Las Vegas Raiders — Al Davis Memorial Torch
“
The enormity of the torch, both physically and ideologically, will carry on the memory of
Mr. Davis for years to come and we’re proud to have played a part in that."
Tucker Trotter, CEO, Dimensional Innovations
Commemorating the long-time franchise owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, the vision for the Al Davis Memorial Torch required an approach beyond traditional fabrication methods. With this challenge in mind, we proposed an unconventional idea: the torch, standing over nine stories tall, would become the world’s tallest free-standing 3D-printed structure.
DI worked closely with Mark Davis, current owner of the Raiders and son of Al Davis, along with other leaders from the organization to ensure the torch paid homage to the influential owner. In addition to the Raiders, we collaborated with MANICA Architecture, original conceptual designer of the torch; Mortenson-McCarthy, general contractor; HNTB, architect of record for Allegiant Stadium; Ultratech Aerospace; A. Zahner; Bob D. Campbell Engineering; Astound Group; and Purdue University in its design and creation. Eighteen DI employees have dedicated nearly 50,000 hours developing, creating and installing the structure.
In 2019, our team acquired a 5’ x 10’ x 20’ Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) machine—one of three existing models created for large-scale 3D-printing in the United States—to begin the project. While other fabrication methods couldn’t recreate the torch’s unique shape with precision and minimal waste, the LSAM was going to make this complex project possible.
The Al Davis Memorial Torch is constructed of 226 3D-printed blocks made of carbon fiber, reinforced polycarbonate composite, each weighing approximately 350 lbs. Over 100,000 lbs. of raw material were used to print the blocks, which were then machined on a five-axis router to a tolerance of approximately the width of a human hair.
50,000
Hours needed to develop, create and install the memorial
93 feet
The height of the torch, from base to tip
Learn more about 3D Printing, Attraction Design, and Branded Fan Experiences.
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Justin Wood
Principal / Sports + Higher Education Practice Director
With over 20 years of experience communicating and developing meaningful projects with clients, Justin Wood brings an unparalleled range of expertise to Dimensional Innovations. As the Sports and Higher Education Practice Director,... more about Justin Wood
Rick Smith
VP/ECD Experiential Design
A truly versatile designer, manager and creative leader, Rick Smith brings more than 20 years experience to DI. Rick inspires excellence in DI’s creative team, crafting fully integrated designs and rich experiences with end users in... more about Rick Smith