3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a layer-by-layer process that creates three-dimensional physical models. This technology has many applications, including construction.
There are many benefits to using this new construction technology, from increased creative freedom and faster project completion to cost savings. With a labor shortage, the ability to print structures could be invaluable for contractors.
1. Streamlined Estimating Process
Construction is responsible for 23% of air pollution, 40% of drinking water pollution and 50% of landfill, so it needs to change. 3D printing is no longer just a cool novelty; it can help architects realize complex structures that would be impossible with traditional methods and streamline the estimation process, which saves time and money.
The accuracy of 3D printers allows architects to create a physical representation of the project for clients, significantly enhancing the visualization process. This enables a more precise communication between the architect and client, eliminating room for interpretation that can lead to costly design changes.
In addition, the speed of printing saves time and money on site. There is no need to wait for specialized materials to arrive on the jobsite since the blueprints are sent directly to the machine printing the structure, saving both time and resources. Plus, there is no need to store materials on the site, reducing the risk of damage and injury.
While most people think of 3D printing as creating polymer models, the technology has evolved to include the ability to print metals and ceramics as well. Additionally, new printing techniques such as bonding (similar to how an inkjet printer applies ink) and powder binding are suitable for construction, allowing the creation of concrete or other building materials. One Oakland-based company, Emerging Objects, even produces 3D printed bricks that can be used to build entire buildings.
2. Reduced Risk
3D printing is a rapid prototyping technology that can convert digital blueprints into physical reality within hours. This significantly cuts down the time required to develop and iterate new products, facilitating a more fluid product development trajectory and enabling businesses to stay ahead of their competition in terms of responsiveness and innovation.
This nuanced manufacturing process also reduces waste materials, a critical factor in today’s environmental landscape. Traditional manufacturing methods rely on subtractive processes, which carve large chunks of raw materials away from the final product, but 3D printing follows an additive approach, layering material only where necessary and thus minimizing waste. In addition, 3D printed components can be made from recycled or biodegradable materials for a more sustainable manufacturing cycle.
The use of 3D printing allows for the creation of structures that balance strength with lightness, a desirable attribute in many sectors, especially aerospace and automotive. For example, parts can be created with honeycombs and lattices that retain the integrity of the structure while shedding unnecessary weight. This is an extremely difficult feat to achieve using traditional technologies and a key competitive advantage for 3D printed parts.
Moreover, the flexibility and efficiency of 3D printing also reduces maintenance costs. Because it is possible to print spare parts on demand, the need for extensive warehousing is eliminated. This, in turn, lowers overhead and inventory costs, making on-demand production more economically viable than ever before.
3. Increased Efficiency
Whether used for prototyping, small/medium-scale series production or as an auxiliary technology to help other manufacturing processes like CNC machining, 3D printing offers a pathway to increased efficiency. This is due to the elimination of the need for preliminary expenses such as creating molds or setting up production lines which can be quite costly for small-batch manufacturing and prototypes.
Additionally, the layer-by-layer fabrication process of 3D printing allows for the quick production of parts which are often much quicker than those made through injection molding or CNC machining, especially with complex designs. Additionally, with the ability to print using a variety of materials and scales, 3D printing offers flexibility that traditional manufacturing methods cannot.
While it is true that large-scale 3D printing is still in its early stages, companies are making great strides. We’re seeing everything from houses being printed by organizations such as New Story to schools across the world bringing hands-on learning to life with 3D printers that can produce dinosaur bones and robotics pieces in mere hours.
As more manufacturers look towards sustainable production practices, this innovative technology is a great step forward. Whether for reducing the ecological footprint of products or bringing them closer to consumers, the potential is huge. For example, 3D printers can also be used to print concrete, which could significantly reduce the time it takes for a structure to be built.
4. Lower Costs
With 3D printing, construction companies can cut costs by saving on labor. The process is faster, safer and requires fewer people to supervise. With a labor shortage crisis continuing to hamper the industry, contractors are looking for ways to reduce their staffing costs. While the printer itself is expensive, it can save contractors a significant amount of money on labor costs.
The first step in the 3D printing process is to create a virtual design of the object. This can be done with CAD software, which allows users to create precise drawings and technical illustrations. The resulting model will work as a blueprint for the printer to read. After the virtual design is created, the printer will begin to print out the physical structure from the bottom up. This can be achieved using a variety of methods, such as material extrusion (fused deposition modeling), vat polymerization and stereolithography.
Another way that 3D printing can lower construction costs is by eliminating waste. In traditional construction, a lot of materials are wasted as off-cuts or scraps. However, with 3D printing, only the exact amount of material needed is used for the structure. This reduces waste and makes the process more environmentally friendly.
In the future, 3D printing may be used for large-scale projects such as skyscrapers and bridges. It could also help to make housing more affordable and accessible. Additionally, it could be used to quickly construct temporary shelters during disaster relief efforts.