Builder is one of the oldest professions in the world. Despite the fact that materials and construction methods have changed over the millennia, the need to build new structures is not going away. Soon we will do it completely differently than before.
In recent years 3D printing technology has taken a significant step forward, penetrating various industrial sectors. One of the most promising areas where 3D printing is starting to make an impact is the construction industry. Thanks to innovative technological solutions, this method of building offers not only time and cost savings, but also a real possibility of reducing the impact of construction on the environment. In the face of the growing challenges of the climate crisis and the housing deficit print 3D may prove to be the key to further development of the construction industry.
New shapes and materials
Architecture has always been a field where creativity meets technical constraints. Traditional construction methods, while effective, often limit design possibilities. 3D printing, on the other hand, opens up new horizons. Instead of standard, simple shapes, architects can now experiment with more complex geometries that were previously difficult or even impossible to create.
One of the more interesting examples is MIT’s cooperation with Evenline, who developed a system for printing bricks from recycled glass. These innovative bricks are shaped like the number eight, which allows them to interlock with each other like LEGO bricks. This solution not only expands the design possibilities, but also fits into the idea of circular construction. By reusing materials like glass, construction processes can become more sustainable and less burdensome for the environment. MIT’s Kaitlyn Becker points out that glass is a material with extraordinary properties that can be almost infinitely recycled, making it ideal for use in future construction projects.
Less time and lower costs
One of the most convincing arguments in favor 3D printing in construction is its ability to significantly shorten the investment implementation time. An example is the construction of the Wave House in Heidelberg – the largest building in Europe printed in 3D technology to date. The construction of this structure took only 140 hours, which is a result that seems almost unrealistic in the context of traditional construction methods.
As Hans-Jörg Kraus, one of the project partners, notes, the traditional construction method would not only extend the construction time, but also raise the costs to unacceptable levels. 3D printing therefore allows not only saving time, but also moneywhich makes it an attractive option for investors.
Time is not the only key factor here. Thanks to prefabrication and automation, construction costs can be significantly reduced. With housing being the backbone of any growing economy, 3D-printed homes offer huge potential to help combat the global housing shortage. The ability to quickly affordable home printing high-quality housing is a solution that can help alleviate housing crises in both developed and developing countries.
The environment can also benefit from all this. The construction industry is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world. According to estimates, as much as 11% of global emissions come from construction processes, including the production and transport of materials. In the face of the climate crisis, it is necessary to find more ecological methods of construction. 3D printing may be one solution to this problem.
Not everyone will like it
Popularization of house construction using 3D printing has its undeniable advantages. However, one must realize that much shorter working hours also means a reduction in the need to employ manual workers. If construction companies switch to this method en masse, there may be a crisis on the labor market, where even specialists with many years of experience will have trouble finding a position. However, not everything is black and white, because new positions will be created for people specialized in working with the second 3D.
In the long run development of 3D printing technology in construction could completely change the way we think about building homes, offices, and other structures. It could also help create temporary, fast-paced structures that can be used in crisis situations, such as natural disasters or sudden population migrations.
Graphics: COBOD
Source: antyweb.pl
