5 Predictions for the Future of 3D Printing in Construction.

It was back in 2004 when Professor Behrokh Khoshnev of the University of South Carolina, used 3D printing to build a wall. Today, it is possible to use this innovative technology to build an entire house in just 24 hours.

Obviously, additive manufacturing has had a huge impact on the construction industry over the years. It has enabled companies to build affordable housing quickly and efficiently. The technology reduces material waste considerably as well as lowers the risk of injury during a project. Plus, it allows companies to construct complex architectural shapes.

The potential of 3D printing technology in this industry is huge and has yet to be reached. The future is definitely looking bright. According to the experts, the concrete 3D printing market has the potential to reach $56.4m in 2021. Other innovations are developing rapidly as well. So, with this in mind, what should we expect to see in the construction industry over the next several years?

New 3D Printing Techniques

3D printing in construction is still in its infancy. There are many things that need to happen in order for this technology to become the more mainstream method of constructing large buildings and infrastructures. This includes advancements in the technology and the creation of new techniques. Below are some examples of current innovations in the industry.

Robotic Arm Extruders

This was an innovation developed by Contour Crafting, using a robotic arm extruder to construct a building by depositing concrete layer by layer. Rails placed around the building's ground are used to guide the extruder as it moves back and forth. Trowels on the side and above the extruder's nozzle ensure that the layers are flattened and have a smooth surface finish.

Because concrete requires time to harden and can be too heavy. For these reasons, the company uses a special mix of concrete - one that has quick setting properties. The company is quite discreet about the progress of its innovation. But they aren't the only company investing in developing a 3D printer to build a large concrete building.

Polar 3D Printer

This huge 3D printer was developed by French company Constructions-3D and features a robotic arm that can build on an area of more than 250 m² and over 8 meters high. This printer is quite unique in that it constructs the building inside the site. Once the building is complete, the printer is taken out of the building through the front door.

Cazza Construction

This company has designed a similar innovation. However, their 3D printer comes with a mobile crane system that allows them to print wider, larger, and taller structures.

3D Printing Materials

Aside from the development of new 3D printers, some companies have invested in the development of materials that can be used in construction. It's safe to say that we expect more innovations involving 3D printing materials for construction in the future. Below are some examples of current innovations.

Sand 3D Printing

Instead of using concrete, one Italian architect Enrico Dini uses layers of sand to build structures. To do this, he created a D-shape 3D printer that features a print head that pours droplets of the binding material on the layer of sand to harden it. The machine can print structures as large as 6 cubic meters.

Metal Structures

In addition to sand, metal can now also be used to 3D-print solid structures. One company, MX3D developed a construction method called Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) which is quite unique. This method utilizes a 6-axis robot that features a welder and a nozzle that welds metal rods layer by layer. This machine can be used to print different types of metal such as stainless steel, bronze, and aluminum.

Improved Design

As I have mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of adopting 3D printing technology is that it allows architects to design complex architectural shapes and enables construction companies to build them. What does this mean for the future? Engineers and architects can now push the boundaries of design. We can expect to see unique and indistinguishable buildings in our future.

3D-Printed Bridges

Using custom 3D printing to build bridges is nothing new. But it is not a daily activity. But there has been quite a bit of advancement in this field. In 2018, MX3D working with The Alan Turing Institute built the first 3D-printed steel bridge in the world. Not only that, it is the largest 3D-printed metal structure to date.

However, that is not what makes this bridge so special. It collects data whenever it is in use such as strain, displacement, and vibration. Combined with data on weather and temperature, the builders can more easily monitor the health and durability of the bridge which can help them determine when it requires inspection and/or maintenance. This multidisciplinary approach is one that we expect to see used more in the construction and maintenance of bridges.

3D Printing in Space

Yes, you read that right. 3D printing in space. NASA was recently looking for technologies that will help them build homes in space, specifically Mars and the moon. Being able to do so will help them more easily explore space.

The challenge was called the 3D Printed Habitat Challenge which was concluded in 2019. It awarded a total of $2,061,023. No doubt, we will be seeing sustainable housing in space in the future.

Louisa Allen

Louisa is a content marketing professional and editor creating her successful career past 2 years at D3D Printing.

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