RCA graduates create sculptures in minutes using product design waste materials

"Hot Wire Extensions explores a new and exciting way of making that transforms line structures into solid bodies," say Fabio Hendry and Seong Il Choi, the founders of experimental design team Studio Ilio. "We believe [the project] possesses the potential for large-scale production."

The new process makes use of simple wire structures, which are then transformed into solid sculptures using cheap, waste nylon powder from 3D printing. It all begins with a basic structure formed from nichrome wire – an alloy of nickel, chromium and iron – which is then placed in a container of cristobalite sand. An electrical current is then run through the structure, which heats to 500°c, melting the nylon powder and causing it to adhere to the bone-like structure.

The end result is a body of smooth, curved objects, with a unique ghostly appeal that look like they've grown organically, but also have the potential to be a ecologically sound as well as commercial viable.

With increasing awareness of climate change and a turn to long-term thinking, product designers are becoming ever more innovative with their use of materials. We’ve looked at Adidas’ collaboration with Parley on trainers created out of ocean waste, and Kaffeeform’sinnovative coffee cups made from ground coffee waste.