3D printing in construction encourages the use of natural and locally available materials. This practice could help save energy in transportation, construction, and manufacturing.
One of the most fascinating inventions of recent times is 3D printing. This process involves taking a three-dimensional design made on a computer and materializing it through a specialized machine that inserts layers of different materials, such as plastic or carves it using a laser. It is applicable to multiple disciplines, including construction.
3D printing in construction is an application that has begun to gain more and more strength, so today, we will delve much more into this topic.
How does 3D printing work in construction?
The operation of 3D printing in construction is quite simple since it only involves integrating different technologies to create the models and bring them to life.
Currently, many companies in the sector have software to design work in depth, including plumbing and electrical systems and their components. Systems for printing in three dimensions can be integrated with these programs. In this way, the models can be transferred to the 3D printer to later bring them to reality.
What are the benefits of 3D printing in construction?
3D printing is quite useful for construction. Proof of this is the many benefits it provides, starting with a reduction in labor costs by 80% since the number of existing workers is sufficient to install the printed parts. In addition, the process generates 60% less waste than traditional construction techniques.
As if that were not enough, while conventional construction methods can take many months to complete, when 3D printing is used, your projects take 70% less time, meaning that in just a few hours or days, you have all the materials. Similarly, with this technique, there is more security and flexibility when designing.
3D printing in civil engineering
3D printing can also be applied in civil engineering, as some machines capable of carrying out this process can do so using structured steel, allowing the creation of more resistant reinforcements and beams for works. Likewise, some crane-type printers are capable of creating houses of a fairly decent living area in a few hours and at 40% less cost.
3D printing in civil engineering is not only limited to housing, as some infrastructure components have been developed using this method. Such is the case of a bridge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, which was completely printed and installed in just 6 months. A period substantially less than the one that normally takes a work of this style.
Examples of 3D printing in construction
The best known cases of the use of 3D printers in construction are:
- Creation of low-cost houses in a short time.
- Infrastructure development.
- Printing of spare parts for aqueduct and sewage systems.
- Printing of reinforcement parts for buildings.
