Construction is a necessary process. But it brings with it a lot of waste. What if you could build structures faster, with less waste, and at a fraction of the cost? Even if it may sound far-fetched, this is something that 3D printing will be making possible to a large extent. Let’s look into how 3D printing can be a game changer for the future of construction.
3D printing is like building something out of Lego bricks. But instead of snapping blocks together, the 3D printer deposits material like plastic, metal or concrete layer by layer to create a physical object using a digital design. Some of them might require additional steps like sanding, painting or even assembling different parts. When it comes to construction, you have to use large-scale printers. You will also need to do all the plumbing, wiring and windows manually after you build the 3D-printed house.
The first thing you should know is that a 3-D printer used in construction looks nothing like the ones you have at home. They are huge – sometimes as big as a house or even larger, depending upon what it prints and where it is. If you look into it, you can find that there are different types of printers. For example, the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers are the most common ones used for printing plastic objects. A Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to harden liquid resin into solid layers, while the SLS uses lasers to fuse powdered materials into solid objects in the shapes you desire. This is how printing on a 3D printer works. Your architect and engineer will first create a detailed blueprint of the building using computer-aided design (CAD) software according to your requirements.
Your architect and engineer will first create a detailed blueprint of the building using computer-aided design (CAD) software according to your requirements.
Once you confirm the design, they convert it to a format that a 3D printer can understand. A special software tool “slices” the 3D model into thin horizontal layers that guide the send it to the 3D printer to begin the printing process.
The printer’s nozzle, also called the print head, moves around based on the instructions from the sliced model to deposit the material layer by layer from the base working its way up. The 3D printer allows each layer to cool or harden before applying the next one.
Even with all the precision, architects will still need workers to work on the interiors and other features like plumbing, electrical wiring, windows, doors etc.
There is more than one reason why 3D printing stands out from traditional methods. Here are some main advantages of 3D printing in construction
You can have your home or structures built much faster with 3D printing. While traditional buildings can take months or years, there have been records of companies printing entire houses in less than 24 hours.
Since you don’t require as many workers on site, it reduces labor costs. Also, the materials used in 3D printing are more affordable than traditional construction supplies making the whole process more cost-effective.
With 3D printing, you can calculate the exact amount of material that you need for the construction. You don’t have to waste materials while cutting them to size effectively making them more sustainable.
3D printing gives builders more freedom to create custom designs which may be too intricate or challenging to build with conventional methods.
Because automated 3D printing is automated, it is precise and reduces the chances of human error.
3D printing can be used to build structures in places that are difficult to access like remote locations, deserts etc.
Learning about different types of 3D printing gives you a sense of how versatile this technology is
Concrete Printing is the most common one usually popular for building homes. It uses a special concrete mix used in 3D printers.
Even though it is not so common, experts have been exploring the possibility of using metal 3D printing to create structural components like beams etc that are lightweight and strong.
This is used when you require a lot of creativity and flexibility in design. Also, they are not used for main structures, only for components like fixtures or decorative elements.
No technology is ever perfect, and while 3D printing has its advantages, there are also a few challenges you may face
3D printers are very costly, and while you may save money over time, the initial cost is high.
Right now, 3D printing technology is very new and limited to materials like concrete, polymers and some metals only.
Construction is highly regulated, and 3D printing may not be able to meet them easily.
