3D printing used for Beijing flower displays

Designers of the floral displays that will line Beijing's centerpiece Chang'an Avenue for the 70th anniversary of the victory of the anti- Japan ese aggression war are using 3D printing to build preparatory models of their creations.

The floral arrays are being designed by computer and descriptions of different beds sent to 3D printers to produce miniature mock-ups. These models can be more accurate than traditional ways of modeling such as clay sculptures, said Li Jining, spokesperson for Beijing Flowers and Trees Company, which is responsible for the displays.

With flowers on Chang'an Avenue a major fixture of public occasions in Beijing, the 3D printing technology was used for the first time ahead of last year's National Day celebrations.

In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in early September, the avenue will be decorated with 25,000 square meters of flowers. They will remain in place for the National Day celebrations on Oct. 1, with gardeners taking care of them and replacing those with short blooming periods.