Olivier van Herpt, a Belgian designer and engineer, has made a breakthrough in the world of 3D printing by creating a printer capable of working with clay. This printer uses a unique piston-based extruder to accurately print complex and functional objects from various types of clay.  

Van Herpt, known for his innovative design and technology projects, has long been interested in the possibilities of 3D printing to create ceramic products. However, he was faced with the fact that existing printers were not adapted to work with clay, which is a more complex material than plastic or metal.  

Van Herpt decided to take on this task and spent two years researching and developing his own clay printer. He experimented with different clay compositions to find optimal printing parameters, and eventually developed an extruder that can precisely control the flow of clay and create complex and functional objects.  

The printer can create both decorative items such as vases and sculptures, as well as functional items such as tableware and building materials. He believes that his printer will become a revolutionary tool for the production of ceramics and open up new opportunities for creative expression and innovation.