3D printing or additive manufacturing is a form of digital fabrication technology that has become a popular construction method across the globe. The advancements in technology and science have brought forth digital construction technologies that make designing and providing time-effective, well-coordinated, and precise design projects much more accessible. Researchers have engineered and studied various materials to make this technology more sustainable and reliable for construction. The evolution of this technology is awaited to be explored.
What is 3D Printing Technology in Construction?
Additive manufacturing or 3D Construction Printing (3DCP or 3DP) is manufacturing construction components or complete structures through an automated 3D printer built for construction. The traditional inks for a printer are replaced by a unique construction material that allows layer-by-layer printing. This process can be carried out offsite with assembly or complete on-site construction.
A significant amount of data is generated for 3D printing technology in the construction industry, which integrates seamlessly with computer-aided manufacturing (CAD) and building information modelling (BIM), widely used in the building industry. It provides the necessary data to create a 3D object by layering material layers in response to signals. Although various materials can be used, concrete, fibre, geo-polymers, and sand are the most commonly used components.
History: Origin
In 1939, William E. Urschel constructed a 3D-printed house in a small warehouse in Indiana, United States. Although the printer material was not a topic of discussion at that time, Urschel used concrete to build the house. He called his invention the “Wall Building Machine”, featuring an automatic ramming instrument that compressed the concrete between spinning disks, smoothing each layer as it was placed. Over the years, a lot has changed in the field of 3D printing, and there is still much to be explored and developed.
Japanese inventor Hideo Kodama began his journey on various materials used for printing in 1981; this was the earliest ever mention and attempt recorded for 3D printing. This attempt was followed by Chuck Hull, who started experimenting with stereolithography, creating tiny prototypes of designs for manufacture. The introduction of 3D has greatly benefitted inventors; it provided them with a way to create a prototype rather than model the project from scratch, saving much money and time.
Development and Present
Since the 1990s, several organisations have come forward to revolutionise the Architectural, Engineering and Construction industries with modular concepts of full-scale projects. By 1992, 3D systems made it possible to create complex designs that could be built quickly. By 2000, several other industries, such as arts, medicine, etc, saw a rise in the use of technology, which impacted the upward development of 3D printing in the industry.
By 2004, an Italian engineer, Enrico Dini, developed the D-shaped printer, designed with a bidder jet technology for large-scale buildings. 2006 was the year when the first Selective Layer Synthesis (SLS) machine was made available, which allowed materials to be melted and enabled the manufacture of industrial parts. By 2009, several companies started experimenting, and by 2014, the first 3D-printed construction was witnessed.
A Chinese company, Winsun, designed ten small-scale, cost-effective houses with fibre, cement and glass. Several other inventions were noted that year, like the first commercial robot of 3D printing and techniques for 3D printing structural steel and 3D printed sand for earthquake-resistant columns and beams. By 2023, several large-scale projects will have been constructed, some working towards affordable living while others are experimenting and prototyping. Several new-age materials have also aided the development, pushing it toward affordable and time-saving construction methods.
Future of 3D Printing in Construction
This technology is set to revolutionise the industry by bringing in several future trends that promise to change how buildings are constructed and designed. One significant trend is the diversification of materials. 3D printing makes printing possible with concrete, mud, metal, and even wood. This opens up many possibilities for architects and builders to experiment with unique designs and create structures that were impossible to build earlier.On-site 3D printing shall reduce building costs and timelines. 3D printers can print items directly on the site, saving money on transportation expenses and cutting down on project completion time. Robotics and automation technologies can also decrease the demand for human labour while improving speed and accuracy.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software can also be helpful, combined with project planning and stakeholder engagement. Using BIM, architects can collaborate on a project to find possible issues and provide solutions as the construction process continues.Architects can use 3D printing to construct complicated designs that were previously unachievable. This will create distinctive, aesthetically spectacular buildings that go beyond the bounds of traditional building methods. 3D printing can offer sustainable construction by using recyclable materials, cutting waste, and creating sustainable, eco-friendly structures.
Mass infrastructure manufacturing can aid by creating affordable homes and reducing the time and expense associated with building structures. Furthermore, in disaster-affected areas, 3D printing can aid in swiftly and effectively constructing emergency shelters.Lastly, standards and regulatory frameworks are essential to effectively using 3D printing in construction. By establishing standards and norms, 3D-printed constructions can be made safe, long-lasting, and compliant with all applicable laws.
References:
- Iribar, I. (2022). 3D Printing In Construction: How Does It Work | CEMEX Ventures. [online] www.cemexventures.com. Available at: https://www.cemexventures.com/3d-printing-in-construction/.
- Caesarstone US. (n.d.). 3D Printing in Architechture: History, Benefits, and the Future. [online] Available at: https://www.caesarstoneus.com/blog/3d-printing-in-architechture-history-benefits-and-the-future/#:~:text=3D%20Printing%20in%20Architecture%3A%20History&text=This%20is%20the%20earliest%20recorded
- ArchDaily. (2023). Infographic: The Evolution of 3D Printing in Architecture, Since 1939. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1005043/infographic-the-evolution-of-3d-printing-in-architecture-since-1939.
- ArchDaily. (2023). Infographic: The Evolution of 3D Printing in Architecture, Since 1939. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1005043/infographic-the-evolution-of-3d-printing-in-architecture-since-1939.
- user (2023). Future Trends in 3D Construction Printing – Tvasta. Tvasta. [online] 9 Sep. Available at: https://tvasta.construction/blogs/future-trends-in-3d-construction-printing/#:~:text=Trend%3A%20The%20technology%20will%20be,provide%20cost-effective%20housing%20solutions.
