3D printing is transforming the construction industry with a wide range of applications starting at brick printing all the way to spare car parts and even buildings. All around the world construction companies are using 3D technology to enhance their construction projects.
The University of Nantes in Nantes, France has been using 3D printers to build homes for the victims of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. These shelters are made from polyurethane using a robotic arm with a printer head and aren’t made to last forever but they provide quick and easy shelters to get the people out of the situations their in.
IAAC or the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia started a project in 2015 in Amsterdam building a bridge using two 3D printing robots to print the bridge and support themselves as they go. It’s a modifies automotive robot and welder that works with an extruder to create the bridge.
IAAC is also working on a new concept in Barcelona, Spain. Instead of using one large printer, the idea is to use an army of Minibuilders in construction projects. These mini robots are the size of desktop printers, the biggest at just 42cm. The machines are easy to transport allowing the construction company to use it as many times in as many places on as many different projects as they want.
“Housing is one of the most costly expenses of our lives. 3D printing will dramatically reduce the cost of housing, and increase the speed of construction. 3D printing-driven innovation in construction will empower people by creating more disposable income for homeowners, and generally improve the quality of our lives,” said Hermes Moore.
Since Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of South Carolina attempted the first 3D printed wall back in 2004, 3D printing has made amazing strides into the construction industry, now it’s possible to build a house in as little as 24 hours! The future of construction is looking bright.