3D printing is one of the most innovative and advanced technologies of this era. As of 2021, the global value of this technology was estimated to be around $190 million and is presumed to reach $680 million by 2030. Factors that make 3D printing most adaptable by various industry sectors are eco-friendly, with minimum carbon footage, less waste generation, architectural plasticity, and customization potential. As technology continues to flourish, more industries are likely to accept this innovative technology in their business operation, and the annual compound growth rate (CAGR) compared to 2021 to 2028 is presumed to be 91.5%.
3D construction printing (3DCP)
3D construction printing (3DCP) is an automated process of construction of a building entirely or partly by a 3D printer. Nonetheless, instead of ink in conventional printing, building materials are put level upon level with a computer-generated layout. This construction process is contradictory to the subtractive manufacturing procedure, ensuring less material waste. 3D printing is classified into seven categories by ISO/ASTM52900 additive manufacturing principles. The construction industry is reluctant to implement new technology, but 3D printing offers optimal solutions for many challenges faced by the sector.
More sustainable and efficient
3DCP cross-sectional bonds of materials have transformed the design and construction process of buildings, making them more sustainable, efficient, and faster. 3D printed house Canada is capable of erecting high-rise, residential, and commercial projects that deliver the mounting demand for economical and sustainable housing. 3D printed houses in Canada can solve many housing issues efficiently and cost-effectively. 3DCP is a versatile technology that can create specific parts of a project, the most intricate structures in residential buildings, office spaces, bridges, and reinforcement construction. This technology can create bespoke complex geometric patterns, and the intricacy is delivered at no extra cost. The project cost is relatively lower than the conventional one due to less material wastage.
Design Process
3D printing technology was available in the 1980s, but its efficacy was questionable. However, with significant technological improvement that permits the designing of three-dimensional objects by imposing successive layers of materials, it has emerged more relevant in the construction industry. In construction, to make this technology functional, the data comes from the design process. As the industry has already integrated computer-generated manufacturing procedures and Building Information Modeling (BIM), the inclusion of 3D printing is less problematic.
CAD or BIM provides the necessary data to the 3D printer what to print, and the machine starts printing according to the given information. The printing can be facilitated with numerous materials, but the most used are concrete blend, geo polymers, fiber, and sand.
Extrusion technology
As per the specifications of an explicit project, 3D printing construction technology is used, but the most prevalent one is extrusion, as it can be conducted in all weather conditions. This method is deployed for modeling, archetype, and production applications where one or more nozzles are installed in a robotic arm or crane that spurt construction material back and forth. Quick release nozzle system permits seamless alteration of nozzle within a few minutes for printing a range of layer thicknesses ranging from 30-100 millimeters and layer heights (10-30mm). This technology has impacted every aspect of the industry, from enhanced productivity, sustainability, and supply chain changing the construction module.