The whole new approach to building designs that can actually give you a great output, and in this method, the system builds structures layer-by-layer with the application of concrete, mortar or plastic and which is also controlled by large-scale, computer-monitored printers. The system translates a series of instructions which is in a digital design file into the printer and the printer then deposits a continuous stream of materials mentioned above to produce walls, components or sometimes the entire buildings on-site or off-site. The method has its own advantages and disadvantages but it is also getting popular around the world because of its lesser time consumption for the end result compared to other methods.
1. How it Works
- The 3D printer is used to automate the process of manufacturing the entire building structures or its elements to effectively reduce cost of production and its time duration. The printing can be carried out both onsite and offsite, and instead of ink the machine uses construction materials and they are printed layer-upon-layer, technically called additive manufacturing or additive construction.
- The technology was firstly introduced in the 1980s and the credibility is questioned by many intellectuals of that time but now, because of the improvements of techniques used, which greatly allows the efficient creation of three-dimensional objects by imposing successive layers of material one-by-one.
- The possibilities are endless in this era of 3D printers; you can apply this technology to almost all areas of constructions around the world. It can help you create specific components for your projects and even the complex structures like houses, offices, bridges and modular structures, everything is possible.
- The core system revolves around the design process, which includes computer aided manufacturing process and Building Information Modelling. They continue to bloom in the construction sector and those technologies make the complication of integration of 3D printing technologies so low like anyone with basics can do that.
- CAD or BMI programs are mainly used for the design and the 3D printer then receives the info of what it needs to be printed and the system starts to overlay required material levels according to the indications that are set in the machine or the design. Most common materials used are the mixture of concrete, geo type polymers, fiber and sand.
2. Key Advantages
- Reduced Time: Traditional construction projects can take up to months to complete and they can also have cost overruns to take care with. But in the case of 3D printing, the duration can be reduced to a maximum of 70% of the time and depending on the magnitude of the project, it can be completed in a matter of hours or days.
- Fashionably Sustainable and Cost Effective: This system can reduce the construction waste to be generated at the job site up to 60% because which uses the precise amount of materials will be used to lift the structure up. 3D printing also reduces the material purchases and its subsequent storage as well, thus cutting costs on both.
- Safety: According to OSHA reports, in America there are 1 in 10 workers on construction sites injured or get hurt each year. But this can be reduced by 3D printing technology and properly using it in on or off site works as per the company guide lines.
- Design Flexibility: The design is yours to work on even at the last minute of printing starts. Which means that the last-minute changes in plan won’t affect the construction processes and that won’t be the case in traditional ways of construction, in which, plan changes may delay the entire process for at least a month.
3. Challenges and New Opportunities
- There are challenges like service providers should have to convince the masses about the 3D printing, a lot of people would be in serious doubt because it’s a new approach to construction and it takes a lot of effort from the companies to actually make people believe in this new technology and the hope is that, it can be achieved by continuous and authentic efforts.
- Refusing to Bet on the Machineries: Even though the process of printing is cost-effective compared to traditional ways but there are still things to be considered of like; to acquire and operate the machinery necessary for 3D printing is so expensive and large companies are still refusing to believe in its significance making it harder to reach new heights in the world of construction technology.
- Lack of Trained Professionals: Since it is a new concept, the industry needs some time to adopt and welcome new professionals who are really passionate and ready to do wonders in 3D printing around the world. Which requires professionals such as, those who can handle the technology behind 3D printing, those who got the training in designing the computer models, those who can operate and provide proper maintenance of the machine they are needed to operate etc.
- The Regulations: From the perspective of governments, 3D printing technology should be properly studied and they have to come up with proper structure or system from which its subjects can truly rely on the credibility of this new way of construction. Clear guidelines should be provided for the enhancements of people who are going to use the technology and to reduce the possibilities of such misunderstandings from the side of the company or the customers.
- The Size Problem: Printers are huge and it needs to be huge in order to print huge structures and that’s a problem. Think about it and come up with possible solutions that can change the world, and you can freely say, “I am and my unique idea is also changing this cute celestial ball”. 😉