Using 3D printing, architects can build complex shapes and even structures in remote locations. This technology isn’t just a flashy novelty- it’s an essential tool for realizing design vision; building in dangerous or difficult terrain; and saving time, money, and materials.
The most common 3D printers use extrusion technology, which suits lightweight materials. It’s behind the consumer 3D-printing craze and has been used to print the largest structures, including a 42-foot bandshell in Nashville.
1. Eco-friendly
When it comes to construction, the biggest environmental problem is waste. The average traditionally built home generates 4.4 pounds of waste per square foot, which ends up in landfills and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
3D printing can eliminate that waste by printing only the materials needed for a project on-demand. This cuts out the need for traditional fabrication and supply chain activities that produce a significant carbon footprint.
In addition, many of the common 3D printing filaments available are recyclable, including PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified), polycarbonate, and nylon. Some of these filaments are also biodegradable and derived from plant-based, natural or recycled materials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people used their personal 3D printers to print medical equipment like face shield frames.
Moreover, 3D printing has the potential to create more environmentally friendly concrete, which is an essential building material. Using eco-friendly cements produced by 3D printers reduces the amount of carbon dioxide and toxins released into the air and water, making it an important environmental solution. Additionally, the ability to print buildings using a variety of materials—including recycled plastics and eco-friendly concrete—allows for zero-waste construction that can help slow climate change.
2. Structural integrity
The use of 3D printing can reduce the amount of time and money that goes into the construction of a building. This is especially beneficial for countries that are experiencing a shortage of skilled labor, since it can eliminate the need to hire expensive specialists to oversee the process.
As a result, this can help to make homes more affordable for families and individuals. Furthermore, it can also improve the quality of a home’s structural integrity. This is important because 3D printed structures are designed to be as strong as possible. However, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed before the technology can be widely used in the construction industry.
For example, there is a need for more established standards and norms to ensure the safety and strength of 3D printed structures. Also, some of the printers currently available can be very expensive, limiting their use to large projects. However, new solutions are being developed that could reduce the cost of printing concrete and other materials for construction purposes. These innovations are making it possible for the technology to become more mainstream and accessible to a wider range of people.
3. Economical
While the potential of 3D printing is enormous, it hasn’t quite reached construction sites yet. Currently, the technology can only address up to 45 percent of all cost types, which include finishing/surfaces, windows, doors and hidden components like plumbing or energy fixtures.
Nonetheless, the concept can revolutionize production systems by altering supply chains. Rather than shipping physical products, companies could send digital designs that are printed or “manufactured” at a printer’s location of choice. This could significantly reduce capital requirements and the need for warehousing and logistics.
Additionally, 3D printing increases the viability of reshoring as it cuts down on labour costs. This shift in production would also benefit local economies, as it allows companies to refocus on domestic markets rather than global ones. Similarly, it would eliminate concerns over cross border shipping including violations of workers’ rights, environmental impacts and tax evasion. The result could be a profound change in the world’s economy, turning global supply chains and the assembly line model perfected over 100 years ago on its head. The impact is expected to be especially significant in developing countries.
4. Time-saving
In addition to reducing the need to transport energy-intensive materials, 3D printing also cuts down on construction waste. Unlike traditional methods, which require a lot of cutting and subtracting of material, printers print layer by layer, only using what is needed. This allows for the use of recycled products and eco-friendly cements.
The first step in creating a printed object is to create a virtual design of the object using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This will work like a blueprint for the printer to read. The CAD model is then broken down into layers. The printer releases sand grains until the desired layer thickness is achieved, then drops a bonding agent that hardens and binds the sand together.
This method is incredibly efficient, as the process can take just seconds to complete. Additionally, when a new design is required, it’s simple to alter the digital file without losing any material or money. This is a huge benefit for businesses as it eliminates wasted time and money. In fact, it’s so efficient that NASA and Made in Space have used a 3D printer on the space station to make a ratchet tool in just two hours.
5. Customization
Whether it’s the design of sunglasses or shoes, consumers are demanding more products that feel personalised. Mass customization is a key trend, and digital manufacturing technologies like 3D printing are playing an essential role in it.
In construction, 3D printing enables architects to create structures with curvilinear forms that wouldn’t be possible with conventional building techniques. Furthermore, structural components generated by 3D printers use less material than those fabricated using concrete-forming methods.
The technology also eliminates the need to onsite storage, which cuts down on labor costs. This is especially important as the industry experiences a labor shortage.
Additionally, 3D printing allows for the transfer of plans directly to the printer, eliminating translation errors. This also automates the process, removing humans from potentially hazardous situations, such as reading blueprints in the field or moving materials around a construction site. This is a significant improvement as deaths in the industry are caused by transportation accidents, falls, exposure to harmful substances, and fires. With automated and efficient construction, these risks are reduced to near zero. The result is a safer, faster and more affordable way to build.