Design Ice Norway is one of the world’s leading suppliers of constructions, sculptures and buildings made of snow and ice. Working with clients worldwide, they design and produce a wide variety of ice projects from event celebrations, product launches, small sculpture to more large-scale projects – such as working on the famed Ice Hotel each year. Their expertise is creating the most incredible constructions to enable their clients to have the wow factor. A bespoke CNC Robot system , developed by CNC Robotics, has enabled design ice to work on new projects and expand their offering.

robotic case studies - design ice
bespoke cnc robot

Background

When Norwegian winters drop down to -40 ºC, the ice is ready to harvest by the Design Ice team using specially made cutting equipment. The ice blocks can weigh up to 1500 kg with a melting time of 3–5 days at room temperature. Working in a specially designed freezing hall allows the skilled team to develop and build ice structures and ice sculptures. The majority of the work is prefabricated to save time when out on assignments, but time is of the essence even in freezing conditions.

Requirements

The team at Design Ice were looking for a tool that could be flexible given the wide range of designs they are commissioned to undertake; a tool which needed to be accurate to allow for intricate detailing but which could also increase production output times when working in a challenging environment and with a substance affected by heat exposure.

Solution

CNC Robotics worked with Design Ice to create a robotic system that could incorporate an electro spindle head for intricate design detail as well as an extended 4 ft chainsaw attachment which could cut the large-scale ice blocks down into smaller pieces quickly and accurately. The 6-axis KUKA robot was installed in their freezing hall in Norway and works effectively and continuously in harsh sub-zero temperatures.

bespoke cnc robot
bespoke cnc robot

Benefits

Having invested in a bespoke CNC Robot system, Design Ice can undertake each project efficiently and to a high quality. The Design Ice craftsmen and designers can increase their offering and speed of service to their global customers. Finding new ideas and solutions to give customers more than they expect and in a much quicker turnaround, has allowed them to be more competitive and win more customers in the European and North American market.

Thomas Orderud 

Design Ice Norway