1,148 unique surface panels, made from over 35,000 lbs (15876 kg). of raw aluminum, make up the reflective surface of the torch. Each was robotically painted and boasts a custom finish for seamless reflectivity while showing contrast between the Raiders logo and the base finish. The lower portion of the torch is clear coated to display a 21st century woodgrain – a layered texture resulting from the routing of printed composite.
“Our team has worked relentlessly over the past year to develop, print, fabricate, test and install the memorial torch to ensure it conveys the symbolic flame that burns brightest in the Raiders organization,” said Tucker Trotter, CEO, Dimensional Innovations. “The enormity of the torch, both physically and ideologically, will carry on the memory of Mr. Davis for years to come and we’re proud to have played a part in that.”
DI worked closely with Mark Davis, current owner of the Raiders and son of Al Davis, along with other leaders from the organization to ensure the torch paid homage to the influential owner. In addition to the Raiders, DI collaborated with Manica Architecture, stadium architect and original conceptual designer of the torch; Ultratech Aerospace; A. Zahner; Bob D. Campbell for the torch’s structural engineering; Astound Group; and Purdue University in its design and creation. Eighteen DI employees have dedicated nearly 50,000 hours developing, creating and installing the structure.
“Al Davis maintains a significant and lasting influence on the Raiders organization, so we knew his legacy needed to shine bright at their new stadium in Las Vegas,” said Justin Wood, Sports Practice Director, Dimensional Innovations. “Building the torch was a significant undertaking and one we knew was important to get right. We’re thrilled with the final result and the homage it pays to Mr. Davis.”
Today, the Memorial Torch has become one of the best hangout spots in the entire place.
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