From sonic waveforms to robotic beetles eerily clad in exoskeletons resembling human bones, 3D Printshow is not only a gathering of companies and vendors but a gallery of artists and designers exploring the technology as medium. The fourth floor of the Metropolitan Pavilion on the border of NYC’s Chelsea neighborhood has literally been turned into an “Art Gallery” (above) displaying works that examine both the material and conceptual properties of 3D printed objects. And even throughout the vendors on the first floor you’ll find art sprinkled in many booths.

As you might have guessed, these objects are entirely sculptural and are best examined and experienced in three dimensions. If you’re around town this weekend the show is open to the public from 9:30am-5:30pm on Saturday. There’s lots to see beyond the purely technological advancements and comparisons to be made between competing vendors (with everything from printers to scanners to software and services on view). Here is just a sampling of what artists and designers are using 3D printers for:





















Tickets and venue information can be found on the 3D Printshow website.